PANJIM:In their pursuit for the third SAFF U-15 crown, India began their campaign with a thumping 5-0 win against Nepal on Wednesday. Coach Bibiano Fernandes’ boys ran riot over their opponents! The result was evident considering the transformation and revolution brought in by the former Sporting Clube de Goa captain after taking over as the head coach in the junior team. However, there was more to cherish for Goa.
This was a much-awaited game for the Goans as, after a long gap, they finally saw a young Goan – Shameek Vas donning the National colours. Shameek Vas, the Dempo SC junior player, was introduced in the game when India led 4-0 but debutant Shameek managed to make a mark and impressed the coach with the limited time he had on the pitch.
India U-15 Head Coach Bibiano Fernandes said, “It was good start for this championship, but still there’s a long way to go. Our boys are motivated and are in good frame of mind. Shameek had the feel for the last 20 minutes against Nepal, I liked Shameek’s hunger and desire to play for the National Team, this is more important. I hope he goes a long way in his football carrier.”
Shameek couldn’t hide his joy as the lad’s excitement could be felt in his words as he spoke after the match. “I am delighted to play for the country and being in the Indian team requires a lot of dedication, hard work and focus, but doing what I love makes it a lot easier for me. I shall continue to make the best of the chances given to me and will continue to work hard,” expressed Shameek Vas.
Shameek — a tenacious tackler and equally flamboyant attacking player– has a strong left foot and considering his speed and ability to spray crosses made him one of the best defenders in the State. In Goa league the lad dictated on the field and his presence boosted the team. One good example is the GFA U-16 League State final when Dempo SC trailed 1-0 at the break against Sporting Clube de Goa, and that’s when Shameek was introduced in the game. Despite being down with high fever Shameek took the field and assisted in the goal and almost scored the match winner for his team. Sadly the academy boys lost in the tie-breaker against their Panjim rivals.
“Football has always been my first love, from the age of three. My first training was with the Brazil Football Academy which I thoroughly enjoyed. Since then it has been my dream to play for India,” quipped the Porvorim based lad, who was spotted by Bibiano who was in the process of setting up the U-15 India team for the AFC Championship. Bibiano was present during one of the Goa League matches.
The left back is extremely adept at reading the game and comes up trumps when it comes to charging up and delivering accurate crosses more often than not.
During his brief 20 minutes on the field Shameek didn’t miss any passes and also displayed his crossing ability and the lad thanked the head coach for giving him space to showcase his abilities.
“It’s great training under coach Bibiano. He allows us to be ourselves on the field and focuses on our strengths. It is a great experience being with the team. I have had the opportunity to play with players from all over the country. We have had a lot of exposure too which has helped build our confidence,” said Shameek.
Shameek is among the first set of players to be privileged to be part of Dempo Sports Club academy and the lad humbly obliged and said, “Joining the academy was the best thing that happened to me. The atmosphere at the academy was fun and made learning so much easier. I’ve had a lot of help from my coaches at Dempo – Coach Remus Gomes and Coach Vaman Chari. The coaches were always very encouraging,” said Shameek who joined the academy at the age of 13.
India are currently top with three points and will play their next game against Bhutan on August 25.
