Pune
FC striker Prakash Thorat earned a unique distinction when he started in the
AFC Cup encounter against Nay Pyi Taw FC at the Paung Laung Stadium, Myanmar.
In
doing so, the city born lad became the first Pune player to play in the
continental championship.
The
opportunity on Tuesday, 8th April 2014 was Prakash’s second start for Pune FC,
after making his debut in the 2013 Durand Cup in New Delhi.
Prakash
said; “The feeling was terrific. I never expected it, but heart of heart I knew
that my hard work will be rewarded… it was just a matter of time. Figuring in
an AFC Cup… To be honest, I did not expect.”
Prakash,
has so far, logged a total of five appearances in all competitions for Pune FC
this season.
“I
was the fourth striker recruited in the squad and all the while I wondered when
my chance would come. However, I stuck to my job of practicing hard. Never
missed practice and when on the pitch always put in my best.”
“During
the pre-match practice, Coach Mike Snoei mentioned to me that I have been
working hard over the past four to five months, including times when the team
was away, before telling me the big news that I was playing.”
For
the record, Prakash, who is Pune FC’s third city-born player to figure in the
senior squad, went on to log full 90-minutes and almost got on the score-sheet
late in the game, but was denied by the opponent goalkeeper who saved his
header from point-blank range.
“Honestly,
I felt a lot of pressure when I was told that I will start. I had not played
for a long time and thoughts ran amok in my mind. But then Coach (Mike Snoei)
assured me; don’t worry. Just go out and play and I’ll direct.”
“The
standard was higher than expected overall. It took a while to settle but then I
enjoyed the game.”
“Once
on the field I was confident and felt I could score as well, but then I told
myself to be content with what was on hand and went about my job focusing
overall.”
Having
played out a historic personal first for both himself as well as Pune FC and
the city, Prakash is composed. “I am feeling nice to be part of the team now. I
would want like to do more for the team, but I know I have to be patient,” he
explains.
