NAVELIM: Goa last clinched the coveted Santosh Trophy back in the 2008-09 season but the prospects are high to bring the trophy back to the State with the addition of quality players.
Herald spoke exclusively to the Goa Head Coach, Alfred Fernandes at the Rosary ground Navelim and the gaffer sounded confident to put up a good show with the preparatory camp going in full swing.
“We will not take any team on easy grounds and our plan is to move over and fight with a positive mind in concentration to achieve our goal,” said Alfred on Saturday.
The Churchill Bros Sc coach is trying his best to get the Santosh Trophy to Goa which has been a long wait. He believes his squad has got both, experienced as well as talented youngsters with the inclusion of FC Goa star goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani, Denzil Franco, Francis Fernandes, Milagres Gonsalves, Romeo Fernandes and others.
Alfred also informed that they are waiting for clearance from the All India Football Federation with regards to Romeo after the midfielder had failed to report for the National camp in Bengaluru ahead of the SAFF Cup in December 2015 which was eventually won by India under coach Stephen Constantine.
Youngsters like Valerian, Richard Costa, Elvis Barretto, Shalum, Nickson Castanha, Mohammed Ali, Beevan D’Mello, Agnelo are an integral part of the team which will be cut down to 20 from the present 26.
