PANJIM: 1,185.9 kms away in Bhavnagar, Goa’s 20 best footballers along with coach Anthony Levino Pereira will be in action against Daman and Diu as the State continues their chase for their sixth Santosh Trophy title.
Goa last won the crown in the 2008-09 and came closest in getting the trophy back to State when they hosted the tournament in 2016-17 where they lost against Bengal in the final.
This will be coach Pereira’s second consecutive outing with the Senior men’s team. His first campaign remained incomplete after the COVID-19 pandemic struck the world and stopped almost every sporting event.
Now that the gaffer has been handed a second chance, he looks to complete the mission of getting the trophy back to the State. But first. He has his mind set on his first mission i.e. the west zone qualifiers which are undergoing in Gujarat.
“We had an excellent camp and the preparations have been good. The players are in better shape. After our trip, we had a good training session and the boys are eager to play,” stated Anthony.
The last time the two sides met, Goa had an easy 2-0 win over their opponents. However, coach Anthony Levino Pereira expects it wouldn’t be the same as before and is ready for the challenge which awaits for his side on Tuesday.
“We play against Daman and Diu and I can’t say it will be easy. It is always tough playing on a neutral venue and on any given day any team can win. We have to respect our opponents. But one thing I can say about my team is, we are prepared for this challenge.”
However, this year, though the coaching staff is the same, the gaffer has a completely different squad. Almost the entire squad is new as compared to the previous team he managed.
“All the players in the squad have justified their selection in the team. They are technically and tactically good and matured. We have the quality and now our aim is to win all the three games at the west zone qualifiers.
GFA President Churchill Alemao said, “We have to win the Santosh Trophy and I beleive the team will help us achieve the goal. I would like to wish Coach Anthony and Goa State team good luck for this zonal qualifiers.”
Clive Miranda
The Sporting Clube de Goa has grown over the years and has been enjoying its best campaign in Goa Pro League. The centre back has been strong in aerial duels and even better with man-marking. Clive can also play as a defensive/central midfielder and his impressive play against Churchill Bros saw him score a goal as well and hold the play to earn crucial three points for his side. His presence in the Goa team can give an edge for coach Anthon.
Jovial Dias
The young FC Goa striker boasts plenty of potential ability and has already proved why he is one of the finest talents in the Goa league scoring goals and by providing assists. The youngster might be an U-20 player, but he is matured enough in the game and has scored against top defence lines in the Goa Pro League. With an attacking formation used by the coach, we can expect goals from the youngster.
Saiesh Bagkar
Another U-20 player having graduated from the Dempo Sports Club has been a primary source of creativity for Samir Naik’s team in the Goa Pro League with great effect. His ability to play at the half-turn and the urgency in his style of play have added a cutting edge to Dempo SC side and his presence in the middle of the part can help Goa get the required creativity in the middle.
