Ceatano Fernandes popularly known as ‘Catao’ was laid to rest, at Our Lady of Hope church, Chinchinim. The funeral cortege left the residence at 3.30 pm for the Eucharistic celebration at St Anthony’s Chapel, Deussua.
Catao began his career with St Bosco High School, Chinchinim. He then played for Salgaocar Sports Club, but it was only with Caltex Sports Club, Mumbai (1960-1963) that he made headlines.
He returned to Goa in 1964 and joined Vasco Sports Club to team up with legendary striking quartet of Andrew D’Souza, Bernard Pereira and Domnic Soares . He was also a part of the Goa Santosh Trophy teams between 1966 to 1970.
Savio Messais, former GFA Secretary and a life long Vasco Sports Club supporter recalled Catao’s distinction of not receiving the red card in his entire career.
“Catao was Goa’s greatest footballer .You don’t get to see player of his stature and class any more who was a well respected and simple man,” said Armando Colaco, former National coach, East Bengal and Dempo.
“Catao did immense good for Goan football,” said Socorro Coutinho, former Dempo coach in his condolence message.
“As a player he always motivated his team-mates and kept them in positive spirit,” added Coutinho.
Peter Valles, Technical Director of Salgaocar Football Club and former Vasco footballer dubbed Catao his mentor and counted himself lucky for getting an opportunity to play for Vasco Sports Club .
Schubert Furtrado, GFA Vice president (South) Mauricio Afonso Assistant coach of Dempo Sports Club, former India Captain , Felipe Neri Rodrigues , Ex Water Resources Minister , Mario Soares, Assistant coach of Salgaocar FC , Mahesh Lotlikar, former India Defender, Maurcio Pinto, former Sesa Goa footballer, Socrates, former Vasco footballer, Mathew Rodrigues, former Dempo stopper Joe Dias, Vice president of Salcete Football Club, Oscar D’Costa , secretary of Sirlim Sports Club, Cyril Leitao ,vice president of CRC, Chinchinim, Jerry Fernandes, former Dempo footballer and Arnaldo Costa GFA paid tributes to the Goan legend.
