PANJIM: Four Goans are among the 22-member squad which has travelled to Malaysia where they are slated to play four friendly matches against AMD U16/17 on August 29, August 31, September 2 and September 5.
Frevino Fernandes, Clarence Fernandes, Vellington Fernandes and Harsh Shailesh Patre are the four Goan players from the GFDC academy and were part of the Churchill Brothers FC club during the last season. “I am very happy for these players. The boys have made the best use of the platform they got and have achieved their feat,” said Churchill Brothers FC President Churchill Alemao, who is also the Goa Football Association President.
“This is all possible because of GFDC Managing Director Aleixo Costa who ensured that the players get a club to perform and showcase their talent and tied up with Churchill Brothers to give the academy boys a platform,” added Churchill Alemao “And due to this they got national exposure in the form of I-League wherein they were spotted by the scouts,” explained Churchill.
It could be recalled there were plenty of debates in the recently concluded Goa Assembly and for the first time in many years, there are four Goan players in the India U-16 team.
Churchill Alemao also thanked the Chief Minister Pramod Sawant and Sports Minister Babu Azgaonkar for their support. “This was all possible because of our dynamic Chief Minister Sawant and Sports Minister Babu who have supported me in promoting football in the State. Not forgetting the Club CEO Valanka Alemao, who works tirelessly in taking the club ahead,” concluded Churchill Alemao.
When contacted GFDC Managing Director Alexio Costa said, “This is the hard work that GFDC is doing since 2012 which bore fruits today. We have been able successfully grooming, nurturing and training the boys to come at National level.”
“We are grateful to Churchill Bros for providing the boys a platform to compete at GFA as well as AIFF competitions. That is the platform they got to showcase their skills and their performance took them to the national level. I congratulate the boys and I hope they become future stars of our country” concluded Costa.
A delighted Technical Head of GFDC Derryl D’souza said, “Hard work pays off. My congratulations to the four players. Iwish them a productive tournament abroad. It is a proud moment for Goa and GFDC.”
