PANJIM: The newly elected Goa Football Association President Churchill Alemao swung into action and lived up to his early promises –procuring two ambulances and providing FC Goa match passes for the affiliated clubs and the members.
Churchill, the former Chief Minister of Goa, who eased his way in the one-sided yet thrilling GFA Presidential election against Avertano Furtado with 100-56 vote win, didn’t keep any differences against any of the clubs as he whole heartedly gave away two passes each to all the 160 affiliated clubs, even to those who didn’t elect him. “I’m here for the development of football and not to create differences. I have stuck to my word of giving passes to all the clubs. The Clubs will know that Churchill Alemao sticks to his promises. This is just start and I have lot in my mind. I shall continue to work towards the betterment of GFA,” said Churchill Alemao.
Alemao also ensured that every executive member gets two passes each for the ISL match besides their clubs.
The move earned praises for Churchill Alemao from clubs including those who were openly supporting his rival during the GFA elections.
Speaking on the condition of anonymity a club official from the South Goa said, “It’s a great move by our President Churchill Alemao who gave the match passes for all the Clubs knowing the fact that few didn’t vote for him. This is a clear indication of his selflessness nature and this act proves that he wouldn’t keep any differences and would want all to work together towards the development of football in the State.”
“I have lot in my mind towards the development of Goan football. Grassroots development is one of the most important factors towards achieving this and we have to work together to achieve it,” expressed Churchill.
Besides passes, Churchill managed to procure two ambulances –one for North Goa and the other for South Goa.
“Two ambulances have been sanctioned by MP Vinay Tendulkar and we will have them soon here in a month’s time. These ambulances are exclusively for GFA,” said Churchill Alemao.
Increasing the prize money for the Goa Pro League and reducing the gate entry for the spectators are the next top agenda for the GFA chief.
“We have our meeting scheduled next week to discuss on the same with all 12 Pro League Clubs,” he added.
Churchill also plans to guide the clubs to avail the benefits provided by SAG.
“Every Club should have pan card wherein they would have to maintain accounts and audit them which will help them to take the benefits from the SAG,” Churchill said.
Earlier, during his first executive meeting, Churchill chose Aleixo da Costa as secretary.
However, the formal appointment will be made only after getting the approval from the government as Aleixo is the director of craftsmen training.
