“FC Goa have long term plans to develop young talent” – Princeton Rebello
Goa, a small state on the southwestern coast of India has long been known for its passion and love for football. Multiple players and coaches have emerged from the region and have gone on to ply their trade at the highest levels. One of them is youngster Princeton Rebello.
Playing for the State’s ISL Team FC Goa, the 21-year-old is one of the many polished products produced by the team. Princeton was signed by FC Goa’s developmental outfit back in 2017.
Ever since then, the midfielder has risen through the ranks and made his first appearance for the senior team in 2019. This season, Princeton Rebello has appeared in 16 matches clocking more than 600 minutes of valuable match exposure.
FootballCounter went up and close with Princeton Rebello to discuss the developments since his initial days at FC Goa, personal ambitions, and difficulties imposed by the pandemic:
EXCERPTS:
How has coach Juan Ferrando impacted the philosophy of FC Goa?
Our coach Juan Ferrando is demanding of us tactically while also always giving us the confidence to play on the field. His words are always positive and help every player. We learn from him and try to implement the same in our games.
How does it feel to be one of the youngest players to play for FC Goa?
For me, as I have always said, any young player will want to play for FC Goa. Speaking from personal experience, I’ve been here for a few years and I’ve seen myself grow and understand the style of play. For me, it is a pleasure to represent my state club.
Having been a part of FC Goa since 2017, what according to you has changed within the system?
I’ve seen a lot of positive things here. For example, many young players are moving into the first team and the management is showing a lot of trust and faith in the young players. They have a long-term plan for all of this. And that makes me happy. To have many young players coming through the system is not only good for the club but Indian football.
What are your ambitions with FC Goa?
For me, the main target is to get match time and to be a consistent player in the team. I want to learn from the foreign players who are anyways helping me a lot. Football, at the end of the day, is a team game and all I want is the betterment of our team. I want to win every game and look forward to playing the playoffs.
What is your take on FC Goa’s run of form so far?
I feel we are improving day by day. From the outside, it may look like it’s difficult but here every player believes in their abilities and wants to play. More importantly, everyone is helping each other, especially foreigners who are helping all of us. The coach and management are working hard. This is a new team. There are a lot of young players in the squad and as a team, I feel we have a great future.
How difficult has it been to play games under the bio-bubble, tell us a bit about the camaraderie in between the boys?
It’s been very very difficult being inside the bio-bubble for almost five months now. We haven’t seen our families and that is something I always look forward to. However, the team has become my family now. Everyone is just focused on the rest of the games because we want to win the title. Everyone motivates each other and helps with whatever is needed. Together, we just want to win.
For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football
Also Read: Mumbai decimate Odisha to set up exciting League Shield clash against Bagan
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJGMSC Crowned Champions with a dramatic win over MH Oranje FC
In the heart of Mumbai’s football scene, MYJGMSC achieved a remarkable feat by becoming champions of the Mumbai Premier League in their debut season itself. This is no small accomplishment,…
I-League 2: MH Oranje FC’s decisive away game ends in a draw against United SC
A late goal from Sanchit Singh gave MH Oranje FC a breath of fresh life with the draw ensuring the relegation battle against United SC continues till the final day…
MH Oranje FC Gears Up for a Final Push in the MFA Premier League
MH Oranje FC’s Intense Final Stretch: Pursuing MFA Premier League Glory As the MFA Premier League 2023-24 season reaches its climax, MH Oranje FC is gearing up for an intense…
Indian Super League announces tentative venues for the 2023 – 2024 Final
Mumbai, April 23: The Indian Super League (ISL) today announced that the 2023-24 season final scheduled on Saturday, 4th May will be played at the home ground of the higher ranked team in the…
Odisha FC strike first blow with 2-1 comeback win in semis against Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Bhubaneswar, April 23: Odisha FC secured a 2-1 victory against the Mohun Bagan Super Giant (MBSG) at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar in the first leg of their semi-final fixture…
Mumbai City FC produce miraculous comeback to seize victory in semi-final clash against FC Goa
Goa, April 24: Mumbai City FC inspired a sensational late resurgence to come back from 2-0 down to win the first leg of their semi-final fixture against FC Goa by…
Bengaluru FC’s focus on youth football is the reason behind our success in the RFDL: Coach Bibiano Fernandes
Mumbai, April 25: For the third season in a row, Bengaluru FC have qualified for the National Championship of the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL). The Blues are two-time defending…
Intrigue and rivalry heats up as FC Goa bank on positive momentum to stop Mumbai City FC in their tracks
Goa, April 23: FC Goa will host Mumbai City FC in the first leg of their semi-final fixture of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2023-24 on April 24, Wednesday, at 7:30…
Chembur United – JFC ride on Pradnesh’s late stunner to beat Carmelites FC 1-0.
In a thrilling MFA 1st Div encounter between Chembur United (JupiterFC) and Carmelites FC, the game saw both teams create several scoring opportunities, but a late goal by Chembur United…
AIFF Records Historic Rise in Women’s Footballers
~ President Kalyan Chaubey credits it to the introduction of ‘IWL-2’, – a second tier competition to professionalise women’s football ~ A ‘home-and-away’ format for top tier and availability of…
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…