WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24, 2024
Team Herald
PANJIM/ MAPUSA: Coach Anthony Levino Pereira has been with Salgaocar FC for nearly three years and he has seen many young players being signed by top Indian Super League and I-League clubs. This ticks one of his agenda on the list, but what’s been pending is the prized crown – the Goa Professional League title.
Anthony has won the League twice as a player with two different clubs. Once with Churchill Brothers and the other with Salgaocar FC and now the Taleigao-based coach is on his mission to win the title as a coach.
“Ever since I took charge of the team, I am preparing my squad to be the best and win the competition. That’s my main agenda as a coach,” expressed Anthony.
Last season Salgaocar FC started brightly and infact remained undefeated against both joint winners Churchill Brothers FC and Sporting Clube de Goa. The team played exceptional football against the top teams and even handed the coach a perfect gift when his side came from behind to beat Sporting Clube de Goa in the league match on Anthony’s birthday.
However, the team’s performance against the lower clubs let them down. “Inconsistency played a major role. The player’s mindset wasn’t on these games. There was lot of disturbance among the players as the agents started troubling and luring the players promising them ISL and I-league football,” expressed Anthony who added that it’s good for the players to be promoted but through right channel and at right time. “Everything has a process which needs to be followed for smooth functioning,” said Anthony.
Having mentioned that, Salgaocar FC is one club which has one of the best and active grassroots and youth set-up which sees many players climbing the ladder from their youth ranks. This year, eight players are promoted in the main team. This has been creating healthy competition within the team which motivates the players to break into the first team.
Salgaocar FC will miss their former skipper Sanson Pereira and their top goal scorer Devendra, who joined FC Goa in the summer. Nora Fernandes joined Churchill Brothers FC while another huge prospect Chaitan Komarpant has signed with a Bengaluru club.
“Every year players from our club move for better prospects thus creating opportunities for our youth team players. We promote maximum players from our 1st Division team who then fight to break into the first team,” expressed Anthony.
Salgaocar FC are known for their attacking football and build the momentum using their wings and the coach promises to continue with the same philosophy with the new squad.
“As a coach it’s our duty to build a good team. Seeing my players being signed by top clubs gives me confidence and motivates me to continue doing with what I do best,” added Anthony.
Last season, almost every player from the squad got an opportunity to play in the Goa league and the club have been maintaining the right balance of squad and has been working on motivating the team throughout the season.
Salgaocar FC General Secretary Adlear D’Cruz stated, “Our aim is to remain on top and go for the title but our main focus remains the same – to build a strong youth setup which will help Goa have some finest talent. For us the development of the players matters the most than the trophies and we would like to see more of our players play in top level football.”
“We would like to win the trophies but along with the development of our youth players,” concluded Adlear.
With another batch of talented Goan lads being promoted in the side, the Green Brigade will be a team to watch out for especially for the agents who would be looking out for the brightest talent produced in the state.
