Team Herald
MAPUSA: The fate of the one team to be demoted from the Goa Professional League (GPL) for the 2023-24 season will be decided tomorrow as Velsao SCC face Vasco Club in the last Relegation League match at Nagoa ground, Verna at 4 pm.
There will be another Relegation League match to be played also tomorrow at 4 pm, between Guardian Angel and Panjim Footballers, but both teams are so placed that they are above the relegation zone threat.
Velsao have 11 points and are just one point ahead of Vasco, who have 10 points. As such, a draw is enough for Velsao to retain the place in the main league, while Vasco must record an outright victory.
Coach Eban Mesquita of Velsao, stated that his team was in commanding position before the start of the Relegation League but having lost all their three league matches, especially to Guardian Angel 2-3 it has put them in a critical situation. “Anyway, a draw would be enough to remain in the league but our boys will go out for an outright win. Thinking about success makes one more likely to be successful than thinking about failure,” commented Eban
Vasco SC in-charge, Micky Fernandes said his team was unlucky in many GPL matches having collected just six points. “However, in the Relegation League we have fared better collecting four points from two matches. Having lost the last match to Guardian Angel we are now in a do-or-die situation tomorrow. Our boys have promised to give their best and go all out for a victory,” added Micky.
It will be a very high-pressure game for the players, and it will depend on how the coaches create a positive environment in the dressing room. It will be important not to allow the pressure to creep in. Most importantly, the match officials and especially the referee will have to act as a neutral and independent person strictly enforcing the rules as per the Laws of the Game. Certainly, they will also be under stress, but one can surely hope that they will deal with the pressure situations professionally.
