The name, Bernadinho Velho, is synonymous with Goa’s favourite game of football. On August 26, Bernadinho Velho turns 81, but his indomitable spirit is like that of a young veteran and his passion towards football has not diminished.
In his hey-days, Bernadinho Velho, was a much sought-after football referee and a well-known football promoter in Vasco. He was in the thick of action on the football field at the prestigious Bandodkar Memorial and Johnny Memorial football tournaments in Vasco da Gama, besides other tournaments in Mormugao taluka. Bernadinho has a huge a fan following. He is known for his strict discipline on the field and was quite an entertainer too known for blowing his whistle with full gusto. He would never change his decision when officiating a match and could withstand any amount of cat calls and abuses. He began his refereeing career in the year 1968 and has over the years officiated perhaps more than a thousand football matches across Goa. He has also officiated as the linesman for the prestigious All India Bandodkar Gold Trophy tournament in Goa.
Velho established the Benfica Youth Club in Vasco, single handedly, in the year 1971. Besides the senior’s team, he also promotes young footballers and has an under-14 boys football team. He has an eye to scout for talented young footballers in the nascent stage, and induct them in his under-14 team. Velho has over the years touched the lives of so many great footballers in Vasco and therefore commands respect among the football fraternity till date. A stream of football players from far and wide visits him on his birthday i.e. on August 26 with a heart full of gratitude.
Velho is a well-known personality, not only in Vasco but entire Goa. From the politicians to the top Police brass, tiatrists, sportsmen, sportswomen, press and media, politicians and ministers, priests, businessmen and corporate bosses, he shares a rapport with them all. It’s his friendly dispensation that wins him friends across the strata of society and their admiration too.
As the General Secretary of the club, Velho has single handed managed the affairs of the club, right from the financial aspects, raising funds, coaching, team selection and participation in local and outstation tournaments too. Velho has kept the flame of football glowing in ‘Desterro’ this small hamlet of Vasco and his contribution can never be written off.
Despite his advancing age, the football fire is still burning bright within him with the same intensity as before. Owing to advancing age, his pace may have slowed a little, but the enthusiasm and zeal is something that is to be admired and appreciated.
