Team Herald
PANJIM: Tragedy struck the Grandmasters South Goa team when one of its players Jose Antao suffered a heart attack and passed away at the quadrangular series of veterans football match against Pondicherry Veterans in Puducherry on Saturday. He was 63.
Derrick Pereira, the former international, who led the team, said, “Jose played for 10 minutes and came off due to rolling substitutions. He was resting and seemed ok. At half time, he was all right. After the match, however, Jose said he was experiencing some pain. He was not looking comfortable and he was rushed to the hospital.”
Derrick said, “The doctors tried to revive him at the hospital, but they could not. I do not know if he passed away en-route. I have not received the report. We are on our way back. The body will be in Goa by September 2.”
Jose’s teammates enjoyed his company and described him as a jovial and fun-loving character. His death has left the team devastated. Jose did not play any professional football, but enjoyed the game to remain fit and to be with his group of friends. He was the former Sarpanch of Guirdolim.
Agostinho Antao, a former sarpanch from Guirdolim, said, “Jose was a social worker and very helpful to the people. He was involved in the Fabrica activities and did a lot of work for the villagers in his ward. He would certainly be missed by everyone.”