Shweta Thadeshwar's outstanding goalkeeping skills helped Jamnabai Narsee, Juhu reach the quarter-finals of Mumbai Schools Sports Association's Girls under-16 inter-school football tournament yesterday.

She saved four penalties in all, including two in sudden death, to oust last season's runners-up Canossa Convent, Andheri. Juhu side won the match 4-3 after both sides failed to break the deadlock in full time.

Interestingly, her coach spotted goalkeeping talent in Shweta when she was playing casually with her male counterparts.



"I was playing with bigger guys when my coach saw me doing well. Next thing he told me was that I would be the 'keeper of the team," said an elated Shweta.

However, the 13-year-old custodian did not fail to acknowledge the support of her team members.

"They (teammates) have motivated me a lot. I never knew I will be taking the penalty kicks, but my team showed great confidence in me," she said.

Shweta, who has represented her school in the national handball tournaments, claimsu00a0 sport forms an integral part of her life. "I am addicted to sports," she concluded.