Team Herald
PANJIM: The inaugural edition of the Vedanta Women’s Football League got off to a great start witnessing plenty of action, goals, skills, individual brilliance and moreover great talent at display in Round 1 of the league, played at Duler Stadium, Mapusa.
The league organised by Goa Football Association not only laid a perfect platform for the eves of the state to showcase their talent but also gave an opportunity to experience a taste of professional football.
VWFL lived up to its expectation which saw eights goals being scored in the first three games —four of which were scored alone by Panjim Dolphins’s Karishma Shivoikar against Goa Velha Saints on Match Day 2.
Her teammate Michel Castanha a former India international failed to get on to the score sheet but was instrumental in the win providing three assists.
While, Karishma and Michel excelled in the upfront and midfield, another known name Scindia Saundatikar shone for Albert Princesses in the defence. The State player guided her team to a narrow 1-0 win over Flaming Oranje which also earned her the Woman-of-the Match award.
Albert Princesses, SCCC SOWS and Panjim Dolphins were all off to a winning start in the league claiming the first three points; it’s the Panjim outfit who lead the standings on goal difference.
It might be early to say, but Panjim Dolphins is the team to watch out for as their collective team display which also boasts of star players makes them strong contenders in the six-team league.
With the round two ahead, Goa Velha Saints will have to work on their team chemistry as they take on third placed Albert Princesses. While Flaming Oranje and Cuncolim Warriors will battle it out to earn their first points of the season.
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GFA happy with new league
Team Herald
PANJIM: Content with the first phase of the GFA’s Vedanta Women’s Football League, Goa Football Association president Elvis Gomes hailed the State body for succeeding in promoting and giving importance to women’s football.
“For the first time the GFA has succeeded in giving the importance due to women football and one could see the sense of pride in the girls, who turned up in large numbers to be a part of the league,” said Elvis in a statement.
The inaugural round was played at Duler Stadium, under floodlights and the State football chief said it was deliberately played under such conditions to show the importance of the tournament.
“It was also to make the girls understand the importance the Association is giving to women’s football,” added Elvis.
The league has provided a platform for talented female players to showcase the talent. “Performances of some of the players have been outstanding, thus this opportunity will help them to be noticed and may result in getting picked by the national selectors,” explained Elvis.
“I hope other State associations also take notice and create their own women’s league.” he concluded.
