Personal information | |||
---|---|---|---|
Date of birth | 23 January 1980 | ||
Place of birth | Goa, India | ||
Height | 1.77 m (5 ft 9 1⁄2 in) | ||
Playing position | Centre back | ||
Club information | |||
Current team
|
Dempo | ||
Number | 28 | ||
Senior career* | |||
Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
1998–1999 | FC Kochin | ||
2000–2003 | Churchill Brothers | ||
2003–2004 | East Bengal | 20 | (0) |
2005–2007 | Mahindra United | 35 | (0) |
2007–2015 | Dempo | 126 | (1) |
National team | |||
1999–2011 | India | 91 | (1) |
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only. |
Mahesh Gawli (born 23 January 1980 in Goa) is a retired Indian footballer who last played as a defender for Dempo in the I-League.
Gawli was born in Goa and began playing football at 8. Gawli’s talent was immediately spotted by the coaches at all age groups. He was a member of the Goa U-12 team that beat Japan U-12 in 1991-92. He then joined the famed Tata Football Academy.
Gawli started his career at FC Kochin where he joined in 1998 after graduating from Tata Football Academy and won the Kerala League with them before moving on to Churchill Brothers.
He stayed there at Churchill for three consecutive seasons from 2000-2002 and won the Goa Professional League thrice with them. He also helped them secure the Runners-up medals in the 2001-2002 season of National Football League (India) before moving on to Kolkata biggies East Bengal.
Gawli first tasted the National League success in 2003-04 season after moving in to the East Bengal. He was also a member of the East Bengal team that won the prestigious 2003 ASEAN Club Championship in where he also scored a goal against Philippine Army F.C.. East Bengal completed a treble that season by winning the Kolkata League crown as well.
After a successful 3 years’ stint with the East Bengal, it was time for Mahesh to find his place in Mahindra United team. It was under Mahindra Coach David Booth that Gawli displayed his finest brand of football. He helped Mahindra win the NFL, Indian Federation Cup, Mumbai Football League and the IFA Shield and was part of the team that participated in the 2007 AFC Cup and went on to reach the last eight stage. Gawli won the best defender award in the 10th NFL for his stellar performances in Mahindra United colors.