Jamshedpur, October 10: Though faced with a heartbreaking loss in the semifinal, Jamshedpur FC Reserves Head Coach Kaizad Ambapardiwalla and the players are ready to move forward, and is preparing to better last year’s runners-up position in the AIFF Elite League. His U18 boys, who impressed in the JSA Premier Division against senior teams, have shown maturity and discipline beyond their years, the traits that Kaizad believes will serve them well as preparations for the national campaign begin.
Reflecting on the 4-3 defeat to Tata Steel, Kaizad admitted it was a tough result to digest after his side led for most of the game. “It was a tough result to take because we controlled the match for over 75 minutes and played some very good football. The boys executed the plan well, but we switched off in the last 10 minutes, and at this level, you get punished for that. Still, I’m proud of how the team played and the intensity we showed throughout the game,” he said.
The coach highlighted how inexperience in managing crucial moments proved costly. “We lost our defensive structure under pressure and allowed too many second balls in dangerous areas. Tata Steel kept pushing, and their physicality and experience showed. These are young players, and managing the final stages of a game is something we’ll keep working on. It’s all part of their learning process,” Kaizad explained.
Despite the disappointment, Kaizad remains encouraged by his team’s growth and adaptability. “I’m very happy with how they’re progressing. Competing against senior teams in the Premier Division has been invaluable. It toughens them up and teaches them how to handle different styles of play. Many of them have matured tactically and mentally over the past year, which is exactly what we aim for in the reserves setup,” he shared.
The coach has also been mindful of the mental aspect, ensuring the young squad keeps their focus and confidence intact after the setback. “The first thing is to remind them that setbacks are part of football. We focus on the positives, the way we attacked, how we built play, and how we competed against older, stronger opponents. The message is simple. Learn and move forward. Their attitude so far has been excellent,” he said.
As the team turns its attention to the AIFF Elite League, Kaizad has outlined a clear path forward. “Our focus will be on consistency and converting our dominance into results. We want to improve our game management, especially in closing out matches. The boys are hungry to perform at the national level again, and I believe this experience in the JSA League will make us more resilient when the Elite League begins,” he affirmed.
With a young core eager to grow and a coach focused on progress, Jamshedpur FC’s U18 side now look set to channel their lessons from the JSA Premier Division into a stronger, more mature campaign in the national competition ahead.
