MARGAO: Former Goa and Dempo stalwart, Felix Barreto passed away on Sunday morning, after a brief illness.
Hailed as one of Goa’s best ever defenders, Felix, was the mainstay of the Dempo SC football team’s defensive quartet, comprising of Socorro Coutinho, Nicholas Pereira and Rosario Rodrigues.
Having offers from various top Clubs in India, Felix stayed loyal to Dempo’s for 12 years, until his retirement in 1980.
During this period, he helped Dempo win the Rover’s Cup, Stafford Cup, Nizam Trophy, the Bandodkar Gold Trophy, the Goa League and many other local and All India Tournaments.
After retiring as an active player, Felix took up coaching. The former defender also coached Salcete Football Club for over 6 years during the 1990’s. Under his guidance, SFC achieved great success
The club won the Mini Rovers Cup, the West Zone Federation Cup and many other trophies. SFC were the runners-up in the Bandodkar Gold Trophy in 1991 and the Goa League in the same year under his guidance. He groomed many players who went on to play for top clubs as well as the National team
After retiring as the Manager of the Dempo Store in Margao, Felix continued with his association with the game.
He was a committee member of CRC Chinchinim and the coach of the Chinchinim U-14 team and an active member of Salcete FC and AWES. Felix was a regular at the CRC ground where he used to go for walks every evening.
GFA vice-president (South Goa) Anthony Pango, GFA ex-executive member Arnald Costa, Gen Secretary of Benifica Youth Club Bernardinho Velho, Salcete FC president Joe Dias and the football fraternity condoled his untimely demise.
