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FC Goa announce 22-member squad for Goa Pro League with 4 players promoted

Arjun Bangde — Tue, 19 Oct 2021 10:31:08 +0000

~ Deggie Cardozo remains the Head Coach of the Developmental Team ~

FC Goa go into the 2021/22 season of the Goa Pro League with a 22-member squad from the Developmental team. Deggie Cardozo will again be in charge of the young Gaurs who begin their campaign on 19th October against Velsao SCC.

The squad features a total of four players promoted from the U18 team, viz. Versly Paes, Aditya Salgaonkar, Jovial Dias and Mevan Dias.

The roster will also feature new signings Kunal Kundaikar and Manushawn Fernandes. Kundaikar was part of Sporting’s title-winning squad from last season whilst Manushawn caught the eyes with his performances for Youth Club of Manora.

The Developmental team has played a big part in FC Goa’s success in recent years with the last few seasons seeing a number of youngsters like Princeton Rebello, Saviour Gama and Leander D’Cunha using the Goa Pro League and chances in the Developmental team to make a mark at the national stage.

Last month’s victorious Durand Cup campaign also saw three of last season’s Developmental team players – Papuia, Hrithik Tiwari and Christy Davis – play major roles in the triumph. And that is what Cardozo is looking to continue.

“There is a clear path to the senior team and that serves as the main motivation for each of the players,” said Cardozo. “And that needs to be the case everywhere in the country if footballing standards are to improve.”

The full FC Goa squad for the 2021/22 season of the Goa Pro League is as follows:

Goalkeepers: Hansel Coelho, Viddhesh Bhonsle

Defenders: Deeshank Kunkalikar, Rayan Menezes, Lesly Rebello, Versly Paes, Manushawn Fernandes, Kunal Kundaikar, Aditya Salgaonkar

Midfielders: Malsawmtluanga, Brison Fernandes, Lalremruata HP, Jovial Dias, Delton Colaco, Jordan Borges, Flan Gomes, Velroy Fernandes, Ivon Costa

Forwards: Vasim Inamdar, Mevan Dias, Salgeo Dias, Britto Pereira

Speaking on the squad and the aspirations ahead of the tournament, head coach Deggie Cardozo said, “The focus for us heading into the new season will remain the same – development of these players, both as individuals and as a whole team.

“This season, we feel confident heading into the competition. We have had a strong preseason as compared to the last, which was curtailed due to the pandemic.”

After a disappointing outing last time around, the Gaurs will look to do better with more experience under their belt heading into this season.

“In players like Delton (Colaco), Kunal (Kundaikar) and Manushawn (Fernandes), we have players who have played a year in the Goa Pro League. They were also part of the squad that traveled for the Durand Cup and were training with the first team,” added Cardozo.

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Try everything but be great at something – Alton Vaz, Sporting Club De Goa Captain

Arjun Bangde — Sat, 08 May 2021 04:58:21 +0000

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

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Sporting Club De Goa bag 6th Goa League Title

Arjun Bangde — Sun, 02 May 2021 05:01:36 +0000

Sporting Clube de Goa emerged champions of the Goa Pro League for the sixth time in the tournament’s history on Friday.

They finished the tournament with 23 points, where they featured in 11 games and registered six wins and five draws. Throughout the tournament, Sporting was the only club to be unbeaten. Dempo SC finished second and Calangute Associate behind them.

Sporting’s last match on Friday was total domination over the Guardian Angel SC as they defeated them 9-0. Midfielder Marcus Mascarenhas scored a hattrick in the match and became the top scorer for the side with eight goals.

The team dedicated their win to Mr Peter Vaz, Sporting’s former owner, who passed away last year in December.

“Sporting club has been my second home, always a treat to play for this club. The management, coaches and teammates are extremely supportive. We missed our die-hard fans and especially Mr Peter Vaz, we miss him a lot, we dedicate the victory to him, and I hope his blessings will always be with us”, said captain Alton Vaz.

Sporting has been in exceptional form this season. The captain mentioned that our motto was simple, “Teamwork is dream work”, and told how every player wanted to win the tournament badly. “According to me, what we did differently than others which made us win the title was extreme dedication, intense practice, strategic alignments and letting the players do what they are good at.”

For Trial related updates: Latest trials updates in Mumbai Football

Also Read: Is the new roadmap a solution for the future?

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