Mohammed Kaif touched a milestone set by former Indian captain and renowned midfielder, Magan Singh. After 40 years of Magan Singh's India representation and captaincy Kaif, the 15-year-old central defender became the first footballer from Rajasthan to have played a key role in the recently concluded Under-16 SAFF champion Indian team in Bhutan. He also captained the national team in the first match against Bangladesh, helping the country to start their campaign with a 2-0 victory. 

Kaif hails from Makrana, the city called the 'city of marble' and the footballer who returned from Bhutan on Sunday night is awaiting a grand welcome after reaching his village today evening. The footballer speaking over the phone from Udaipur revealed, "Nearly 25 thousand people from the surroundings of our village are gathering. I heard they are planning to organize a road show across our village." 

Kaif is aware of his achievement that after 40 years of Magan Singh's representing India, he has been the first footballer from the state. Now, he has a desire to meet the Rajasthan legend. He wants to bow down and take his blessings. He remembered a couple of years ago Magan Singh went to their Udaipur-based Hindustan Zinc Academy. Kaif stated, "In his advice to all our boys Magan sir said only hard work can bring success. I still remember his words.”

Magan Singh who is 75 years old now, sounded elated and proud also for Kaif. He commented, “It is great news for the youngsters in the state. His success will ultimately promote the game in Rajasthan. But my message is that he should devote himself to the hard work which will guide him to earn the jersey of the senior Indian team." 

Kaif was scouted by Zinc Football Academy six years ago thanked by Tarun Roy, the academy's chief coach, and under-16 national coach Isfaq Ahmed. Kaif explained, "Tarun sir's observation of the footballers at the academy is excellent and Isfaq sir's motivational words are unique. He never criticizes the footballers. Rather his style is different. Whenever any of us make mistakes in a match, he shows us to observe the video clippings of that particular match and asks us to think how mistakes could be repaired.” 

Kaif whose desire is to meet his idol Anwar Ali once, has acquired another feat silently and he seems more proud of that achievement. "Several young boys in our village have started playing football at our local Makrana City club after my rise. I feel proud after hearing about the craze of football in our village," concluded Kaif.