Having officiated in more than 200 matches in the MSSA football tournament this season, a record of sorts, there are still no signs of tiredness and Steven looks like he is ready for more. He shyly admits, “I stopped counting after 200 matches”.

Steven is no football mascot but a referee who says, “Football is life to me.” The ground at the MSSA is his oasis as he says, “Over the years, I have been watching all these school kids grow into proper footballers.” He vividly remembers Clayton D’Souza, who now plays for the Mahindra junior team and says, “I’ve seen him right from his under-8 days and even officiated in his top division matches.”

He fondly remembers St Xavier’s Fort’s Darshit Thakkar and Sagar Sorati and says, “It was their last year, but I’m confident to see the kids play for bigger clubs at the Cooperage.” The 52-year-old referee does have an eye for talent as both the boys are with the Mahindra United junior squad.

During one of the under-8 age group matches Fernandes was thrilled to see the children play a passing game and says, “Nowadays children have football sense. There is an increase in the coaching process.” He adds, “Gone are the days when these kids just used to all go for the ball or used to just kick and run. They play football in their mind now.”

Though he might sound disappointed in missing out the fun of playing in the middle he says, “When I officiate under-8 and under-10 matches, I tell them about the rules and also the most controversial part_throw-ins.”