CLINTON D’SOUZA
PANJIM: A few days after signing on the dotted line, FC Goa stars Seriton Fernandes and Princeton Rebello now aim to win the prestigious Indian Super League title.
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The duo signed their respective extensions for another two years keeping them with the Gaurs till 2024.
“I feel very good and proud to have extended my stay with FC Goa for another two years. Just like the fans, I dream of winning the ISL trophy with FC Goa and this is my aim in the next two years,” said Seriton who spoke on the Sports Talkies show on Herald TV.
Princeton Rebello who accompanied his teammate shared a similar dream ahead of the upcoming season. “To be honest first of all it is a proud moment for me and my family to wear the FC Goa jersey. Like the fans and the people of Goa, we want to win the ISL trophy this year. In football, you never know when it will come but our aim is to win it,”said Rebello.
Princeton who was sidelined with injuries for most part of the previous season shared his experience of how he coped with the adversities. “Injuries are part of an athlete’s career. It is up to the person how to face such lows. For me it was about maintaining a strong mentality to go forward with the situation. Although these injuries occured often, I managed to play 17 matches last season. I plan to work hard and improve on my fitness,” Princeton said.
As COVID plagued the squad during the season, the players said it was a difficult time to stay in the bio bubble.
“Last season, it was very difficult as we were suffering in the bio bubble where there were no fans and other supporters. We couldn’t manage with this absence. However, with the upcoming season I’m sure with the presence of the fans we will improve as a whole and meet our targets,” said the Quepem-based lad.
The Gaurs played much of their football in the bio bubble. Tournaments like the Durand Cup, and Super Cup were played in the absence of supporters.
“It was very difficult to train and be confined to just one room. There were instances where we couldn’t visit our own teammates in their respective rooms with the increasing number of COVID cases.”
“It is not easy for anyone to live in a bio bubble for 6 months and this also impacted our performances to an extent. We had to be mentally strong by engaging ourselves with other activities as well,” he said.
The duo is relishing to work under the newly-appointed coach Carlos Pena who once shared the dressing room with them.
“We shared the dressing room 2 years back and now it will be a privilege to have him as our manager. He always motivated me to work hard and be patient, especially during my initial days with FC Goa when I was just breaking into the starting XI. I hope to improve as a person and player under his guidance, said Rebello.
“Pena has a great opportunity to take this FC Goa side to the next level. I am looking forward to working with him,” stated Fernandes.
The Gaurs also are looking forward to playing in front a packed Fatorda stadium as the upcoming ISL season looks to welcome the fans back in attendance.
“Initially, before COVID, when the stadiums use to be filled with fans, I did not get enough opportunities to perform in front of them. Now that I am getting my regular chances I am looking forward to playing in front of them. We hope their presence will be the difference this season,” explained Princeton.
“I am just waiting for this opportunity so that the fans can watch us. The game is incomplete without them as they are the 12th man. They have helped us and guided us with their undying support over the years,” Fernandes stated.
