PANJIM: FC Goa probably boasts of having one of the tournament’s strongest and best midfield. Whether it’s regarding the foreign players –Ahmed Jahouh, Edu Bedia, Hugo Boumous, Miguel Palanca etc or the Indians – Lenny Rodrigues, Brendon Fernandes, Mandar Rao Desai, Jackichand Singh, Coach Sergio Lobera definitely has talent at his exposure to fill in the line-up.
It wouldn’t be difficult just for the players to break into the team but will also put Sergio Lobera in the mix to name the top-four on the paper as FC Goa’s midfielders had an impressive pre-season so far.
However, the inclusion of development squad upcoming talent Princeton Rebello have surely paid off for the Gaurs as the youngster has excelled for FC Goa playing among the ranks of the stars and might even be a contender to earn a place in the team.
“I’m very happy about playing for the senior team as it’s every youngsters dream to play for FC Goa,” said Princeton Rebello.
Goa’s upcoming talent Princeton didn’t take long to make his presence felt after scoring against Cartagena B in his second match for the Gaurs in the pre-season in Spain.
Despite excelling for FC Goa in the time handed by the coaching staff during the practice matches, the youngster knows it wouldn’t be easy for him to break into Segio’s XI.
“There are many players like Edu Bedia, Ahmed Jahouh, Lenny and they are experienced and even though I’m an youngster playing with them it will be difficult for me to break in to that position though I’ve been playing on the wings now,” confessed Princton.
“This year the squad is really good as most of the players are very experienced and the new foreigners who have joined us are also very good. It has been a great experience training and practicing with the senior team. It’s definitely a best opportunity for me and I should take it,” Princeton revealed at the sidelines of the training session at Bambolim Athletic Stadium.
“I’ll just give my best. I’ll work hard. There will be lot many difficulties coming my ways in the days to come but that wouldn’t stop me as I shall continue to give my best,” he added.
“I had an opportunity to play in England but playing for the National team and wearing the FC Goa jersey was my dream and it is come true,” Princeton said.
The midfield maestro, known for his ability to read the game and as a playmaker, was part of the FC Goa development squad last season, however, Princeton had to join former India junior Coach Luis Norton de Matos at Indian Arrows to play in the I-League. However, his brief spell with the development squad caught the eye of FC Goa Head Coach Sergio Lobera and it was inevitable of his call for the senior team.
“Last season I couldn’t be part of the main team as I was with the India junior National team and Indian Arrows but this year I will take this opportunity and give my best to prove my worth,” Princeton explained.
Princeton praised the head coach and said, “He is giving us lot of confidence for us to play. He hasn’t put any pressure on us. He motivates us most of the time, even when we make mistakes, he encourages us,”
Commenting on the home stadium atmosphere, Princeton said “The fans are great support for us and they give us lot of motivation. We should make the best use of it.”
On Tuesday, Princeton scored the match-winner for the Gaurs against the spirited Indian Arrows, late into the game.
“It’s always nice to score but what’s more important is taking the chances you get. I’m glad I was given the opportunity to go on the field and prove my worth,” said Princeton who came in as a second half substitute. He now has two senior team goals to his name.
