PANJIM: The football fraternity of Goa had a treat during the second edition of the Indian Super League (ISL) due to the performance of the home team. The ISL has grown in stature and there is more to come in the New Year with the I-League set to commence from January 9. Stars such as Roberto Carlos, Lucio and Elano dazzled their way further into the hearts of Indian fans while a few domestic players succeeded to make an impact.
The ‘Beautiful Game’ has brought a sense of togetherness in Goa with FC Goa emerging as runners-up in the tournament. But did the Goan players in the league benefit?
Salgaocar FC had nine players from their team featuring in the cash rich tournament and Head Coach Malky Thomson hopes the fans show support to the I-League.
“The ISL has put India firmly on the football map because of the traction and visibility primarily via global broadcasting channels. The signing of Chris Dagnall is a case in point. So certainly the league is drawing a lot of attention the world over and has done very well in terms of drawing crowds back to watch football live! I can only hope that the same enthusiasm is shown by the fans when the I-League kicks-off in January,” he said.
Pacy winger, Mandar Rao Desai made the most appearances after featuring 15 times for his side and also was the highest Goan scorer with three crucial strikes to his tally. Teammate Romeo Fernandes, who rose to stardom last season made a slow start but managed to play on 14 occasions and scored twice.
But it was largely goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani that emerged the brightest prospect from the State as the lad from Cansaulim was trusted by his Manager, the legendary Zico ahead of Brazilian born Portuguese custodian Elinton Andrade. Kattimani went on to make 13 appearances with three clean sheets and the 26-year-old even received a call up for the National team by Head Coach, Stephen Constantine.
Atletico de Kolkata defender Augustin Fernandes and Kerala Blasters FC playmaker Cavin Lobo were the Goan duo that made it into the India camp which is preparing for the ongoing Suzuki SAFF Cup.
“There’s no doubt that the Goan and Indian players would have stood to benefit immensely not just from being coached by experienced figures such as Zico, Roberto Carlos to name but a few, but also the day-to-day training and contact with top level players. Unfortunately however, with only five Indians playing at any one time for each team, the number of Indian players and even less so the Goan players who have featured regularly can be counted in one hand. Mandar and Romeo most certainly won the hearts of all Goans and I am personally extremely proud of players such as Augustin Fernandes, Keenan Almeida, Nicolau Colaco, Gilbert Oliveira and Albino Gomes who contributed to their respective team’s cause,” added the Sagaocar coach.
There are many talented Goan footballers that did not feature in the ISL and are now gearing up to prove a point in the forthcoming I-League, the primary league of the country.
Head coach of Vasco SC, Eban Mesquita felt that ISL is not promoting Indian football but only glamour. “If they were playing five foreigners, then it would be okay. Where is the room for Indian players to develop? Foreign players are paid more and Indian players are paid less. Is this the right formula” Eban questioned.
When asked about their sustainability, he hit back strongly and said, “Where will the money come from? Sponsors are countable on your fingers. We spend nearly 30 lakhs per season which is not a joke and moreover, the prize money is just two and a half lakh so does the equation tally?”
It must also be noted that the Goa Football Association has failed to rope in any sponsors for their league past two seasons.
GFA Executive Member and President of Pro League outfit Curtorim Gymkhana, Arnaldo Costa was of the opinion that the ISL was a carnival of three months and should be merged with the I-League for the betterment of Indian football.
“More foreigners are given a chance to play than Indian players. The ISL has not benefited us. It has only entertained us. We need minimum of 15 lakhs to run our team in the Goa Pro League and somehow we manage funds but how long we can bank on sponsors? I-League and ISL should be merged. Some foreigners requested me to include them in the team but I refused and reserved the chance for our local talent,” said Costa.
President of Santa Cruz Club of Cavelossim, Dionisio Dias echoed the same sentiments. “The ISL has focused on entertainment. During one ISL match at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, a family asked me which teams were playing which only shows the lack of knowledge in football. The impact of ISL on Goa Pro League and I-league is that the attendance has come down. At least the inter-village tournaments attract more crowds. Indian players have to be more than the foreigners,” stated Dionisio.
