TEAM HERALD
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VASCO: Churchill Bros chairman, Churchill Alemao was delighted that his club had won the prestigious National football title in front of the home supporters.
“I feel proud to win the I-League for the second time and winning on home soil makes it more special. Bagan tried their best to spoil our party but God was with us. The players and coaching staff have to be credited for their performance throughout the season. Even after playing in the AFC Cup, they kept their focus on the I-League,” said Alemao.
Churchill felt that the cash prize of Rs 70 lakh, should be raised to Rs five crore as the players will now start demanding better contracts, incentives and the pressure of retaining a champion team.
“The prize money is not enough to cover one of the top player’s salary,” said Alemao who raised the salary of the players in Goa but is now feeling the pinch.
“Leading teams in the I-League spend anywhere between Rs 12-16 crore annually and I feel that AIFF should enhance the winners prize money to Rs 5 crore.”
Alemao predicted better days ahead for Indian football and felt the possible direct entry of two new clubs in the I-League could be a game-changer.
“I think this is the best team ever and I hope they keep on performing creditably always. We had the perfect balance of youth and experience which thankfully worked out very well for us,” stated Churchill Bros’ CEO Valanka Alemao.
Meanwhile, captain Ravanan was all-smiles lifting his first I-League Trophy. “This is my first I-League title and winning it as a captain makes it very special”, shouted Ravanan to make his point as the party had just begun.
Meanwhile, GFA’s vice-president Lavinio Rebello, Savio Messias, Arjuna Awardee Brahmanand Sancoalcar, Anthony Fernandes of Manora Youth Club Raia congratulated Churchill Bros on their excellent performance which proved once again that it’s Goa which is the mecca of Indian football. “Kudos to Churchill Bros for topping the League, thus making Goa proud,” they added.
GFA’s vice-president Elvis Gomes, Schubert Furtado, Alirio Lobo, Anthony Pango, Babli Mandrekar, Savio Messias, Lawrence Gomes, Prakash Naik, AIFF’s ex-general secretary Alberto Colaco were among those who witnessed the crucial match.
