Dempo SC march into Golden Jubilee year

PANJIM: Dempo Sports Club, the five-time National champions march into the Golden Jubilee Year on the occasion of the birth centenary of Dempo Group founder late Vasantrao S Dempo, on Friday.

Dempo Sports Club was originally started as Bicholim FC in early 1960’ however in 1967 the club was renamed as Dempo SC after the Dempo Group’s founder Vasantrao Dempo purchased the entire stakes of the club.

Dempo SC won the first silverware in 1972 winning the Goan Senior League. The Goan club didn’t take long to create their mark at the national platform as they lifted the Rovers Cup in 1975. From there on, there was no looking back for the club as they lifted the coveted crown twice in 1978, 1979 and the rest is history.

The club have experienced success, glory as well as failure over the past 49 years. Dempo SC won five national titles and also got relegated twice in 1999-2000 season and 2014-15 season but their fighting spirit has not faded over the years.

At present, The Golden Eagles are plying their trade in the country’s second tier football league – Second Division I-League to get back into the I-League.

Speaking on the occasion, Dempo SC President, Shrinivas Dempo, who is also the co-owner of FC Goa assured the players that he would not shut the club by any means as it was his grandfather’s dream.

“The club was my grandfather’s dream and he started it and I will not shut down anything he started,” said Dempo.

Though the club got relegated last season, Dempo said that failures helps in the overall growth and urged the players to give their best in the final round of qualification.

“Last year we got relegated but that’s not the end. We have to give our best and qualify for I-League,” said Dempo.

Earlier Dempo along with club general secretary, Wilfred D’Souza; head coach Mauricio Afonso and senior player Samir Naik unveiled the club’s golden jubilee logo as well as Dempo SC limited edition jersey at Dempo House, Panjim to mark the entry into the golden jubilee year.

Dempo SC start their Second Division I-League final round on March 26 against Gangtok Himalayan SC in Gangtok.