RAIA: Well known tiatrist and GFA member Joaquim (Jaju) Fernandes, father of FC Goa captain Brandon and brother of Roseferns, died early Tuesday morning following a heart attack. The funeral will take place on April 13 at 4 pm at Holy Trinity Church, Benaulim. He leaves behind his wife, three sons and a daughter. He was 63.
Jaju was a member of the GFA's Executive Committee for several terms, including the present one, and chairman of the Futsal Committee. He was the president of Young Strikers Club of Benaulim.
After performing at a Tiatro last night at Arambol, Jaju complained of uneasiness early this morning and was shifted to the Margao District Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
The sudden and unexpected death of Jaju brought a pall of gloom both in the Tiatro as well football circles in the State. The GFA condoled the untimely death and observed a minute's silence in his honour at all matches held today. Former GFA President, Mr Churchill Alemao whilst condoling the death of Jaju, highlighted the work done by him in promoting football and especially in the organisation of matches in South Goa, besides being an artiste of repute. "Football and Tiatro were his first love. He would sacrifice everything for the love of both. He displayed his love for Konkani through the Konkani dramas, where he excelled. Promotion of football was always his priority, especially in South Goa. He was a staunch football promoter," pointed out Churchill.
"If his son Brandon rose to become one of the much-acclaimed Goan stars and international football player today, it is only because of the guidance and resolute commitment of Jaju, who sacrificed everything to send him to a reputed South African Academy and then to a tour to Portugal as a youngster," highlighted Churchill.
GFA's senior vice-president, Mr Anthony Pango said: "Tiatro and football were the two sides of Jaju. It is to be admired that he did justice to both. His dedication and love were unmatched. We shall miss him."
Jaju was described as an ardent football lover and a passionate tiatrist. His death was also condoled by Mr Antonio Mascarenhas of Ave Maria Athletic and Walkers Club; Mr Socorro Vaz of YFA (Youth Futsal Academy); Mr Savio Fernandes of Curtorim Gymkhana; Mr Sanford Fernandes, president of United Boys Dando-Colva; Mr Anthony Rodrigues of Young Strikers Benaulim; Mr Costancio Paul Rodrigues; Mr Aluzio Fernandes of Navelim Sporting Club; Mr Andrew Ferraro, Mr Cosme Oliveira; Mr Angelius Rebello of Rebello Pandal Maina; Mr Frankie Fernandes, Mr Arnaldo Costa; Mr Dominic Pereira; Mr Welwyn Meneses, Mr Anthony Vaz, Mr Agnelo Albuquerque, Mr Mauricio Almeida, Mr Sanjiv Nagvekar, Mr Tony Remedios, Mr Francis D'Sousa, Mr Cowan Lourenco, Mr Griffin Fernandes, Mr Babli Mandrekar, Mr Irineu Gonsalves, Mr Francisco Nunes, Mr Radharao Gracias, Mr Bernardinho Velho, Mr Anthony Lobo and several others.