PORVORIM: Prajesh Bandodkar expressed confidence that his team Goan Lions will gain success at the Goa Corporate League which will begin from March 3 at the Goa Cricket Academy ground, Porvorim.
Prajesh, proprietor of M S Lotlikar Jewellers-Vasco and a cricketer himself has sponsored the Goa Lions team which will be led by captain Sagun Kamat.
Goa Lions will play their first game against RBI on March 4 at 2 p.m.
The league will feature eight teams, divided in two groups, fighting for the title. The teams include D Y Patil, ONGC, Air India and Vijaya Bank in Group A while Indian Oil Corporation, Tata Sports, RBI and Goa Lions in Group B.
“It is not about sponsorship but my passion toward the game which motivated me to be a part of GCL through my teams participation. I have played cricket in various local tournaments and still playing for Al Fatah Cricket Club in ‘A’ division matches organised by Goa Cricket Association every year. I have seen some immensely talented youngsters such as Veer Yadav and a few more and was impressed by their playing skills”, said Prajesh while addressing the media.
“My primary objective is to promote and encourage cricket among the youth of Goa. I have seen many young players with good talent but not able to make it to higher levels due to lack of facilities and proper guidance. I basically want to motivate and encourage such players and give them a platform to showcase their talent at higher levels,” he added.
“My dream is to see some of our talented players to be part of our Indian cricket team in the near future”, he added.
Jamir Carol, manager and mentor of Goan Lions said, “this year we have one team which is very good and I am confident we will bring home the cup”.
“We have all the players from Goa and a few outside professional players. Presence of these professional and experienced players in our team will help our Goan players to get the right exposure and to learn a lot from the game”, he added.
