Goa football fraternity in grief
TEAM HERALD
sports@herald-goa.com
MAPUSA: Baptist Fernandes, Goa’s 1983 Santosh Trophy winner passed away at GMC hospital, Bambolim on Saturday, early morning.
It was a freak accident four days back in Morjim, where Baptist was hit by another two-wheeler. He was 53 years old and lived in Siolim.
As a striker, Baptist was one of the first Junior Internationals of Goa and part of Dempo Sports Club’s golden age from 1981-1990s, where he spent his career for over 10 years from 1979 till early 90s.
Baptist rubbed shoulders with players like Camilo Gonsalves, Mauricio Afonso, Jose Fernandes, Alex Fernandes, Mario Soares, Lector Mascarenhas, goalkeeper Chandrakant Naik.
In 1982, the club won the Bandodkar Trophy by beating Salgaocar 3–0. They then won the trophy again in 1983 against ITI 5-1 and again in 1984 against Salgaocar Sports Club, this time 2-0. Dempo then won the Rovers Cup again in 1986 against Mohun Bagan. After that Dempo Sports Club once again won the Bandodkar Trophy in 1986. The club also won the Goa Pro League during the 1986 and 1987 season.
Baptist will be fondly remembered for his spectacular display in the finals of 1986 Rovers Cup, where he scored both the goals in the 2-0 triumph against Mohun Bagan. His other achievements include 1981 Junior National winners at Ernakulam.
“Sad news, we lost a great footballer and a coach. He was part of Dempo Sports Club’s golden era. I pray his soul may rest in peace and condole his family and wish his sons may follow their father’s footsteps,” expressed Lavinio Rebello, GFA vice-president (North).
Anthony Fernandes, from Assagao said, “I was shocked to hear the news about Baptist. I accompanied him twice during Junior Nationals as a manager and from that I can say he was a nice and humble person. The young players who he used to train as a SAG coach will certainly miss his knowledge and inputs about the sport. I extend my heartfelt sympathies to his family.”
Tony Remedios, former GFA’s vice-president and president of Saligao Sporting Club felt that the football fraternity was very unfortunate to lose Baptist at such a young age.
“It’s very sad to lose Baptist at such a young age. He was my junior in my playing days and a very helpful person. It’s a loss for the youngsters, who trained under him, especially in the Bardez Taluka,” said Remedios.
Babli Mandrekar and Gajan Kerkar, GFA’s executive members also conveyed their heartfelt sympathies to Baptist’s family.
Dempo Sports Club also mourned the untimely death of their former player on their Facebook page and conveyed their heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family.
Baptist is survived by his wife Margaret and sons Jerry and Joel.
