Jayesh Rane, the rising star of Indian football

Jayesh Rane makes it a point to connect with his fans and clicks a selfie with them after every home game with Mumbai FC. He was voted the fans’ player of the year in the FPAI Indian Football Awards 2015.

“My fans helped in my journey, and the coaches trusted me. Even when I am not scoring goals, they believe in me. When I played in the Kalina League, many youngsters came to see me. They also watch me on television as I am their favourite. I love to play with children in my area whenever I get time. I am very active on social media and love to connect with my fans,” he said.

The Kalina resident served as a utility player for Mumbai FC where he started playing professional football. On his coach Khalid Jamil’s insistence he moved to Aizawl FC last year, along with teammates Ashutosh Mehta and Albino Gomes. He played a crucial role in scripting history for the Mizoram club by helping them win their maiden I-League title.

The creative midfielder primarily plays as a left-winger, seamlessly ready to cut in and attack. He played for Chennaiyin FC in the first three seasons and was Marco Materazzi’s favourite winger. He also was a part of the Indian U-23 squad in 2015 and 2016 but has yet to impress the national head coach Stephen Constantine.

His conspicuous absence from the probable list of the Indian senior team was a surprise to many. Considering the Indian team has had four national camps in the city in a year, and Jayesh has yet to be a part of it.

“The 35 best players are here with the national team. That’s what I believe. I don’t comment on individual players,” the Englishman had responded to the non-inclusion of Rane and Brandon Fernandes in the squad during the India versus Nepal friendly match. Rane isn’t disappointed though and is ready to put in extra work.

“I was in the U-23 Indian team for two years and to play for the senior team is my dream. But I know I must work even harder for that. And, that's what I am doing, so I hope to be there soon. Maybe I don’t fit into the coach’s system, yet. He has a bunch of players who are doing well now,” Rane responded.  

Like many footballers waiting for the All India Football Federation’s final decision on the I-League and Indian Super League in the future, Rane is also at crossroads and weighing his options.

“I am waiting for the League rules post the outcome of whether ISL merges with I-League or both will be played separately. I was on loan from Chennaiyin FC to Aizawl, but now my contract is over. I do have a few offers, and I am also thinking about a possible contract extension with Chennaiyin,” he said.

Aizawl players Mahmoud al Amna, Lalramchullova, Kingsley Eze and Brandon Vanlalremdika, are moving to Team East Bengal. It remains to be seen if Jayesh will follow suit as Jamil is joining East Bengal as coach.

“Jamil Sir told me regarding the move to East Bengal, but I am still considering what will be right for me. Before joining Aizawl, I didn’t have a good season with Chennaiyin. So, when coach told me I would get more playing time in Aizawl, I went for it. Many people used to say that Mumbai players couldn’t play outside, so along with Mehta and Gomes, I took it as a challenge and did very well. It was a good experience. Winning with Aizawl despite a small budget was a great feeling, “he said.

Rane had famously assisted Colombian Steven Mendoza in scoring the winning goal in the final to help Chennaiyin FC win the title in 2015.

Despite a lot of promise, Rane isn’t a household name yet due to a lower number of goals. He scored two for Aizawl in the whole season. “My positions keep changing every year. I played mostly as a winger for Chennaiyin and Mumbai FC and as a central midfielder for Aizawl. I have not played as a full-fledged striker. I am focussing on scoring more goals and improving my agility,” he added.

Rane along with his Aizawl FC and former Mumbai FC teammate Ashutosh Mehta have also started a fundraiser for Mizoram after flash floods hit the state.

Rane’s rise and Materazzi’s praise
Jayesh Rane has come to the fore by playing in the by lanes of Kalina. He wasn’t any academy product, yet he is considered one of the most promising footballers in the country.

“I come from a humble background. My uncle, Rajesh Rane used to play football, and I would practice with his team. At 15, I went to a Mumbai FC camp but was two-three months over age. Jamil took me in the Under-19 team, and in two years I made it to the senior Mumbai FC team in 2012. That’s how my journey started,” he said.

His performances on the field earned him a lot of praise from his ISL franchise Chennaiyin FC manager Marco Materazzi (Former World Cup 2006 winning defender from Italy). He was preferred over the Indian striker Jeje Lalpekhlua by Materazzi at the start of the second season.

“His attitude is very European. He always works hard and wants to improve his game. From the mental perspective, Jayesh is perfect, and that will help him to become a top player and make a great impact for the national team,” Materazzi had said during the second season of ISL.

Materazzi’s style of playing suited Rane, who loves playing free flowing football in the midfield. “Marco needed a winger to support striker Mendoza, perhaps that’s why Jeje didn’t play as he also is a striker. Marco is a good coach, I like his playing style, and he is excellent at his job. I hope I play under him again,” Rane signs off.