FC Pune City gear up to bid adieu to the league-phase of Hero Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18 by travelling to the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Delhi on Friday to take on Delhi Dynamos FC. The Stallions presently occupy the second position in the table, where a win would confirm them the same spot as they enter the semi-finals. This is Pune’s first tryst with the semi-finals in Hero ISL history and a number of players have put up great displays to see the team through. One of the emerging players of the season has been their young defender Sahil Panwar, who is playing his debut Hero ISL season. Here are the excerpts from the exclusive interview that he gave to  indiansuperleague.com on the eve of the match.

How has your experience been in the Hero ISL this season?

My experience has been great until now. But in our last match against FC Goa, we lost 4-0 and it’s very difficult, though we are in the semi-final and in the second position in the table. Personally, my experience is very good and everyone is supporting me - the coach, the staff and the players, may it be senior or junior, and especially, Marcelinho, (Emiliano) Alfaro and Rafael (Lopez). They are experienced guys and the best players in the league, and they are supporting me very well.

Tell us how your footballing journey started?

It started in 2011. I used to play in my school and hostel team. My sister is also a football player, as well as, my father. When I was small, my father used to play football and my sister and I used to go and watch those matches. Then, my sister started playing and slowly she became a national player. After that, I started playing but I never thought I will reach here. It was very difficult for me and my family as well. My parents always used to ask me about my future plans as I was staying away for 3-4 years. Then I said that football is only my future. First, I joined the Pune FC Academy, then I became the captain of the U-17 team in 2014 and in the last year, I became the U-19 Indian national team captain. This is my first year in ISL and I am feeling very, very happy.

Which player has influenced you the most this season?

In the Hero ISL, the best defender for me is Rafael (Lopez). I am learning a lot from him. He’s a very good defender and an experienced guy. I am learning a lot from him, his interceptions, his passing, his everything.

How excited is Pune regarding the semi-finals?

For me, it’s a great opportunity to be here. In the last three seasons, Pune didn’t make it till here but this year, the players are very excited and they give their 100% in every match. Now, we are looking forward to our next match against Delhi. If we play well, as we are playing till now, then we will win this match.

Do you think the team can still get better?

Yes, for sure. In the last to last match against Bengaluru FC we got a draw and in the last match against Goa, they played very well and scored the goals. We made some mistakes in the last match. We missed the balls and made simple passing mistakes. But there is no problem as this is football and anything can happen.

What are Pune’s plans against a resurgent Delhi side?

In their last game against Mumbai City FC, they scored five goals and Kalu Uche is playing very well now and scoring so many goals. We are giving our 100% in every game and even in the next game, we will do the same. It’s not that we will score three or four goals. We will respect our opponent and win by giving our 100%.