By Paritosh Pramanik
AMOL Dhake believes in thorough research before investing in any new business. He does not mind spending a few more pennies before finalising any deal. In the first Nagpur Premier League (NPL), organised by Lokmat Group, Dhake did the same while choosing every player for his team Satvik Bulls. The investment bore sweet fruits when the Bulls charged to the title defeating Baidyanath Heroes 4-1 in a thrilling final on a special Sunday night.
That fact that Satvik Bulls remained unbeaten in the entire tournament (only one draw in league phase) proves that Dhake’s research had paid off.
“We did a lot of research work before the auction. I have one of the best coaches in Atmaram Pande who guided me in selecting this bunch of ‘heroes,” said Dhake while talking to ‘The Hitavada’ a day after his team became the proud winner of Rs 1.5 lakh purse.
The strategy to pick players was simple for Dhake. He went after talent and not after ‘buying’ costly players.
“We played it safe and decided to fetch lowly but talented players. Here coach Pande helped us a lot. With years of experience under his belt Pande knows the nerves of local football and players. Our first choice was former India player Abdul Khalique. We approached him and after that it got more easier for us to pick players. Khalique too helped us in selecting the ‘cream’ of players,” revealed Dhake.
With talented players in his side, Dhake was sure that his team would reach the semis. “Pande was confident of the team reaching the semis. He trained players very well and was very sure. After winning the semis, the players’ confidence was high and they played with more firepower...and the result is there to be seen,” he added.
An avid cricket fan, Dhake, who also has a cricket team at Tumsar, has now switched his loyalty to football. “Frankly speaking, like any other Indian, I loved cricket. But this tournament has forced me to switch my loyalty. Before the start I didn’t even know the rules but in one month I am aware of almost all the rules of soccer,” he confessed.
Even though the NPL is over Dhake wants his team to remain together and has also offered jobs to those unemployed.
“This is my family. It’s not that I am saying this after winning the title. Right from the beginning I had cordial relations with my players. I wanted them to feel it like a joint family. I used to go to the practice sessions whenever I was in India. I asked them to remain as a cohesive unit even off the field. In the beginning itself I have offered jobs to those unemployed in any of my business firms,” said Dhake.
The success story of Dhake lies in team work and co-ordination.
“I got a beautiful and excellent team of supporters, my friends who were behind the scenes. My well-wishers, like Pranav Singhal, Subhash Chaudhary and few others played a big role in this title win,” said Dhake.
The Satvik Bulls owner termed NPL as a big platform for local footballers. “It would give them a good opportunity and the level of the game would rise in future. But I think there should be less foreign players and we should give more importance to our local talents. Then only our players would be able to play at higher level,” Dhake pointed out.
On the organisational part Dhake said that only Lokmat group could have done that.
“We all know that Lokmat was planning to hold a T20 cricket tournament. But that somehow did not materialise. But Mr (Vijay) Darda did a fantastic job. It would not have been possible without his support.” Dhake mentioned.
“I was aware that if I get associated with them my brand name would automatically get popular. So I never thought of refusing the ‘deal’. I okayed it at one go when the proposal came a few months back,” said Dhake.
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