The grand opening of the Indian Super
League (ISL) had barely kicked off when an even more exciting piece of news
came in. With more than 48 hours still left for the much awaited opening game
between FC Goa and Chennaiyans FC, reports of 70 percent of the tickets being sold
out came in yesterday. The Indian Super League, India’s football championship
kicked off amidst electrifying enthusiasm and excitement among football fans in
India on October 12, 2014 with a match against Atletico de Kolkata and Mumbai City
FC at Salt Lake City stadium in Kolkata which ended with Kolkata drawing the
first blood by defeating their opponent by 3-0.
Goan football fans have been waiting with
bated breath to see the home team in action ever since FC Goa signed on a
genuine Brazilian legend and three-time World Cupper Arthur Antunes Coimbra
fondly known as Zico as its marquee coach and former Arsenal attacking
midfielder Robert Pires as its marquee player. Fans have done their bit to
support their team by getting their hands on the tickets and FC Goa jerseys.
Brendon Fernandes, a die-hard fan of ‘the beautiful game’ was among the early
birds to secure themselves a seat at Fatorda stadium for tomorrow’s showdown.
Brendon says, “I hope ISL does to football in India what IPL has done to
cricket. Goa, for the first time ever has its own team in a tournament like
ISL. It is definitely going to be an exciting phenomenon.”
Shrinivas Dempo, Co-Owner, FC Goa
while speaking exclusively to Herald said, “The team looks fit and charged. We
look set for the league and we are ready for the opening match. We are sure
fans will come to support their team FC Goa is large numbers.” Dattraj
Salgaocar, Co-Owner, FC Goa added his bit by saying, “Our team FC Goa is
shaping well and it’s great to see them play with great enthusiasm in floodlit
conditions.” Zico, Manager and Chief Coach, FC Goa expressed his views about
the team and the strategy and said, “We will know the team and understand their
game strategy only after the first match. But the team is looking great and is
playing well. The boys are fit and are ready. The team is now complete and
ready to go.”
Tickets to the matches are priced at
Rs 100 (North and South Stand), Rs 200 (East Stand) and Rs 300 (West Stand).
Tickets at corporate boxes will be available at Rs 2500. Season passes for home
matches are also available.
