More of Mr. 87:19

Sahil Tavora, ready for the Hyderabad noise…

It is not often that you get a chance to be a hero in your home town, all the while bringing smiles to an entire cult from a different place. When the ball dropped to him at the edge of the box on that memorable night at Fatorda, Sahil Tavora made sure he grabbed the opportunity with both hands.

Well, it was his right foot that did the job and it is no surprise that the 26-year-old still has a smile on his face when talking about that night

“It’s really hard to put into words that final, to be honest, but it definitely is one of the best moments of my life and the best moment of my career for sure. I am not going to lie, it was extra nice to get a goal like that, that too in a final!”
– Sahil Tavora

Having joined Hyderabad FC back in 2019, Tavora is one of the few players at the club who have been through the entire journey. He was there when we finished bottom of the pile, was there when we narrowly missed out on the play-offs and was in the front row when we lifted the trophy.

And he will be there to see more as the 26-year-old signed a contract extension with HFC till 2024. Tavora is excited to extend his stay at Hyderabad FC and vows to work harder and achieve bigger things in Yellow and Black.

Speaking about penning the new deal Tavora said, “I am very excited to have extended my stay here. With this incredible group that we have of both players and staff I think we can continue to achieve a lot more in the seasons to come,”

Impressing the boss more and more with every game, Tavora has his own role in the squad, a role he performed to perfection in the recent ISL campaign. But there is still a lot to improve and lot to work on, believes the midfielder, who is determined to defend the trophy.

“I think individually I want to kick on from the last two good seasons. I know there’s a lot of work ahead, but I really believe that I’m at the right club- working under the right coach to take my game to the next level. As a team I think it’s important we remain humble, work very hard to have another great season and hopefully defend our trophy!”
– Sahil Tavora

A robust and hard-working option for Manolo Marquez on the field, Tavora is also a real character off it. Always smiling, always making the most of every minute, the Goan midfielder enjoys his life as a professional footballer like not many do.

The daily routine of a footballer is just a normal day for him and shining on big occasions? Well, that’s just his thing.

But what keeps him going?

Tavora tells us that it is the group of players at the club that makes his life easier.

“I will say it again. We have an incredible team spirit and that makes it more enjoyable to work hard, day in and day out with this group. We are a family and fight as one and I think that shows on the pitch as well.”
– Sahil Tavora

A fan favourite with his own chant that often echoes in the stands of Gachibowli, Tavora is one of the few players currently at the club that have a taste of the atmosphere our fans can produce.

He has been an integral part of the growth of this club and he cannot wait to feel the support of the thousands that will storm the Gachibowli Stadium to cheer on the Champions.

“We’ve missed the fans a lot in the last couple of years and honestly, I can’t wait to play at a packed Gachibowli Stadium! I’ve been fortunate to have played there in the 2019-20 season, but this time we’ll be playing there as Champions,” said the 26-year-old after penning his new deal.

Tavora also had a message for the fans who are waiting for the action to begin.

“I just want to thank them for the incredible support we’ve received on social media the past couple of years. I urge them to make Gachibowli a fortress in the coming season. We promise to do our best to make them proud, replicate that on the pitch and always give a 110% for the club and for the fans.”
– Sahil Tavora

And it is no surprise that the excitement of the new season has already hit everyone in Yellow and Black!

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