Team Herald
sports@herald-goa.com
PANJIM: Two-times national champions –Churchill Brothers Sports Club will look to carry on Goa’s pride at the national platform as they are set to return to the I-League following the New Delhi High Court’s decision on Monday.
Churchill Brothers–which were knocked out of I-league along with two other Clubs –Mohammedan Sporting and Rangdajied United after failing to fulfil the licensing criteria in September 2014, have been now considered to join back the league by the Delhi Court.
“The court observed that considering the legacy, undying passion, the rich history and the popularity of Churchill Brothers Sports Club all over India, this is something AIFF needs to consider to take the club back in the I-League. Their track record, except for AFC, is something that every club doesn’t have, and this is what they (AIFF) need to look into,” said Churchill Brothers CEO Valanka Alemao.
“The petition filed by AIFF was dismissed and the court in it’s order gave 15 days to settle the issue which the federation agreed,” she informed.
Churchill Bros –popularly known as the Red Machines –is one of the most successful club in the country. The Goan club pleaded their case before FIFA and also fought a legal battle for the past two years and the club CEO was jubilant over the court decision to be in their favour.
“The camp is elated, they can’t believe,” she exclaimed.
“Finally the court gave us justice and God is great. Because it’s something you do for passion and selfless attempt to the constitution to Indian football which my father (Churchill Alemao) has been doing over decade and God has rewarded him today,” Valanka expressed.
The decision of the court has revitalised Goa’s presence at the national platform after the three football giants –Dempo SC, Sporting Clube de Goa and Salgaocar FC joining hands in their battle against the AIFF Road Map which considers the I-League to be country’s second tier league with no promotion to the top tier league –Indian Super League. As Sporting Clube and Salgaocar FC already withdrawing from the league and Dempo SC yet to make the official statement though sources revealed that the club has already decided to opt out of the upcoming I-League season.
“This year we need to give a lot of potential for Goan players, a chance to play. It is very sad and unfortunate that Sporting Clube and Salgaocar FC have withdrawn from the I-League. I’m hoping and want the younger blood to come in,” said Valanka.
Though absent at the national platform, Churchill Brothers continued to ply their trade in Goa Pro League and other GFA youth level tournaments. The Varca-based club is currently in eighth position in the local league and now with I-League in sight, the CEO believes there is a need in bolstering the squad.
“We have a young squad and we’ll have to make some changes. We have to sit and discuss and consider many aspects. But the coaching staff shall remain the same. They have worked very hard and everybody has the hope and dream of playing in the I-League and God has been really kind,” Valanka added.
The Club boasts one of the biggest and energetic fan-base in the State.
“It’s a proud moment for the fans as every time they would ask me about the decision. They are very passionate. They have a lot of love and affection towards the club. And this has been successful because of their blessings and good wishes,” Valaka said.
Valanka expressed her gratitude towards club supremo Churchill Alemao for his belief and faith in her to carry the club’s responsibility.
“Though I’m the CEO, it was my father who had the blind belief in his daughter and without his faith in me, we couldn’t reach so far. It’s all cause of my father (Churchill Alemao) I could go this far and give this gift to him as he loved the club more than his children,” Valanka said.
“We are looking forward towards a better and younger Churchill Bros as the club is about Goa and the Goans have to get the best out of it,” she concluded.
