Shyam Thapa at Tata Football Academy on Wednesday. (Srinivas)

Jamshedpur, July 1: After scripting wins on field with his bicycle volleys, Shyam Thapa is on a different ball game.

After taking charge as technical adviser of Tata Football Academy today, Thapa promised to bring out mature and competitive cadets from the TFA stable who will be role models for aspiring footballers.

Speaking to The Telegraph after checking in at the academy, Thapa said: “Well, I have just taken charge. I need to come across the whole training system, talk to coaches, know the selection procedure and other aspects. But I have plans up my sleeve on how to make the boys more mature and competitive after they graduate from the academy.”

He added that he would chart out fresh plans with the management and try to make them understand the need to make the boys play more tournaments. “We are very positive about playing in the B League. It will be a stepping stone for us to compete in the senior division of the national soccer circuit,” said Thapa, who was associated with Mohun Bagan-SAIL Football Academy till earlier this year.

About four years ago, TFA had refused to play in the National Football League after qualifying in the senior division. The authorities stepped back as they were not sure if the young cadets would be able to withstand the pressure of competing against stronger outfits in the NFL. Besides, the authorities were also not keen to disturb the training apparatus of the academy as playing in the NFL would have opened gates for outstation professional players.

But now the situation seems to have changed. The TFA is keen to make gradual progress to the senior national circuit. Plans are afoot to apply to All India Football Federation for playing in the national B League.

The former India striker, known for his bicycle volleys, said he would try to convince the coaches and TFA authorities on the need to produce quality players. “TFA is the best training institute in the country. But sadly, there are few role models like Bhaichung Bhutia or Sunil Chettri from TFA,” he added.

Thapa is also keen to help his wards grab headlines in the national soccer circuit. “Young footballers from Goa are grabbing headlines, so why not TFA cadets? I hope to produce at least 20 players who can come in the national limelight,” he said, whose contract is for two years.