MAPUSA: Kingslee Fernandes, a local lad from Goa, dreams of playing one day for one of the biggest Indian Football league, the Hero Indian Super League.
Born on 26 January 1998, this 16-year-old young lad started playing football at a very young age and represented his school, St Anthony’s High School, Majorda couple of times.
He was raised in a beautiful village of Betalbatim, Kingslee always dreamt of playing football at professional level, where Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo has been his role model.
Kingslee played for Velsao Pale Sports Club in the U-12 and U-14 categories. But his first major step towards his career came when he was called to play at Sub-Junior Nationals (Under-15) in Mumbai.
Later on he was signed by Betalbatim Sporting Club where he represented the club for U-16 and U-18 teams in the GFA’s tournaments. Eban Mesquita, coach of Betalbatim Sporting inspired Kingslee and helped him develop his football skills. Kingslee was motivated by the coaching style of the coach Eban Mesquita.
Another big break came when Kingslee was called to play for one of the oldest and one of the most reputed football clubs of Goa, Vasco Sports Club. Kingslee has now become a key part of the club playing as centre half and starting almost every game for them.
His fine run in the Goa Pro League saw him being selected for the Goa Santosh Trophy camp, but due to his fast approaching exams he had not only skipped the camp but also his representations on the ongoing Junior Nationals (BC Roy Trophy) in Punjab.
According to Kingslee, the toughest opponent he faced in the concluded Professional League was against Churchill Brothers. When asked about his personal favourite moment on the pitch, Kingslee said, “I dribbled past five Churchill Brothers players and after beating the onrushing goalkeeper I managed to score, in Goa Pro league in 2015.”
He recollects during his childhood his parents always motivated him to play football. Still today his father, Inacio Fernandes plays a major role to help him focus on his career alongside his coach.
According to Kingslee, still he has lot of things to learn and improve his game to become one of the most successful players in Indian football and achieve his goal of playing in the Hero Indian Super League one day.
Speaking to Vasco coach Eban Mesquita has nothing but only praises for this young lad whom he saw grow as a kid. Most affectionate, hardworking, prudent, obedient, optimistic and all ready to face challenges, where the day is not very far that Kingslee will wear the Indian colours, summoned Mesquita.
