Team Herald
PANJIM: A man’s love for football can be seen in the dedication and time that he spends. Be it infront of the TV set or in the stands, the craze never dies. Such has been the case of Benaulim MLA Churchill Alemao whose unconditional love for the beautiful game transcended over the past year from being a well-wisher of Churchill Brothers SC to now heading the office of Goa Football Association.
“My main aim to promote and develop football. This year we have promoted two more teams in the 1st Division League and next year two teams will promote to main league. This has been done to give platform to more footballers in the State,” explained Churchill.
“Another main area we are concentrating is developing football in rural areas. I personally take lot of interest in promoting clubs from rural areas in providing them with required assistance and will continue to do this. There is ample of talent in these areas and we need to tap them,” added Churchill Alemao, who completes one year as the GFA President today.
Churchill has stuck to his promise of getting government grants to help the State association as he managed to influence the Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, who in September assured a grant of Rs 1 crore to the football association.
“We are yet to receive the grants from the government. I am learnt that all the paperwork has been done and Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has assured to release the grant amount of Rs 1 crore at the earliest,” explained Churchill Alemao who stated that the State association has lot of plans finalised and will act upon them once they receive the sum.
Churchill turned to God on his success of completing one year as the president and said, “I have been able to complete one year only because of the blessings of the almighty and Jesus. With God’s blessing everything is possible and he has been guiding and protecting me and helping to work for the betterment of the football. Though there are some forces, which have been working to oust me, but God is protecting me,” expressed GFA President Churchill Alemao with humility.
“I have full faith in judiciary and I thank my advocates Carlos Alvares and Radharav Gracias in guiding me. I will complete my term and work towards betterment and development of football,” stressed Churchill.
Churchill Alemao looks to be enjoying his position as the State Sports head as the man who is known for his work and contribution towards football throughout the Nation makes sure he attends matches (State teams as well as Goa Pro League) despite his busy schedule.
The President, who has vast footballing knowledge, takes personal interest whenever the State team plays and during the West Zone Qualifiers, Churchill pep talk after the second round saw Goa smash 14 goals. “I want to get the Santosh Trophy back to Goa and that’s on my priority list too,” stressed Churchill Alemao as Goa will begin their final round campaign in January at Aizawl. The Sub Junior Boys teams too have qualified for the final round and Churchill believes he will surely be successful in getting a National crown back to Goa.
“The administration has been running in excellent manner and this is all possible due to the General Secretary Jovito Lopes and the office staff. I want to proudly say that the entire executive committee members have supported me a lot and helping us towards a progressive sport body,” informed Churchill.
Soon after taking over the chair, Churchill Alemao’s first action was having talks with the All India Football Federation in a bid the bridge the gap between the two bodies and ever since, the two have been working in sync in football developments.
“During my tenure, we had more youngsters getting a chance to play at the International platform as recently four boys have been called for U-17 camp while the State women too are getting a chance to represent the country and this is a sign of growth and we will continue giving them opportunity to grow and help us grow,” concluded Churchill.
