John Abraham pays tribute to former Maharashtra and India junior striker John Alphonso, who went on to coach schools, colleges and clubs for many decades
Actor John Abraham with his coach John Alphonso at a tourney in Borivli a few years ago
Bollywood actor John Abraham was distraught on learning about the passing away of former Jr India striker John Alphonso on Saturday. Alphonso, 71, who succumbed to COVID-19, was Abraham’s coach at college.
“I still can’t believe that Alphonso sir is gone. It hasn’t hit me yet. His smiling face will stay with me forever,” John Abraham, 48, who trained under John Alphonso in the 90s at the St Francis D’Assisi school ground, Borivli, told mid-day on Sunday.
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Abraham, a centre-forward, led his school (Bombay Scottish, Mahim), college (Jai Hind, Churchgate) and management institute (Mumbai Education Trust, Bandra) football teams, and is grateful to coach Alphonso for his encouragement.
Local train travel
“During my college days, I would travel daily from my home in Andheri to Borivli in crowded local trains at peak rush hour in the evenings, sitting near the door with my legs hanging out.
Alphonso sir was very strict on the field but equally sweet off it. He had a lot of faith in me as a footballer and believed I would represent India one day.
Unfortunately, there was no money in football then, so I chose education,” added Abraham, who recalled meeting his coach a few years ago.
“I was invited as a guest for a tournament in Borivli and met Alphonso sir there. Later, we spoke a few times over the phone. He was most happy when I became the owner of Indian Super League side NorthEast United FC [NEUFC]. He said, ‘son, you know the nuances of the game so I’m proud that you have taken this team because you deserve success in football’,” said Abraham. Alphonso was a stickler for rules and always insisted on a good warm-up, revealed the actor.
Importance of warm-up
“I would run 12 rounds of the D’Assisi ground as part of my warm-up. He taught me everything I know in football, right from the basics to advanced techniques and formations. I’m not just an actor, who wears dark glasses and sits in the stands to watch matches. I understand the game and that’s why today when I speak to my NEUFC coaches, they are impressed with my knowledge of football. It’s all thanks to Alphonso sir. I may not have been his best student and he may have had many John Abrahams in his life but there was only one John Alphonso in mine,” concluded Abraham.
Alphonso began his football career in the city with Goans’ Sports Association (GSA) before moving to Indian Cultural League and then to top outfits like Orkay Mills, Mahindra & Mahindra, Mafatlal Sports Club and Tata Sports Club. He represented Maharashtra in the prestigious Santosh Trophy in 1974, 1975 and 1979 and donned Junior India colours in 1974, against West Germany and Russia. He took up coaching thereafter and was involved with several school, college and club teams.
Alphonso is survived by his wife Leonita, son Zico and daughter Joyner.
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