After battling throughout the competition, The Flaming Oranje rose to the occasion. Thanks to a fine hat-trick by Nigerian striker Odafa Okolie, who not only brought life to the team after joining midway in March but also silenced the critics over his abilities after coming back from injuries.
“I had an injury when I was playing with Mohun Bagan. That’s when Churchill Brothers signed me. I told Churchill that I didn’t play for one year and after I practiced with Churchill, I thanked God that Sporting Clube took me in their fold,” said the Nigerian, who scored eight crucial goals for the Panjim outfit in nine appearances for the club.
Sporting Clube lost only two matches after signing the 29-year-old, such was the striker’s impact.
Sporting Clube had a nervous start to the season. In their first 10 matches, they lost five and also drew five.
Mathew Costa coached club were in troubled waters all this time, placed right at the bottom of the table. However, they had a glimpse of hope in their 14th match when they defeated Goan rivals Salgaocar FC 2-0 with goals from Odafa and Brandon Fernandes, who played an instrumental role in Sporting Clube’s revival.
Sporting Clube President Peter Vaz has always shown faith in home grown talent and the boys delivered in style with a seven-match unbeaten run before losing an away match to Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan 2-0.
However, The Flaming Oranje’s 4-0 hammering of Pune FC in the relegation decider showed the immense character and do-or-die spirit of the team which will certainly build up stronger in the 2015-16 season.
Odafa is yet to decide on his future at the club. Same goes with coach Mathew, whose contract ends at the end of the season.
“I have taken this opportunity and had signed till the end of the season. Now it is up to them (club management) to decide,” Costa answered when asked about his future at Sporting Clube.
