Jamshedpur FC’s U15 side delivered a spirited campaign in the JSA League Super Division, showing flashes of maturity and progress before narrowly missing out on a semifinal spot. While the result brought disappointment, coach Shakti Singh believes the experience will prove crucial as the youngsters prepare for upcoming national competitions.
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Reflecting on the season, Shakti highlighted the dual nature of the team’s journey. “We had a few matches where the boys showed great maturity, especially against physically stronger opponents. Those moments proved to us that the group can rise to challenges. At the same time, we also dropped points in games where we should have been more clinical. Missing out on the semifinal spot was disappointing, but it has reminded us how important consistency and focus are over the course of a league,” he said.
The JSA League, contested against older and tougher opposition, gave the U15s an edge in preparation for national competitions. “The JSA League gave the boys real match intensity, and that experience will be very valuable going into national-level competition,” Shakti explained. “We now know which situations we need to simulate more in training, things like dealing with pressure in the final minutes, breaking down compact defences, and improving game management. These will form a big part of our preparation for the Junior League.”
On the squad’s readiness for higher-level challenges, Shakti remains optimistic but realistic. “I feel the group is moving in the right direction. Technically, they are improving every day, and mentally they are learning how to compete against stronger, older players. They are not the finished product yet, but they are showing the hunger and discipline needed to step into higher levels of competition.”
Tactically, the coach has seen important progress while also identifying areas that need refinement. “The boys have started to understand the importance of pressing together and working as a unit without the ball, which was one of our key focus areas,” he said. “Where we still need refinement is in transition, moving from winning the ball to creating chances and finishing quickly. That sharpness will come with more matches and maturity.”
The campaign also revealed key developmental priorities. “Physicality is still an area where we have to catch up. The boys are talented technically, but competing against older players highlighted the need for more strength and endurance,” Shakti noted. “We also want to build their decision-making speed so they can handle the pace of national-level football better. These are the areas we will continue to develop in the coming months.
