Team Herald
sports@herald-goa.com
PANJIM: The sudden and untimely death of GFA Senior Vice-President Lavinio Rebello last night has plunged Goan football into total darkness.
Rebello had a distinguished career in the Goa Football Association spanning nearly 20 years, first as a treasurer and then as the vice-president. He was also the Deputy Chairperson of the AIFF Futsal & Beach Soccer Committee.
For those who knew Rebello, football was his life. A warrior and a vociferous force who always stood for the just and worked tirelessly towards the development of The Beautiful Game.
“I will stand for the just. Even if I have to fight alone, I will. But I won’t let any corrupt practices in football or any injustice be done to any clubs,” He once stated to Herald.
And for those in football, they will vouch for those words, as Rebello never entertained wrong doings in football and kept a check on the administration. Come what may, he was a vocal force from Bardez, who ensured to pass every hurdle towards his sporting journey.
GFA President Churchill Alemao said he was devastated at the loss of a great patron of football. Lavinio was instrumental in convincing Churchill to contest for GFA President’s post and also his victory.
“I have been in football for decades and many times I was told to contest the GFA elections but I never wanted to. It was just because of Lavinio, I entered GFA and I am heartbroken to hear his loss. The football house wouldn’t be the same without him. It is shocking and unfortunate to have lost a committed and dedicated senior Executive Committee member,” stated Churchill Alemao.
Lavinio proved his strength at various bodies as a winner, defeating some of the big-wigs at various political and sporting elections. Just when it looked like he was about to pull another victory, Rebello lost the battle against the virus as he breathed last on Saturday night. His colleague GFA Executive Member Babli Mandrekar stated, “It’s a huge loss for Goan football which is irreplaceable. You were always the winner and it was very sad and unfortunate that you lost the battle this time, when we thought you were close to overcoming the deadly virus.”
Following his news of death, condolences came pouring in not just from the National body but also from various state associations across the country. Sikkim, Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka State Associations also condoled his death.
AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das stated, “AIFF fraternity is shocked to hear the sad demise of Lavinio Rebello. On behalf of President AIFF Praful Patel and all Staff of AIFF, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family for this tragic & irreparable loss and we pray to God to grant eternal peace to the departed soul and give family members enough strength to bear this irreparable loss.”
Churchill Brothers FC’s CEO Valanka Alemao stated, “Lavinio’s commitment, dedication and passion for football had been unique and admirable. He was a die-hard supporter of the beautiful game. As an organiser he always excelled as his dedication for football was unique indeed. He will be always remembered for his devotion to football.”
GFA General Secretary Jovito Lopes stated, “Lavinio was a great football administrator and took a keen interest in GFA’s functioning. He is known throughout for his love towards football and the void he left will irreplaceable,”
Rebello was a member of the reconstituted GFDC. Besides football, he was a Panchayat member and a former Sarpanch of the Village Panchayat Anjuna-Caisua. and a senior physical education teacher at St Mary’s HS, Mapusa. He was laid to rest on Sunday afternoon at Anjuna.
