Football is all about the fans and FC Goa is all set to
capitalise on that as Goa finally has a football team with which they can
relate to. The newly christened FC Goa could possibly bring about a soccer
revolution in the state. The team is fairly set with Goans forming the core of
the team. A new era in football is on the horizon. With big names linked to the
league and ample star power, there is no doubt Goans will hit the stadium to
get a glimpse of some legends of the game.
Public Relations specialist Sean Faia, who has closely
monitored the progress of the ISL, says, “I think the initiative is great.
While the marquee signing is yet to be announced, the squad looks like
something that will be tantalising for fans to watch. I am also excited about
the unveiling of the jersey, as the logo that has been unveiled is great, as is
the team name, which is simple, clean and something that is all-encompassing.”
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FC Goa has already launched its satellite TV channel; the
first in India to do so, giving the fans something different as they now know
where to go for all the latest and exclusive news about their team. While the
channel will remain exclusive to Videocon DTH, the league by and large will be
telecast by Star Sports. FC Goa will also unite not only Goans but also the lakhs
of others that have migrated to the other countries. With coverage on the Star
network, Goans from all over the world will be glued to their television sets
cheering for their team. “I am really psyched about this new format,” says
musician Abel Fernandes from Swindon. He adds, “For me, the biggest selling
point is the fact that we are half a planet away, yet have the means to relate
to our home soil through the sport that unites Goans – football.”
Every Goan can relate to the name FC Goa, and there is no
doubt that they will surely turn up in large numbers to support their team. FC
Goa will hope that the Nehru Stadium in Fatorda becomes a fortress and bank on
fans to make the environment as hostile as possible for the visiting teams.
Conrad Barretto, founder member of The Football Dugout, says,
“What I hope to see is the unification of fans. For instance, when we saw India
play football matches at the Fatorda stadium, many fans came together as one.
As a Liverpool fan, I hope that we get Robbie Fowler in as the marquee signing.
There were rumours of the same.”
With so many promising signs already on the cards, the
future of the ISL looks most promising for Goan football indeed.
