Try everything but be great at something – Alton Vaz, Sporting Club De Goa Captain
In a conversation with the captain of Sporting Club de Goa, Alton Vaz, he discusses his experiences as a captain, tough season in between the pandemic, winning the Goa pro league and much more.
It’s been a fantastic season for Sporting this season, as they emerged champions of the Goa Pro league for the sixth time in the tournament’s history. They had a tough fight with Calangute Association till the very last day of the tournament, but a massive 9-0 win over Guardian Angel SC, ensured Sporting would lift the trophy.
Alton’s defensive duties helped Sporting to be the only team unbeaten in the league. They played 11 games, one against each opponent and secured 23 points with six wins and five draws. These six wins came against the Youth club of Manora, Vasco SC, Panjim Footballers, Churchill Brothers, Velsao SCC and Guardian Angel SC.
Talking about what he does to deliver each season, Alton said, “Personally, I focused on improving my skill sets, delivering higher performance, and syncing my skills to the needs of the team. As they say, be good at everything and great at something. I think each one of us is very different, yet together, we are a team, and our only aim was to lift the trophy.”
As a team, Sporting was a delight to watch; they were too good to handle. The goal-scoring rate of this team was at a different level; they netted the ball 30 times and kept a clean sheet in seven games! “This season was one of its kind; the training sessions were more intense, we were more focused towards our goal than anything and working in sync at the same time. I think all these things helped us to score more and defend well.”
Alton specially thanked his coach Mr Savio who had complete faith in him and his team. Also, the coach was very supportive and told the team from day one that they are going to win the title.
He also mentioned beloved Mr Peter Vaz, Sporting’s former owner, who passed away in December last year. “It was a tough time for us. We miss him a lot and dedicate this victory to him. I hope his blessings will always be with us, and we can keep performing well for him.”
All the games were organised in Goa, considering the COVID protocols. But even after that, it affects the player’s mentality. The protocols drain the athletes physically and emotionally because of the constant restrictions and tests. Alton’s views were optimistic, “The team and I echoed the belief that prevention is better than cure, be safe than sorry. Yes, there were challenges, constant tests, everyone was scared at one point, but I think we overcame each of these for the greater good of football” he opined.
Alton resembles talent, hard-work and perseverance, yet his humble and jolly nature is what makes him an ideal leader. His qualities are not just limited to defending, he can also adapt himself as a defensive and attacking midfielder. When asked what his next target would be, “focus on winning the next season” came the captain’s instant reply.
For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football
Also Read: FC GOA maiden AFC Champions League journey
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest happenings in the world of Indian football
“This team has worked for 1 year 10 months together to mark their statement” Head Coach Of Mumbai City FC U19 – Mohan Dass
In an Exclusive Interview with Mumbai City FC Coach Mohan Suresh Dass, we take a look into the Mumbai City FC U19’s triumphant journey in the MFA Super League The…
Undefeated MYJ GMSC lead the Reliance Foundation Development League – Mumbai Region
The Mumbai Leg of Reliance developmental league regional round kicked off last week, and its MYJ GMSC who have race to the top of the table. MYJGMSC are currently the…
Mumbai City FC Complete Signing of Slovakian Attacker Jakub Vojtuš
Mumbai, 21 March, 2024: Mumbai City FC are delighted to welcome our new signing, Slovakian attacker Jakub Vojtuš, who joins the squad for the remainder of the season. The attacker…
Afghanistan vs India: Blue Tigers aim for a giant leap towards far-reaching FIFA WCQ Round 3 dream
ABHA, SAUDI ARABIA: The India Senior Men’s Team will be on the verge of writing a new chapter in the post-independence era of Indian Football history, when they resume their FIFA…
Blue Tigers miss chances to settle for a draw against Afghanistan
Afghanistan 0drew withIndia 0 ABHA, SAUDI ARABIA: India played out a goalless draw against hosts Afghanistan at the Damac Stadium in Abha, Saudi Arabia, in their third FIFA World Cup 2026…
Blue Tigers ready to pounce on Afghanistan in chock-a-block Guwahati Stadium
GUWAHATI: The Indian senior men’s team will look to pocket full points as they take on Afghanistan in the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup 2027 Preliminary Joint Qualification…
India suffer shock defeat against Afghanistan
GUWAHATI: India’s quest for a place in the third round of the FIFA World Cup 2026 and AFC Asian Cup 2027 Preliminary Joint Qualifiers suffered a serious jolt when they went…
Indian Super League / Transfer News
Chennaiyin FC defender Bijay Chhetri signs for Uruguayan club
Bijay Chhetri becomes the first Indian player to sign with Latin American club after he joins Uruguayan club Colon Futbol Club on loan. The 22-year-old rising Indian footballer Bijay Chhetri…
Odisha FC: The newly-crowned queens of Indian women’s football
NEW DELHI: Odisha FC Women had a dream to chase when the club was formed 20 months ago. And for dreamers, they knew, hard facts are never an obstacle. So, they…
AIFF to felicitate Sunil Chhetri on his 150th International for the Blue Tigers
NEW DELHI: The All India Football Federation will felicitate Indian Senior Men’s Team captain Sunil Chhetri, who is expected to play his 150th Senior International match in the FIFA World Cup…
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…