Sundays in the monsoons are different from any other. This
is so because, unlike other weekends, which are slotted as days of repose,
rainy Sundays, like today, see the guys flocking to the grounds, wearing their
favourite player’s jerseys to enjoy playing the game, while others gather
around for a dousing sight of sport and fun.
In the village of Pirna in Bardez, the ambiance is
vibrant. With the second annual Pirna Premiere League underway, every young man
of the village can be seen playing the game. Pirna being a small village, no
youngster has been left out of the line up. For those who have lost touch with
the game, warm up and practice sessions have been prescribed, following which,
they are added to the 8 teams. “This is the only time of the year when our
friends can come together and enjoy the sport. The monsoons make for lovely
weather, the body doesn’t get tired easily and since it has been raining for
days, even if we slip and fall, we won’t get hurt,” says Clifton D’Cruz, a
member of the organising committee. Just the sight of fellow villagers
splashing around, tackling and scoring goals makes it an unforgettable
experience wherein the entire village is part of the glee.
Yuva, an NGO association by youth of Panjim, are also
organising their 3rd All Goa 6A-Side Football Tournament. Raghuvir Mahale, Vice
President, says, “There are 16 teams with players in the age group of 16-27 who
participated on Day One of the tournament and team Winners Sports Club has
emerged as first finalist. The second round for the next 16 teams is being held
today, June 21, in Mala on NGPDA Ground and the finals will be played at
5.30pm. The youngsters enjoy the game more in the rains and we get a better
response in this season.”
Myron Fernandes, a player for Dempo Football Club, says,
“Compared to summer, this weather makes the game full of happiness and joy. It’s
the perfect condition for the game but the pitch also should be good, as in a
good natural tuff. For a professional footballer, it’s different playing on wet
soil and muck. This is currently the off season but our football season starts
in mid July. There is no off season for a footballer as we have to continue
with our gym workouts and try to prepare ourselves for the upcoming season.”
Well, the rains are in full swing. So, go ahead and dig out
your football boots and jerseys and head out with your friends for a rousing
and dousing game of football. Goan style!
