Team Herald
PANJIM: Geno Pharmaceuticals will continue their association with the Goa Football Association for the second successive year as the State football governing body launched the GENO-GFA First Division League in a city hotel, on Monday.
The league –comprising of 14 teams — will kick off from March 28 and will be played at six different venues –Sirsaim, Utorda, Ambelim, Navelim, Poriat, Duler, Ella.
Dilip Salgaocar, Chairman of Geno Pharmaceuticals was the chief guest at the function and launched the GENO-First Division League in the presence of Sagar Salgaocar, Executive Director of Geno Pharmaceuticals, GFA Vice President (North) Lavinio Rebello, VP (South) Anthony Pango, Executive committee members and club officials and signed the documents before unveiling the winners and runners-up trophy.
Speaking during the launch, GFA Vice President North Lavinio Rebello said, “It’s a very important day and a proud moment for GFA as Geno will stay with us for a second year. They have not only supported us but also raised the bar and have gone one plus. We appreciate and thank Dilip Salgaocar for his generous contribution towards the beautiful game,” Rebello said highlighting that proper mileage and importance would be given for the sponsors throughout the league engagements.
After enjoying a great season last year, this year the title sponsors have increased as their sister firms –Desserts N More and Estilo Moderno have joined in support of the league.
The opening day fixtures will witness newly promoted Dunes Sports Club take on Goa Police at Poriat ground, Calangute while Dempo Jrs will host Goa Velha SC at Ella ground.
Chief guest Dilip Salgaocar said, “Last season the tournament was quite a success for us and now under the leadership of Churchill Alemao, an ardent lover of football, it gives us a privilege to continue our association with GFA for the second year. Churchill is so much involved in development of football, even though it was just for a year, Jovito Lopes (acting secretary) approached us, given our vision of our organisation, we must corporate and give our support to this tournament. Last year it was success and this year it will be a better organized league. I wish all the captains and coaches to use this opportunity to maximum potential,”he said.
“We should have a vision and all should start working towards the vision. I would like to thank GFA for giving us the opportunity to get associated with them in the tournament,” he added.
The fourteen participating teams are Curtorim Gymkhana, Clube Sao Miguel de Taleigao, Goa Police, Goa Velha Sports Club, Dunes Sports Club, Velsao Sports and Cultural Club, A A de Moira, Salgaocar FC juniors, Sesa Football Academy Juniors, St Savio SC Calangue, Santa Cruz Club of Cavelossim, United Club Telaulim, Cuncolim Union, Dempo SC juniors and UC Manora.
Geno Executive Director, Sagar Salgaoncar said. “It’s our second year in running now and I am sure that this year the event will be grander and much bigger then what it was last season.The association of Geno with sports is long time. In India cricket might be the religion but in Goa, football is religion. It will always be endeavours to be in partnership with GFA to develop new talent and true potential in the State,” he added.
