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He belongs to the new breed of Indian footballers – players who love and dare to dream big. And they love challenges.
For Pune FC midfielder Lester Fernandes, life is more than just about hoodwinking his rival and speeding down the flank and send perfect crosses. Life for him is more about “watching Roger Federer glide on the court or about Zinedine Zidane’s ball control.”
“There’s nothing like watching Roger Federer; so sublime, so classy,” utters Lester.
Lester who grew up watching Carlton Chapman, Noel Wilson among others in Bangalore’s Austin Town shifted to the Tata Football Academy and like any other Indian teenager dreamt about playing abroad.
“Youngsters who graduate into the mainstream invariably warm the bench in a big club for the first two-three seasons or even more. By the time they become a regular member of a club, their motivation isn’t the same anymore. To establish themselves in India, another couple of seasons are lost. By then, it’s too late,” he says in one breath.
Lester who plays as a left-half for Pune FC started off as a Central Midfielder. “I can play in any position,” he informs. “It depends on the Coach’s plans,” Lester, who had earlier had stints with Dempo and Salgaocar, informs. “The sport’s become much tougher and much faster in the last five-six years. The present generation stay a much fitter lot,” he maintains.
This is Lester’s second season with Pune FC. “Our management stresses a lot on Community Development. Our fan base has already crossed 30000,” he goes on. “It’s a privilege to share the pitch with someone as Subrata Paul. He has such a calming influence. He adds to the confidence of the team.”
“Granted a wish, I’d ask for a berth in the National Team. I’m keeping my fingers crossed. I have faith in the Almighty and sincerely believe my prayers would be answered for sure,” he says, even before you had asked him about it. Call it confidence, call it guts, you ought to admire him.
“But there are other challenges on which I need to stay focussed. We need to continue our momentum in the second phase of the I-League. We can’t afford any more slip-ups.”
