Cricket over, now time for the soul of Goa, football to start

The last delivery has been hit and now it is time for the
ball to be kicked to resume sport in the timebof COVID. The Indian Premier
League has come to an end with the Mumbai Indians winning their fifth IPL
title. The ISl commences on November 21 and for Goans, there will be just one
query that will keep popping up in their sub consciousness ie will FC Goa win
the tournament this year.
This year also due to the virus, spectators will not be
allowed in the stadium and all the teams will remain in isolation.
 Various ISL teams are still reluctant to provide
details about the process put in place to  ensure they were safe was
treated with
 A press coordinator who said he was representing ATK Mohun
Bagan said the team was in isolation in their hotel. The team he said was not
even using the toilet facilities at the stadium because everything was
controlled.
This year also because of the virus, all the games will be
played in Goa and in three venues which will be the Fatorda
stadium in Margao, the GMC Athletic stadium in Bambolim and
the Tilak Maidan stadium in Vasco. Spectators will not be
allowed but the people of Goa are passionate fans. Many are looking for ways to
get connected with what is undoubtedly the biggest football tournament to be
held in the state.   
Arif Sheikh photographer and passionate football fan says he
intends to watch all the games with friends but will also try to watch the
match at Bambolim from the terraces of one of the buildings. He said “I used to
attend all the games of FC Goa and it used to be great fun. I enjoy the
atmosphere at the match and always participated wholeheartedly. I watched
cricket during the IPL but football remains my first love”. He hoped FC Goa
would win this year because it was the fervent hope of every Goemkar.
     
Kunal Kunkolienkar a student felt the ISL was going to be a
blockbuster because all the teams were being rebuilt and the season would be
very competitive. He felt that since FC Goa had a stronger squad when compared
to others and this should make them favourites. He said “They have the right
blend by signing good players both domestic and international. Goa will
passionately follow them and I am sure, there will be fans outside the stadium
cheering them on. We have to be with them in spirit”.
Abhishek Gad a young professional said it was a pity,
spectators would not be able to watch the game in the stadium. He said
“Football in Europe is a very good example for what we are going through. Many
teams are playing league matches by taking special care of their players and
that holds true for all the clubs in the ISL. Several teams moved to Goa and
settled into isolation. It’s tough for everyone including the fans but it will
be an interesting season. I strongly believe FC Goa will win the trophy. Goa
will now focus all its attention on this tournament. Let’s keep our fingers
crossed.”
That is a sentiment which will be shared all across Goa as
everyone will hope, it passes off smoothly and ending with FC Goa winning it.