17 Mar 2020  |   04:13am IST

THE FUTURE OF FORCA

It was another disappointing year for the fans of FC Goa, with a heart-breaking defeat in the semi finals and now they will have to wait for another year to make their dreams come true. The spot in the AFC Cup is a wonderful development but much needs to be done before the team plays its first match in the tournament, if it takes place at all, with the sporting world shutting down due to the Coronavirus. Café spoke to fans to gauge their feelings

Ajit John

It all came to an end in the semi finals. When over two legs

they lost by a goal on aggregate tally, it left their fans in despair. They were however able to grab a spot in the AFC Championship by virtue of topping the league. Now with the 2020 edition having ended, the team will dismantle, with various players either moving to other teams or flying off to greener pastures in search of tougher competition or more money. FC Goa, over a period of time and by virtue of losing crucial matches, has acquired a rather unfortunate reputation of being chokers. A loss in the finals due to goals being conceded in the final five minutes had only strengthened that reputation. Then, this year, there was also the sacking of Sergio Lobero, the Spanish coach of the team. With time in its hands, how should FC Goa use this time in terms of regrouping, fixing its team and move on to a new chapter?

Yes, for FC Goa this delay could create better opportunities to re-structure the entire team before the pre-season later in September. Covid 19 has given them time to get the things on track with players as well as coaches. Its high time to get the best for the AFC. and hope to sort out things at the earliest to cross the knock out stage with a bang

- ROYSTEN MOREAS,

Velim, Self Employed

It is now time to forget what happened in the past and think about the future since more challenges await. Definitely few changes will take place in the club and by seeing the challenges hopefully they will bring a good coach and be able to attract a good bunch of players. Right now, we are blessed with a good core of Goan players, hopefully the club will retain them

- SAHIL NAIK

,

Usgao, Technician

We have to sign good Asian Players and with over half a dozen players joining other clubs and Sergio Lobera not there, the Club has to ensure that a good gaffer is signed who can lead us to Asia. In full honesty Lobera and his boys need to be called back as the foundation of this great team is because of him. Now the preparation should be such that FC Goa rises despite all the odds and we must ensure the team gets only stronger and makes Goa’s name shine in Asia

- SHUBHAM TALEKAR,

Self Employed, Bhatpal- Canacona

I strongly feel that FC Goa is a very professional club. They have always bounced back in most tough situations. Be it on the pitch or off the pitch they have always ensured the fans feel proud of them. From the days of Dempo/Salgaokar to Zico and Lobera we have endured tough situations. The first priority for FC Goa would be to find someone who can match the stature of Lobera and continue his legacy. The attacking style of play should continue and we need very good team to ensure this and I am positive there is sufficient time for the club to re structure its team. They will also have to look for foreign investments as qualifying for the AFC and playing with the big teams is no easy task

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TEJIT BANDEKAR,

Self Employed, Marcel-Ponda