EXCLUSIVE: ‘It’s a good pressure’ – Rehenesh TP on battle with Phurba Lachenpa at Mumbai City FC

New Delhi: Walking into a team that has some of the best players in the country could be a challenge sometimes. But for Rehenesh TP, it’s a ‘good pressure’. The 31-year-old from Kerala, who last played for Jamshedpur FC, signed for defending champions Mumbai City FC last month ahead of the upcoming season of Indian Super League, which starts on September 13. Mumbai City FC begin their ISL 2024-25 campaign against Mohun Bagan Super Giant on Friday in Kolkata.

One of the most skillful goalkeepers in Indian football currently, Rehenesh comes into a side that already has Phurba Lachenpa – the winner of the ISL Golden Glove last season. “It’s always a healthy competition,” Rehenesh told India.com in an exclusive interaction. One of the young and finest goalkeepers in the circuit, Lachenpa played a crucial role in Mumbai City FC’s title-winning campaign last season with his exceptional shot-stopping abilities making the Islanders’ defensive line solid. Rehenesh knows it’s going to be a tough battle for him for a place in the first XI.

“It’s good for me as well as Phurba because when there is someone which is there to help you, to fight along with for the spot and always keep you on toes and in good shape and perform well. It’s a good pressure, to be honest. Phurba is a great goalkeeper as he won the golden glove last year,” he added.

Why Mumbai City FC?

Having started his career with in 2012 with ONGC, Rehenesh has come a long way in the last 12 years playing in I-League before coming into ISL. From playing for East Bengal to Kerala Blasters, the shot-stopper has some of the best clubs to show for in his resume.

Asked about his move to Mumbai City FC, Rehenesh stated it was time for him for new challenges. “To be honest, all in my career, I played in mid-table clubs. We all know, Mumbai City FC have always been a contender for the championship and had a proper plan and structure. That’s what attracted me the most. I think it’s time for me in my career to step up and accept the new challenge. As a team, we are preparing well for the season to start and let’s see how it goes,” he said.

Being a senior player, Rehenesh will also be responsible to guide the youngsters in the team – especially in the mental side of things. “There are many young talents at Mumbai City FC. Sometimes they might need guidance in terms of handling pressure which they didn’t have before.

“In that case, I can help them as to how to handle bad times because football is always fun from outside but inside it’s up and down. That’s where I can help them. Technical wise, the youngsters are always better than us but on the mental side, I can be helpful to them,” added Rehenesh.

‘I don’t think about it anymore’

Despite being one of the most consistent goalkeepers in the circuit for over a decade, Rehenesh never got to don the Indian jersey. He was called for the national camp twice in his career in 2017 (under Stephen Constantine) and 2022 (Igor Stimac).
The former East Bengal star doesn’t think about Indian selection anymore. Instead he focuses on his job at hand.

“As a player, what I can do is perform and help my team. It’s the coach and selector’s job to select the team. To be honest I don’t think about it (Indian team selection) anymore. I have always wanted to play for the country and still want to, but nowadays it doesn’t bother me much. If I get an opportunity, I will definitely go with all my heart but if I don’t, I will do what I do,” Rehenesh signed off.

Throughout his illustrious career, he has made 204 appearances across domestic competitions in India and kept 59 clean sheets in the process. Having played with some of the top teams in India, Rehenesh went on to win the ISL League Winners’ Shield with Jamshedpur FC in the 2021-22 season. The Kerala native was a vital cog for the Men of Steel, keeping six clean sheets in 20 appearances that season.