By Francis Cardozo

Pace and guile are his forte.

13-year-old, Arnold Oliveira, has fashioned many wins for his school team or otherwise.

Arnold's silky skills and dazzling performances have grabbed headlines, and put him on the radar of professional football clubs.

In recognition of his talent and dedication, the promising striker was picked up by the GFDC Football Academy where his skills are being honed in.

Last year, his school--Holy Spirit Institute--won the State Subroto Mukherjee Cup. 

Arnold has a golden run in the ongoing Zonal Subroto Mukherjee Cup. He has already bulged the nylon 10 times, and is the top scorer so far. 

Arnold, who hails from Paroda, counts Ronaldo among his favourite footballers. 

Ronaldo's pace and atheleticism impresses him the most. 

His father and mentor, Antonio Oliveira, spotted his talent when he was in Class One and offered him his unstinted support all along.

Arnold has numerous awards in his kitty. 

However, the Man of the Match Award, he won for scoring a lone goal in a pulsating school match is etched in his mind like a serial number.

With the Under-17 World Cup just around the corner, Arnold's sights are locked on it, and he is closely monitoring every development.

Arnold's dream is to play for the National team. Hope his dream comes full-circle some day.