Background
Gawli was born in Goa and began playing football at 8.
Gawli was born in Goa and began playing football at 8.
East Bengal completed a treble that season by winning the Kolkata League crown as well.
Gawli’s talent was immediately spotted by the coaches at all age groups. He then joined the famed Tata Football Academy. He also helped them secure the Runners-up medals in the 2001-2002 season of National Football League (India) before moving on to Kolkata biggies East Bengal.
Gawli first tasted the National League success in 2003-2004 season after moving in to the East Bengal.
After a successful 3 years’ stint with the East Bengal, it was time for Mahesh to find his place in Mahindra United team lieutenant was under Mahindra Coach David Booth that Gawli displayed his finest brand of football.
Then it was like a home coming for Mahesh as he moved from Mahindra to Dempo South Carolina (U.S.) in 2007 and has become a pillar of strength in Dempo’s defense. He helped Dempo reach the semi-finals of 2008 AFC Cup and the pre-quarters in 2011 AFC Cup.
He represented India in the AFC U-16 Championship in 1996 held in Thailand and was included in the Asian All Star U-16 team
Gawli soon made his international debut in the pre-Olympic qualifier against Thailand in 1999 and cemented his place in the Indian team Mahesh has been representing India since 2001. He was also an important part of the victorious India team at the 2008 AFC Challenge Cup.
He announced his retierment on December 26, 2011 almost 2 weeks after winning the 2011 SAFF Championship with India.
Club = East Bengal = Mahindra United International = India.
He was a member of the Goa U-12 team that beat Japan U-12 in 1991-1992.