Fan Voice – Igor, Donachie will be key for the Gaurs this season

by Gaurav Kadam November 3, 2020

We spoke to a few ardent FC Goa supporters to get their thoughts on the new recruits and which players will play a key role in the upcoming ISL season.

Goa has always been touted as one of the few states in India which is known as having a proper ‘footballing culture’. The support that FC Goa has received since joining the Indian Super League (ISL) has been a testament to this statement.

The Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Goa, which is popularly known as the Fatorda Stadium has always been jam-packed whenever the Gaurs have stepped onto the turf. The fans can be considered as one of the major reasons for the consistent success of the FC Goa side in the ISL.

The team with the highest wins, goals and appearances in the ISL, the Gaurs come close time and again to winning the elusive ISL trophy. However, this season could be the time for them finally as they turn a whole new chapter with the arrival of an exciting manager in the form of Juan Ferrando with a new overseas contingent.

The Gaurs saw a mass exodus to fellow ISL side Mumbai City FC with the likes of Hugo Boumous, Mourtada Fall, Ahmed Jahouh and former skipper Mandar Rao Dessai joining the Islanders for the upcoming season in addition to their former head coach Sergio Lobera.

We spoke to a few ardent FC Goa supporters to get their thoughts on the new recruits and which players will play a key role in the upcoming ISL season.

Most of the fans are of the opinion that one of the key players will be striker Igor Angulo to fill the boots of the prolific marksman Ferran ‘Coro’ Corominas – who had set the league alight with his goal-scoring exploits for the Gaurs.

Fans expect Spaniard Igor Angulo to fill in the big shoes of Club legend and League’s all time goal scorer Ferran Corominas

“Almost all the foreign players will have a key role to play in this year’s season because it will be a challenge to rebuild the squad. But I feel it will be Igor Angulo who will have to play a key role upfront to fill in the boots of the league’s top scorer Coro” states Vaughan D’Souza from Navelim.

Neel, a student from Porvorim, meanwhile, has full faith in the FC Goa recruiting team, “FC Goa’s recruiting team is the best as we have seen over the years and I’m sure this foreign contingent will be no different. I’m excited to see them perform on the main stage”

Another student, Kunal Kunkolienkar from Margao is of the opinion that the most crucial player for the team will be Jorge Ortiz. “The Spaniard has the ability play in multiple positions in attack and will be a valuable asset for the team,” stated Kunal. He further went on to laud the defender Ivan Gonzalez for his importance in the side and termed him as the ‘Goan Ramos’.

James ‘The Don’ Donachie also found many supporters hailing him as one of the key assets for the season. The Australian defender, who will be tasked to replace Mourtada Fall in the backline, is an experienced campaigner having won the A-League and played in the AFC Champions League as well. Saiel Naik (from Usgao) backs the Aussie centre-back to deliver the goods for FC Goa on the pitch, “Looking at Donachie’s good experience in AFC Champions League and in A-League, he is going to be a key asset for us.”

Marc Pereira, a business development manager from Navelim heralded some of the Indian seniors such as Brandon Fernandes, Lenny Rodrigues along with the youngsters coming up from the development squad as another factor that will help FC Goa stand out yet again in the seventh season of the Indian Super League.

 

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Shots fired? 🤔 FC Goa midfielder @edu_bedia has some stinging words for @MumbaiCityFC. What do you think about the Spaniard’s thoughts on the Islanders? Let us know in the comments! #HeroISL #FCGoa #MCFC #Indianfootball

A post shared by Football Counter (@footballcounter) on Nov 3, 2020 at 5:24am PST

Edu Bedia was another foreign player who found a lot of backing amongst the fans, having played for the Gaurs last season as well. The feisty Spaniard will be banked to deliver in the midfield with the departure of Ahmed Jahouh to Mumbai City FC. Neel De Souza, a die-hard Gaur fan from Porvorim states, “In my opinion, Edu will have a key role to play this year. He knows the ISL only too well and will have to lead the midfield.”

FC Goa will always remain a contender for the ISL championship considering their history in the league and the exciting brand of football that they play on the pitch. They are all set to start their ISL Season 7 campaign against familiar foes Bengaluru FC on November 22 at the Fatorda Stadium in Margao.

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Also Read: Gaurs launches the new Uzzo Jersey, the club’s official home kit for the 2020/21 season

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