MAPUSA: Nicholas Fernandes, Goa Pro League’s top scorer so far, is no longer a utility player for his club Churchill Brothers Sports Club.
The left winger has not only cemented his position in the side with six goals, but has emerged as one of the most valuable players for the Varca-based club.Nicholas has amazed the crowd this season with his steamy runs on the flanks, delightful dribbling and effortless goals. What’s spurred his performance? “The atmosphere is great here. All of us are about the same age so the understanding is better. There is no senior to boss over you so the players are chilled and we encourage each other,” the 23-year-old player owes it all to the team.Coach Alfred Fernandes can be considered as the technical expert behind Nicholas’ performance. “I have worked with Nicholas for about four seasons. I spotted his potential immediately when he was with us for trials. But I kept him on the reserves for some time as he had a very thin frame. Today, although he has the same frame, he has developed some strength and consistency as well. I also know that he needs to be pampered some time,” coach Alfred gives a clearer description to prove how well he knows his players.It’s interesting to know how Alfred brings out the best from his utility player. He has used Nicholas on the wings as well as a striker.
“The role I give him (Nicholas) depends on the opponents we play. I use Nicholas in positions from where he can exploit the weakness of the opponent’s defence. Mostly he delivers. Although, he misses some sitters, he is the one mostly creating the chances,” reveals Alfred.At the end of the first round of the Pro League, Churchill Bros SC have remained unbeaten and comfortably sit at the top of the table with 19 points. Nicholas believes that the challenge to stay atop is extremely difficult. “All the teams are fighting for the top position and each one is trying to pull you down. The competition is unbelievable,” he reckons.The Margao-based player realizes that the difficulties to thrive in football personally and even as a team are plenty. In fact, the former Salgaocar FC player even considered quitting football to move abroad for other work opportunities. If not for the encouragement provided by his mother Rosita and brother Nelson, football fans from Goa would have never had a dose of Nicholas’ style of football.Rumours have it that the lanky player has been getting offers from other clubs. However, Nicholas is waiting for the right deal to happen. For now, he is living the moment at Churchill Brothers who are in a phase of transition.Unlike in the past, Churchill Bros SC barely consists of a few non-Goans. The average age of the team is 23-years and their long serving assistant coach Alfred has been entrusted with the role of the head coach for the first time. “I have always been an interim coach. This time the responsibility was too big, but still I was up for the challenge,” says Alfred as he adds a little more about his team, “This is the first time that Churchill Bros are playing without a foreign player. Almost the entire team comprises of Goan youngsters, none above the age of 25. Most of them have moved up the ranks from the youth teams. So the teamwork and understanding seems to reflect in our games.”Meanwhile, questions surround the team’s participation in the I-League. It may be recalled that the club had failed the AFC club licensing criteria for which the team was expelled from the I-League. “We were not relegated, so technically we cannot play in the Second Division I-League also. Our case is with the FIFA now and we are hoping for a positive response,” Alfred revealed.What’s in store for Churchill Bros SC and Nicholas only time can tell, but for now both seem to be proving their mettle in football.
