One of the few franchises to have a majority of local
players in its side, FC Goa has certainly endeared itself to its fans. Ever
since the inception of the team, support has never been short, in good times
and in bad. This endearing support has galvanised the team to strive harder and
the local Goan players in the team clearly enjoy this support.
The Indian Super League has presented most Indian players
with a chance to showcase their talent on the international level. It has also
helped develop their careers, with them playing with experienced international
and domestic professionals. The Goan players in the team have enjoyed
tremendous success over two seasons so far and credit the tournament for
propelling their careers to new heights.
Left winger Mandar Rao Desai is one of the many
beneficiaries of this tournament. He made a name for himself representing
Goa-India at the Lusofonia games as the local team ran out winners and then
joined FC Goa on loan for the first edition of the tournament. Having his name
chanted at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Fatorda is a new experience for the
wily Dempo wide man. But from being just another footballer, Mandar is now a
hero in the eyes of the fans. He credits hard work and dedication to his rise
to prominence. “Each and every time I went on to the pitch, I always
concentrated hard and gave my best, right from the start when I began playing
in school. I thank my coaches and parents who have encouraged me and guided me
every step of the way. I have reached here only because of them and of course,
my hard work,” he said, after an intense training session.
Goan football stars of yesteryear have also had a major
impact on the careers of young footballers. For Mandar it was no different.
“From the time I was a young boy, my favourite team was Dempo. I modelled my
game after that of Clifford Miranda. Anthony Pereira was another player I
followed keenly. I had the good fortune to play with the team I love and with
Clifford as well, who helped and guided me throughout,” he asserted.
Keenan Almeida will be remembered by the FC Goa faithful for
scoring a late equaliser against Atletico de Kolkata in Fatorda. The ever smiling
full back was also quick to credit the league with his rise to prominence. He
pointed out that fans play a big role in the career of a football professional.
“I’m getting a lot of love from fans and that galvanises me. Besides that, the
opportunity to play with Lucio, Gregory and under Zico is something that
everyone dreams of. I’m lucky I have done it,” he said, flashing another broad
smile.
Another local player to benefit from the league is
goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani, who hopes that his good performance between the
sticks for FC Goa culminates in a starting position for the national team.
“When you get the chance, you must take it. I didn’t have too many
opportunities last year, but it is different this year. The coach has faith in
me and that is a mental advantage. We have to work hard in any case,” the shot
stopper said.
Almeida and Kattimani had conflicting views when it came to
the team signing only local talent as part of the Indian contingent, much like
NorthEast United FC. Almeida remarked that it would help pull in more crowd and
that the chemistry within the team would probably improve. Kattimani, on the
other hand was quick to point out that it would work only in Goa. “The team
travels a lot and we play 7 matches in the league stage away from Goa. In that
case, there won’t be too much support away. Now, because of the diversity, we
get a lot of support wherever we play,” he reasoned.
The ISL presents local players with a chance to ply their
trade abroad, like Romeo Fernandes did last year. “If an opportunity came my
way, yes I would want to take it,” Kattimani concluded.
The image of Goan football is clearly in tact and in safe
hands with youngsters stepping into the shoes of their footballing forefathers
and doing an excellent job to emulate, and in some instances, fare much better.
