The FC Goa chant is echoing through the state. These football fans do not belong to any caste, class or creed. Irrespective of age or gender, they are whole-heartedly supporting Forca Goa. You can feel the fever that is gripping the state by spotting the cars, stores, etc sporting blue and orange. Varun Carvalho’s official anthem for Forca Goa is also creating waves.
Café catches up with some of the supporters:
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“Usually, we get to watch FC Goa fans supporting their team by watching the game on television and discussing it on social networking sites. I wanted to create an aura where Goans would get to see support with their naked eyes. Therefore, I showed support by getting successful people from Goa to sign my cars to show their support for the team.”
Imran Pirani, businessman, Parra/Margao
“When I was asked by the owners to compose the official FC Goa anthem, I wanted to create something that the entire stadium could sing, in one voice. It’s great to see that it has become a reality and everybody is screaming Forca Goa and pushing our team to greater glory. Forca Goa, Dii Tekha!”
Varun Carvalho, singer of official FC Goa anthem, Margao
“My favourite team is FC Goa and I am proud to be the fan of the best team in India. ISL has made the Indian players known to the whole world. It’s like watching the World Cup for me. I am happy to see my favourite team play on Goan soil.”
John Lino D’Mello, artist, Divar
“I watch football for fun. I like to watch only FC Goa matches. I am a typical Indian fan who watches football during World Cup once in four years. Now I watch ISL for FC Goa only. Football is Goa’s identity.”
Amey Joshi, teacher, Cujira
“Indian Super League is attracting more and more quality players and stars, which is why the standard of football will surely rise. Training camps for players are held mostly outside India which allows them to get trained like international players. This will in turn develop the national team. Soon we can find place in world cup qualifiers and may even be in the top twelve. Because of ISL, brands like adidas are being the partners of teams. Bollywood, cricketers etc are getting into it and it looks like people are becoming serious about football. Similar kind of national leagues are held across world. But these leagues may not getting attention from international players like how Indians are getting. The number of fans is also increasing.”
Jayesh Raut, lecturer, Vasco
