Leander D’Cunha – “My aim is to become a better player than what I was earlier”

In addition to being one of the most exciting sides to watch in the Indian Super League, FC Goa are known to cultivate a great youth football culture in Goa. They have teams right from the U-14 age level to the developmental squad creating a pipeline for raising young talented footballers through the ranks.

Many players from the FC Goa developmental squad have honed their crafts at the youth level and worked their way right up to the senior squad – Mohammad Nawaz, Saviour Gama, Princeton Rebello, Liston Colaco, Kingslee Fernandes and Shubham Dhas being some prime examples.

Leander D’Cunha became one of the latest name to make the First Team after impressing for the developmental side over the past three years. He signed a new contract earlier this year and has committed to the Gaurs until 2023.

Hailing from Cuncolim in Goa, Leander started playing for his school team and got selected for SESA Football Academy after going for a trial with them at the age of 15 years. After two years with SESA, he joined Churchill Brothers and his performances earned him a spot in the Goa’s Santosh Trophy squad. In the final against Bengal, Mr. Derrick Pereira scouted him and he got an offer to join FC Goa’s developmental squad. Leander credits his family for always supporting him through the journey in football and counts them as a huge source of motivation.

The young right-back became a crucial member of the FC Goa developmental side over the past couple of years. He was instrumental in their run to the Goa Professional League title in 2018-19 and even captained the side to a Police Cup triumph at the start of the 2019-20 season.

On being asked about the reason for the success with the developmental side, Leander appreciated the continued belief shown by the coaches and focus on player development rather than results.

“While people see only that season, the foundation for that success was laid a season back. We established a style of football and stuck to it. We were not used to playing possession-based football with real stress on playing a passing brand and building from the back. The coaches, be it Clifford Miranda or Derrick Pereira – were very patient with us. And gave us ample time to get used to the methods. They had immense faith on not only the philosophy, but also on the players. And that finally paid off.”

Leander’s hard work with the FC Goa developmental squad finally brought in the dividends when he was offered the senior team contract this year.

“Ever since I joined the Developmental Team I always wanted to be a part of the senior set-up. And every year, there were players being promoted, which made us believe even more.”

“I remember the meeting when Ravi (Puskur – Director of Football, FC Goa) told me I was getting promoted and will be a part of the senior squad this season. I really can’t put into words what I felt. I was excited and yet emotional. It was a dream come true.”

Leander D’Cunha, Right Back (FC Goa)

With his promotion to the FC Goa squad for the ISL Season 7, Leander has a great opportunity to make an impact and make the new coach Juan Ferrando take notice of his talents. Leander has a clear goal when it comes to the upcoming ISL season.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Football Counter (@footballcounter)

“My aim is to give my best and become a better player than what I was last season. There is a lot to learn and I come with the mindset of taking in everything I am taught. I want to push myself to the fullest and give the coach a headache when it comes to team selection.”

FC Goa begin their campaign in this year’s ISL against familiar foes Bengaluru FC on 22nd November at the Fatorda Stadium.

For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football

Also Read: Ranking FC Goa’s top five biggest wins by goal margin

Also Read: ‘Scoring mentality’ will help Danu in succeeding in the Hero ISL

Follow us on FacebookTwitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football

Maharashtra Oranje FC’s Academy Division, SFL Oranje Academy, announces Trials for 2025-26 season across multiple age groups

Mumbai, Maharashtra – Maharashtra Oranje FC, a prominent name in Mumbai’s football circuit, is set to hold extensive trials for the upcoming 2025-26 season through its academy division, SFL Oranje…

Share

SSE BFC offering girls football trials in Mumbai for U14 & U17 Teams

SSE Soccer Schools, one of Mumbai’s longest-serving academies, is a trusted name and has positively contributed to shaping the local football community for thousands of kids since 2010. SSE Soccer…

Share

SSE BFC Soccer Schools Announces Open Trials for 2025-26 Season in Mumbai

SSE Soccer Schools, one of Mumbai’s longest-standing football academies, has announced open trials for its 2025-26 SSE BFC Soccer Schools program in partnership with Indian Super League club Bengaluru FC….

Share

South United FC Announces Trials in Pune for their Residential Academy in Bangalore

South United Football Club has announced its next set of trials for its new Residential Academy, which will be held in Pune. The trials will take place at the Club’s…

Share

Bank of India announces open trial for Mumbai Corporate League Campaign

Bank of India is set to make its mark in the Mumbai Corporate League and is looking for exceptional football talent to bolster its squad. The trial is scheduled for…

Share

India Khelo Football Workshop returns to Mumbai for its 4th Season

The Indian Khelo Football (IKF) Workshop returns to Mumbai this September, bringing with it an exceptional platform for aspiring footballers to showcase their skills and seize opportunities that could transform…

Share

Somaiya FC announces trials for the upcoming 2024-25 Season

Somaiya FC, having secured a commendable 5th position in the MFA Super Division last season, has announced open trials as they gear up for upcoming season. The team, known for…

Share

VR Academy to conduct trials for 2024-25 Season

Mumbai based VR Academy has announced trials for the upcoming 2024-25 season. The club is looking for talented young players to join our esteemed academy and participate in various competitive…

Share

MH ORANJE FC U-17 Trials for the Upcoming Season

With a proud legacy of nurturing talent and achieving excellence, Maharashtra Oranje FC has recently made waves with appearances in I-League 2, securing a remarkable runner-up position in the fiercely…

Share

Football School of India announce trials for Young Talents

Football School of India (FSI) has announced trials for young football enthusiasts in the upcoming week of June. A golden opportunity for aspiring players to showcase their talents and potentially…

Share