Derrick Pereira confident about Gaur’s chances in Super Cup

FC Goa will kick off their Hero Super Cup campaign with a tough first round fixture against two-time Hero Indian Super League champions ATK.

The Kolkata side finished second from last on the ISL table this season and were forced to play a qualifier against Chennai City FC, beating the South Indian side comfortably (4-1) to set up a clash against FC Goa. After a disappointing loss to Chennaiyin FC in the semi-finals of the ISL, the Gaurs are looking to fire back in the Super Cup in a bid to obtain their first piece of silverware. The Gaurs will be coached by Goan legend Derrick Pereira for the Super Cup, who will make history by being the first Indian coach to lead an ISL side.

The Gaurs have registered six foreign players for the competition, leaving out Moroccan midfield dynamo Ahmed Jahouh and Dutch youngster Mark Sifneos. ISL top scorer Ferran Corominas will be available for the Gaurs. Pereira was confident about his team’s chances in the competition, explaining that the team is looking to make amends in the Super Cup.

“We were unlucky in the ISL semi-finals. We put in a lot of effort in the last three league games to reach the semi-finals and that ultimately took a toll on us. We have enough quality in the side to win this tournament. Football however, is an unpredictable sport and as such, we have to take our chances if we want to win this tournament,” he said.

Edu Bedia has been an important member of the side and has played a number of games in the heart of midfield, scoring one goal in the ISL. Talking about his partnership with Jahouh, he said, “Jahouh was an important player for the side and he will be missed. However, I am a professional and whatever shape the coach asks me to play in, I will do so. I have played alongside Pronay during the ISL apart from Jahouh. So it doesn’t matter who I have to play with. What matters is that I do well. We are all looking forward to having a good tournament and winning the trophy.”

Winger Mandar Rao Dessai featured in every game for the Gaurs in the ISL. The Goan who usually operates on the left flank was given the freedom to switch flanks often during the tournament and used this strategy to good effect. “Throughout my career I have operated only on the left flank. But this year, the coach asked me to move to the right as well. This gave me the opportunity to cut in and take shots. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter which side I play. I always give my best in every match and it is my duty to try to help my team win,” he quipped.

Also Read: Going for tried and tested is reaping rewards for finalists

Also Read: Hero Super Cup: Gokulam continue Giant Killing as they beat much fancied NEUFC

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more updated on Indian Football

SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players

SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…

Share

India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here

India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…

Share

Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind

Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.

Share

Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign

Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…

Share

BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls

The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…

Share

Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team

Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…

Share

The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back

The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…

Share

BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb

Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE).  Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…

Share

India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career

After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…

Share

Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League

Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…

Share