Team Herald
FATORDA: Ambelim Sports Club and Goa Sevens Sports and Cultural Association announced their second edition of the Goa Sevens Premier League under the aegis of Goa Football Association (GFA), which will be played from April 28 to May 15.
After enjoying great success in the first edition, the Goa Sevens SCA and Ambelim SC together have taken a step ahead to have a bigger and better league this time around.
Addressing the media, Goa Sevens Sports & Cultural Association President Benjamin Silva said, “The first edition of GSPL was a huge success and it gives me great pride to announce that the second edition of the Goa Sevens Premier league which will witness even more thrill as we have expanded the league. This year we will have 12 teams, four more than the previous edition”
“When we first launched the league, we didn’t expect it have such a huge response. Initially we had a mix response having a slow start to the league but as the league matches took off, the crowd joined in numbers,” said Benjamin Silva at the conference hall, Nehru Stadium, Fatorda.
Speaking to media, Goa Football Association (GFA) Vice-president South Schubert Furtado said, “GFA are always there for the development of football and we support this initiative by the Goa Sevens towards the development of football. We will provide all support they need during the tournament.”
GSPL Vice-president Joao Rebello later revealed the League will also give platform for women this year. “This year we will have women’s football as well. We have already shortlisted 72 women footballers for the league who will be placed in six teams. We will announce the teams shortly,” said Joao.
The women’s tournament will also be played in the league cum knock-out phase wherein the top two teams will battle it out in the final.
The tournament will be played in league and knockout phase at a neutral venue –Ambelim Sports Complex. All the matches will be played under floodlights.
The winners will receive Rs.5 lakhs while the runners-up will receive Rs 3 lakhs. GFA along with SAG DSYA and the Tourism department will provide support to this year’s edition.
Earlier GSPL President unveiled the league souvenir in the present of GFA Vice President South Schubert Furtado, GFA members Arnold Costa, John Silva, Jaju Silva, Tournament Co-ordinator Charlton Furtado, GSPL Vice President Joao Rebello, GSPL Treasurer Wilfred Rodrigues and GSPL Development officer Anthony Dias.
