Goan football’s flame burning bright
BHUBANESWAR: Amongst the plethora of foreign recruits who are making Indian Football a confluence of different cultures, one Hero Indian Super League club has successfully been able to retain its original local flavour.
FC Goa have been one of the top clubs in the League, keeping the torch of Goan football alive. “The feeling that I get every time I walk out onto the pitch at the Fatorda is chilling,” said midfielder Lenny Rodrigues. “It gives me goosebumps, and at the same time we soak in the energy from the fans.”
The passion for football in the tiny state burns so bright that this exuberance from the stands percolates onto the pitch, and into the minds as well as the hearts of the players. “The love and support received from all the fans has been a mode of motivation since day one. With every victory it just got bigger and better,” said local hero Brandon Fernandes, a former AIFF youth development cadet.
However, it’s not just the support of the fans that has kept Goan football alive. In fact, the Gaurs have consistently been one of the top sides in the Hero ISL; two second-placed finishes, and four top-four spots in the last five ISL seasons being testament to that fact. The local boys have also benefited a lot from the Spanish flavour which Lobera, along with the foreigners have brought into the club.
Brandon, who turned into one of the most feared Indian wingers in the league believes Lobera has been able to fine-tune his skills to suit the needs of the team. “Coach’s guidance has helped me sharpen my skills, and style of play which in return has helped me grow as a player,” he said.
The style of football played by Lobera has also helped Lenny improve his game. “His system has really helped me. It demands a lot of skill as well as stamina to play the role I am asked to,” said Rodrigues. “It is a huge challenge. But I can safely say this season has been one of the best for me.”
Ultimately, this system has only helped Goan football, as it allows the local players to be a part of a more attacking setup. “We have been playing a brand of football which people have identified us with, both in awe and envy,” Lenny smiles. “A big part of that has been the Goans in the squad. Seriton, Mandar, Brandon, and myself have been able to win the trust of Sergio Lobera. And the results are there for all to see.”
At the end of the day, as Brandon puts it, ‘Indian football becomes the real winner’, “The progress of Goan clubs and players have always created a big impact on Indian Football. And with the present looks of it, a bright future for Indian Football seems evident,” Brandon expressed.
– Courtesy AIFF media
Also Read: Hero Super Cup: Goalkeeper Mauro Boerchio steals the show as Chennai City prevails in battle of champions fixture
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football.
Maharashtra Squad for Swami Vivekananda U20 National Football Championship announced
Maharashtra Squad for Swami Vivekananda U20 National Football Championship announced Maharashtra State U-20 Men’s Football Team which will participate in the Swami Vivekananda U-20 Men’s National Football Championship to be…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MH Oranje FC finish runner-up in Mumbai Premier League
Aimar Adam’s second-half brace secures MH Oranje FC a 2-0 win over MIllat as they finish Runner-Up of Mumbai Premier League 2023-24 season. In a closely contested match in the…
Subrata Pal: The playing standard of the Reliance Foundation Development League has improved with every passing year
Anticipation mounts as Reliance Foundation Development League 2023-24 semi-finalists set the stage for the National Championship – Mumbai, May 6, 2024: The Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL) 2023-24 gears up for…
Mumbai City FC crowned ISL Cup Winners after remarkable 3-1 comeback win against Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Mumbai City FC crowned ISL Cup Winners Kolkata, May 4: Mumbai City FC beat Mohun Bagan Super Giant 3-1 at the Salt Lake Stadium to emerge as the Indian Super…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MH Oranje FC Seals Penultimate Game with Thrilling 2-1 Win Over Reliance FYC
Yogesh Kadam’s First-Half Brace Propels MH Oranje FC Toward a Strong Season Finish. MH Oranje FC clinched a significant 2-1 win over Reliance FYC in the penultimate game of the…
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…
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…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
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.
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
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…