Goa-based Josborn Fernandes and Sanal Raj of Kerala became the first-ever youngsters to win scholarships at the Peninsula Pune FC Academy (PPFCA) offered as part of the partnership with the Bajaj Allianz Junior Football Camp Season 5.


Josborn finished first runner-up in the West Zone Finale among 48 finalists from three cities - Goa, Mumbai and Pune was joined by Sanal who finished second in the South Zone. Both youngsters will undergo a two-month long residential scholarship at the PPFCA.


Meanwhile, Joval Fernandes was adjudged as the best player in the West Zone heads out to Germany with four others from other zones for a training stint at FC Bayern Munich.


The Pune-leg of the BAJFC Season-5 was held at the Pune FC Training Pitches in Mamurdi during the weekend and included a city trial, city final and zonal final. For the selection purposes, Pune FC extended their expertise and provided all the technical assistance for the three-day event.


The initial selections were made by a panel consisting PPFCA Coaches Biswanath Kundu (Under-17), Mohan Dass (Under-15) and Rakesh Walhekar (Under-13). On the final day, PPFCA Director Ranjan Chowdhury, Arata Izumi and Brahmanand Sankhwalkar (Arjuna Awardee and Former India Goalkeeper) joined the team to choose the winners.


To commemorate the association, PPFCA Director Ranjan Chowdhury along with senior players Anas Edathodika and Arata Izumi exchanged jerseys with Dinesh Singh, Regional Head – Maharashtra, Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance, Ranjan Goyal, Divisional Manager, Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance and Nicholas Pillay, National Activation Manager, Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance.


At the final day function, PPFCA Director, Chowdhury said, “As part of our commitment, the two players shall train under our guidance and among our academy players. The experience will hand them a new dimension in their approach to the game.”


Anas said, “I wish all the kids all the best. Keep trying and working hard to achieve dreams.”


Pune FC midfielder Arata was happy for the winners and added, “You guys are fortunate to have such an opportunity to showcase your talent. I wish I was in your place, but congratulations to all the winners.”


Bajaj Allianz’ Nicholas Pillay added, “The partnership worked well. We thank Pune FC to have added value to BAJFC. We have some plans and yes would like every possible help in making the event as professional as it can get.”


Thereafter, Anas and Arata personally signed a poster for each of the 48 West Zone players to commemorate the tie up.


Sanal Raj

Age: 16 Years

City: Chirakkal, Kannoor

School: Valapattanam Govt. Higher Secondary School

Standard: 11th

Position: Left Midfielder

Favourite Team: Brazil National Team

Favourite Players: Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar Jr.

Hobbies: Likes dancing, singing and enjoys classical music


Josborn Fernandes

Age: 15 Years

City: Raia, Salsette, Goa

School: Our Lady of Snow Higher Secondary School

Standard: 11th

Position: Central Midfielder

Favourite Team: Chelsea FC

Favourite Player: Cristiano Ronaldo

Hobbies: Science