JOVITO LOPES
jovito@herald-goa.com
PANJIM: The Duler stadium at Mapusa will finally sport a new turf for the forthcoming season 2023-24, much to the largesse of GFA president Caitano Fernandes, who is ready to shell out Rs 1.80 crore needed for the new synthetic turf approved by FIFA.
It is in keeping with his word at the Annual General Body (AGM) Meeting held at Goa Velha last October that Caitano had given enough hints that he was ready to provide the new turf at GFA’s own stadium at Duler since the present one was totally worn out, despite constant repairs after 11 years of its usage. And of late, monkeys besides dogs have been playing havoc with the surface and damaging the same.
The tender for the work has already been issued on May 3. Caitano did not disclose who was qualified for the work, but reliable sources disclosed that one Victor’s Company based in North Goa had been entrusted with the same. It takes about 45 days or so to procure the material, and another 10 to 20 days or even less than that to transport it and just two days to lay it provided there is enough sunshine.
The GFA it is learnt had approached the Government for the same. Till the answer comes, Caitano has already initiated its payment.
Finally, the prizes for various winners of several official championships pending for the past four years alongwith the present 2022-23 season will be presented at a grand official function to be hosted by Caitano on June 3 at Community Hall in Taleigao which is expected to be attended by 800 invitees, including two representatives of each affiliated club.
The total amount works out to Rs 44 lakh, which has already been advanced by Caitano, with the function being sponsored by him.
Caitano must be applauded for taking the visionary lead on both fronts, advancing his personal finances. Indeed, a fantastic, laudable sporting gesture, as he did not wait for the request made to the Government to release Rs 50 lakh during the National Women’s Football Championship held in Goa.
All the official championships would come to an end on May 31, stated GFA’s senior vice-president Anthony Pango, who hailed Caitano for his all-out support which enabled the association to host nearly 1000 matches this season, despite starting it pretty late.
Pango, who is the Chairperson of Competitions Committee, highlighted that after the successful completion of the Goa Professional League, Third Division League, futsal, women’s juniors and seniors, Taca Goa Under-20, Reliance Cup; the First Division, Second Division, under-13, under-15, under-18 league matches had successfully progressed to the play-off stage which would be followed soon by inter-zonal finals soon. It was due to the superb team work, team spirit and collaborative spirit of so many people, match officials, sub-committees and most importantly, clubs under the leadership of Caitano that the season is coming to a fruitful, successful completion after long time, especially after the Covid scenario, responsible for disrupting the football scenario.
Finally, one could wait with bated breath for May 31 and pray that all is well that ends well. It is a frantic, heavy-load journey, filled with apprehensions, what with sometimes 16 matches per day. Only a professional body could bear such a heavy load, that too with very limited finances. This is exactly where Caitano stands out, pointing out to a new wave of financial supporters for the beautiful game.
