AGENCIES, NAGPUR: Goa will take on Services in the semi-finals of the 70th National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy, here, on Friday. The kick-off is at 8.30 a.m.
There are a number of International footballers plying their trade in this years tournament. For example, Goa have Francis Fernandes, Peter Carvalho (captain), Rowilson Rodrigues and even Laxmikant Kattimani under the bar.
Services, on the other hand boast of Arjun Tudu and Zain P, both of whom were called for the National Camp prior to the SAFF Suzuki Cup.
Shaji SP, the coach of Services quips, “Experience always helps. Such players can play safe whenever required. But we are from the Army and we will go out and fight. Goa are a good side and boast of several players who have played both in the I-League and the ISL. But we will go for the kill,” he informs.
You put it across to Goa coach Alfred Fernandes and he admits that his players do have the “experience.”
“Yes, they have played on big occasions. But experience doesn’t win you matches. Hopefully our players will go out and perform on the field,” he states.
Nevertheless, captain Peter Carvalho says it’s a “motivation” to play for the State.
“We will go out and give our best. I have been part of a triumphant Santosh Trophy squad and I am dying to be a part of it again. You don’t get the chance to represent your State every day. We are motivated.”
Referring to Services’ envious track record in the Santosh Trophy in recent times, Shaji says it’s a “challenge to carry on the momentum.”
“Sustaining the consistency is a big challenge. It’s a motivation for the squad to carry on the legacy,” he quips. “In our last match, we tried out our bench as some of the players were carrying cards.”
