The following statistics are public knowledge, but for those who
haven’t been following the current
edition of the Indian Super League (ISL), FC Goa – our beloved Gaurs, are
currently placed fourth on the table with 19 points from 11 matches and have a
tricky run of matches before they can seal their place among the top four. And
while you’re reading this, FC Goa will be playing NorthEast United FC at home,
today. While most footie fans have a fair idea of the rigorous training
schedule and the hectic practice sessions of the players of FC Goa, not many
know what the Gaurs do in their leisure time. Rumours suggest that the players
live by the mantra of ‘work hard and party harder’ but rumours can’t always be
trusted. People have always wondered, what exactly it is that the players do in
their free time and where do they hang out and chill. We did too, and managed
to get a peek into their ‘off-field’ schedule.
While during the last
season of ISL, the players were staying in a hotel thereby allowing little room
for bonding, this season, the story is different. The first team players are
residing in the plush residential complex of Aldeia de Goa in Dona Paula that
allows easy access to the relatively secluded Siridao beach, where most of the
players chill with their teammates and family. And there’s the humongous
property of Grand Hyatt Goa just next door for a leisurely brunch. One can say
the team is in a very settled and homely environment.
Ravi Puskar, FC Goa First Team Operations Manager, says, “Most
of the players including Lanzarote, Aranha and a few others have their wives
and kids in Goa, including some of our Indian players. It’s a nice thing that
they have their families here who have travelled with them to Delhi and other
places and cheer for our boys.”
Ravi adds that as of now, the lads and their families don’t have
kids who are of school-going age, so that’s not a requirement, but when the
boys are free, they travel down south to Palolem or even up north and have even
explored the spice plantations in Goa and really enjoyed every bit of what Goa
has to offer.
Ravi further adds “When the players – Indian and international –
tell us about their plans, we coordinate renting a four wheeler or a two
wheeler or booking a place for them or even something simple like providing
information about places to eat at or parties to attend. This way, we also know
about their whereabouts for their safety and security. In fact, on non-match
days, the FC Goa team-mates have explored more of Goa than I have across so
many seasons.”
Assistant Coach Derek
Pereira also has some inputs on the lives of the Gaurs off the field. Pereira
says, “Often, players have their families far away from them and half their
thoughts are there but when their families are near them, they can focus better
on the game. In fact, families allow players to gel better, with their kids and
wives being friends and so much more is exchanged, from culture to ideas, and
the players then automatically communicate better on and off the field.”
Coach Derek gives us an example of how head coach Sergio Lobera
has his wife in Goa, who is pregnant and is under the care of a Panjim based
gynaecologist. Pereira adds, “The fact that his wife is near to him takes away
a lot of stress and anxiety from the coach and also our concern for his wife
and him increases a sense of bonding in the team.”
Bruno Pinheiro, Vice-Captain of FC Goa, shares how he spends his
off time in Goa. “I am involved a lot with the Forca Goa Foundation. I gave a
talk to the grassroots development kids on my journey as a footballer. I
recently went to watch the FC Goa development team play in the Goa Pro League
against Dempo SC and launched the Junior Gaur League recently. I love to get
involved with kids and the development of football at the grassroots level. On
other days, I just relax by the poolside, spend time with my family and read a
book,” says Bruno.
Sergio Juste, also known as Chechi, is a Spanish footballer. “I
love exploring places and Goa is beautiful. On my off days, I have gone and
visited the spice farm, churches of Goa and the beaches. The beaches of Goa are
beautiful. I have gone to Bambolim, Palolem and Colva beaches. There is so much
more to explore. I’m looking forward to visiting more places in Goa,” he says.
Ahmed
Jahou is a Moroccan footballer currently playing as a midfielder for FC Goa in
the Indian Super League. “I make the most of my off days. I have gone
parasailing, visited the spice farm and fell in love with elephants. Goa is
magical. There is a lot to see in Goa and when you need to relax, there are the
beaches,” he says.
