Mumbai City FC have had a splendid season as they bagged the League Shield by topping the league standings in the Indian Super League 2022-23 season. They were fantastic during the league season under the able guidance of Des Buckingham.
The English tactician trusted a lot of young and unproven players and gave them a lot of gametime to prove their worth and it turned out to be a sensational rise for those players who are now household names after winning the Shield. One such name has to be MCFC goalkeeper Phurba Lachenpa.
Lachenpa has waited for his opportunities for a long time and when they came at his door, he welcomed them with open arms and delivered consistently throughout the season. His exceptional performances were recognized by the national team coach Igor Stimac and was soon called up to the camp.
The 25-year-old custodian has worked hard on his shortcomings to reach where he is currently. He is a true definition of a modern-day goalkeeper who is not only a shot-stopper but also can play out from the back. Lachenpa is brilliant in possession and that has helped Buckingham implement more possession-based ideas.
“I think in the last few years, the goalkeeper has to be unique,” he said. You have to play from the feet as well to try to sweep from the back and make saves. We have to train a lot and it not only comes naturally, but the demands we have from the coaching staff, we have to train on the field as well,” Lachenpa stated in an interview with Sportskeeda.
The former Shillong Lajong goalkeeper could not believe he was called up to the national team camp. He simply couldn’t express it in words. “It was a surreal feeling. It was a dream come true for me and for my family because whatever we do, each Indian player’s target is to be in the national setup,” he opened up on his Indian team call-up.
Speaking about their exceptional season where they dominated most teams and remained unbeaten for a major stretch of games, Lachenpa highlighted the team behind the players. He expressed his gratitude towards the support staff, medical team and other professionals working tirelessly in the background to help the team flourish.
“I think the key to success is the team here in Mumbai City FC. Not only the players but the backroom staff, media team, medical staff, and the professionals working in the offices. I think these all contribute to the success we had in the previous years and this year as well,” the youngster added.
Lastly, Lachenpa opened up on Des Buckingham and how the coach has shown his utmost faith in him from the start of the season. He shared how Buckingham is always taking the blame for everything to keep him players motivated. He is a people’s manager and he understands the values required to control so many players with different attitude and behaiviour in a single dressing room.
I’ve had tremendous support from him, not only as a coach but as a human being, how he motivates us, how he handles the pressure himself and does not put pressure on the players,” Lachenpa revealed.
“Whenever I make a mistake, he always covers for me. That gives me more confidence and allows me to take risks because the job we have is a risky job. He takes all the blame and keeps us motivated all the time,” he concluded.
Lachenpa made 64 saves in the ISL 2022-23 season and was the third-highest in that regard. He kept seven clean sheets along with a passing percentage of 73.56. Overall it was a fantastic season for the Islanders and also for Lachenpa who has made an impression ahead of Igor Stimac. He will look to continue the good work for Mumbai City and eventually represent the Indian national team.
