On January 22, 2017, Goa lost one of its
finest football fans in Matias (popularly known
as Matthew of Matus) Mergulhao. The reason
Matthew stood apart, was primarily because
of his love for the game at a level which
was devoid of hype. He wasn’t one of the
characters easily spotted at an ISL game or
a Champion’s League screening. He was the
kind of fan that would be ever-present at an
inter village, Goa league or I-League game.
From being ever-vocal and urging ‘his team’-
Dempo forward, to travelling any distance to
watch them play, the son of Calata, Majorda
was as regular fixture at most local games in
Goa.
And his steadfast devotion to the sport
stems from his fibre itself. Sarah Ruth
Tauro, Matthew’s young cousin, recalls her
experiences with him, saying “Matthew
always was a very jolly and fun-loving
member of our family. Apart from being an
ardent football fan, he was also a man of deep
faith. He would always carry his Bible with
him, when he would visit us to pray with my
mum. He would religiously visit Pilar church
to pray, as well.”
