MARGAO: Football is loved by all in the State, especially in the villages. The inter-village football tournaments conducted by the Goa Football Association (GFA) draws huge crowds, more than the official GFA tournaments.
Making an impact at inter-village level is 22-yeard-old Jovisco Fernandes from Colva, who dons colours for his village side St Anthony Sports Club.
The striker is a young and talented product of Infant Jesus High School, Colva. As a student, Jovisco fell in love with ‘The Beautiful Game’ at a young age and improved from time.
Playing for his club as a striker, Jovisco is very much known for his goal scoring ability which has bagged him headlines on several occasions in the local dailies.
Jovisco started his junior career at Ave Maria Sports Club, Benaulim as striker for their U-12 football team.
His skill and hard-work did not go unnoticed as Varca giants Churchill Brothers Sports Club picked him up for their U-18 and U-20 team under the watchful eyes of coach Alfred Fernandes.
Jovisco’s major breakthrough though came in 2-13-14 season when he represented Vasco SC, one of Goa’s oldest clubs. The following season, Jovisco was roped in by Young Boys of Tonca, Mira Mar.
“I recently had offers from two professional clubs playing in the Goa Professional League but I did not pen a deal,” Jovisco stated.
The striker was on the opinion that playing for just three months in the Goa Professional League does not make sense as he will not be allowed to play on loan for the First and Second Division league teams.
Moreover, looking after his parents was the main reason for Jovisco’s such brave decision.
“My parents are growing old and it’s now my responsibility to take care of them along with my brother and sister,” felt Jovisco, who aims to move abroad for work in future.
The strikers also expressed disappointment as he could not make into any of Goa’s top clubs.
However, Jovisco recollects the support he received from his parents to do what he loves most and that is playing football.
“My father inspired me to play football right from my childhood. He used to go to watch football matches in most of the tournaments in Salcete,” expressed Jovisco.
As far as coaching is concerned, Jovisco received training Alfred, Willy and Nasik.
From June 2015, Jovisco has taken part in around 10 inter-village tournaments, scoring 15 goals for St Anthony SC, Colva.
Commenting on the impact of the Indian Super League (ISL) in Indian football, Jovisco fealt that, “The ISL has brought in glamour in Indian football which the I-League lacked. They have managed to bring the fans back to the stands. The presence of foreign players in ISL is good and Indian players can gain experience from them but I-League creates more opportunities for Indian football clubs and players as it is conducted for a longer duration.
Lastly, Jovisco concluded by saying, “I have many dreams to be the best footballer but my plans are in the hands of the Almighty.”
