#MeetTheTeam: Division Two Men
This year, we are starting a #MeetTheTeam series. Every month we’ll introduce you to a couple of our teams that take the turf every 2021 Winter weekend to battle it out for the win. This month’s team is the… AISC Division Two Men.
Author: Vinay Parbhoo
This newly formed team was predominately assembled by Jaydeep Dahya, For The Club. We are the Division 2, AISC Men’s team.
This team is managed by Anin Nama, who, when he is not keeping the water running in Auckland he is keeping the boys hydrated on the turf - as well as Manager he is also our unofficial de facto water boy/team hydration technician.
When he is not getting the club to fall in love or hosting live parties during lockdowns, we are lucky to be coached by the one and only Raj Patel, aka DJ Rick, formally known as Richard, or as we call him, Ricky ‘livin la vida loca’ Patel (although some have said he more closely resembles Rick Ross without a beard).
With Anin and Rick at the helm, we were in for a treat. Although we have had an unsettling start to the season, the lads are showing their true grit and determination to make this a championship winning team (at best).
To introduce our team:
Centre
Milan Kanji (Captain): As our centre half, other teams first impressions are look at this dreadlock wielding rasta, but they quickly learn not to underestimate him. While leading the team, Mils is also teaching the lads how to build and further their hockey careers.
Vinay Parbhoo: aka Vincent aka Vinny aka the master of Kinetic energy. He knows how to accelerate a body of mass from rest (or recovery from the previous night) to its stated velocity.
Ronit Patel: One half of the Sneaker King Patel Duo and also the youngest member of our team. When he is not too busy acquiring rare and valuable sneakers, he is generally quiet, but quick with his wit, and on his feet.
Param Bhanabhai: new to the club, this punctual young law student is always keen to give it a go, just don’t try and get him to sign any documents (or show up early).
Jaydeep Dahya: also known as the voice of the team. Not because of his sound reasoning, but simply because he is the most vocal of the lads. This GC (good chap) is an amazing player and continues to encourage (and yell) at the lads to keep them going or give them some positive guidance. For The Club.
Ajay Patel: This man sparkles, not only can he lead the boys like they were at a F45 training session, he knows how to wind Jaydeep up, and he never forgets his roots. AJ also helps remind (or teach) the lads their Gujarati, this is vital given they miss Sunday School to make it to Hockey on Sundays.
Forwards
Divyesh Patel: this star aka speedy Gonzales has the pep in his step to outrun the entire team. Or maybe he is just impressing Priya Dahya.
Nekesh Parbhoo: aka Goose, brings a number of years of loyalty to the club with him. Although often reserved, he is a frequent starter for the team.
Viraj Patel: When he’s not flying planes up in the clouds, he’s flying down the turf. You won’t catch him playing without his trusted headband.
Jitesh Patel: currently a student (another law student – watch out wrongdoers). This man has trained with the finest of SAS soldiers and he brings those skills to the field. An absolute Marvel.
Hetal Patel: The Daio Pora of the team, but don’t mistake his kind nature (or taste for Pals/Good Company) for a weakness, this lad knows what he’s about and knows his way around the turf.
Amit Govind: this automotive technician is also new to the club, bringing a keen nature to play and fine tune his skills on the turf.
Rakesh Nathoo: This man is a veteran to the club, Raks is always there when the lads need him.
Himanshu Daya: When he isn’t fainting in the dugout, or marking his own team, this colour-blind striker brings a refreshing energy to the team.
Hetal (H2) Patel: has recently returned from his travels abroad and has brought his Europe League Hockey (and dress sense/style/headbands) to NZ.
Defence
David Horner: Don’t mistake his age, Dave is the absolute gun that is known to stop the fastest bloke on the turf dead in his tracks. Dave has a few years of Hockey experience under his belt, and is always keen to lend a hand or give the lads some sound advice.
Rohan Patel: The other half of the Sneaker King Patel Duo – When he’s not catching flights to Dunedin, this man has a strong hit and is one of our most tenacious defenders.
Minesh Patel: the man who runs around the turf as if he’s bringing in an A380, that is of course when he isn’t getting cramp and being carried off the field. Pro Tip: Add some salt to your diet.
Dilan Gosha: The kid with wheels and fantastic skills, that is when he is standing on the turf, rather than falling flat on it.
Prashant Patel: our goalie. He is the proof that he is not only a star in the factory, but a star on the field. When facing 1 on 1s, this star knows how to shoot out with speed, kind of like a shaken-up bottle of cola with a mentos popped in it.
We have a number of loyal supporters that always show up to our games to support. We thank them for their continued encouragement. Let’s hope the support reflects in an increase of goals we score and reduction in the number of goals scored against us during the second half of the Season. We also thank all of our sponsors, both official and unofficial (AISC, Morris Patel and Family, Fenchurch Liquor and FTC to name a few).
We also sincerely thank Anin and Rick for the time they have and continue to put in to the team.
JSK, God Bless and of course, Mahalo.
Vincent
To see where our Division two men are playing next, check out the draw here.