Team Herald
sports@herald-goa.com
PANJIM: Panvel Sports Club celebrated 45 years of it winning the all India Bandodkar Gold Trophy on April 6, at the Agassaim Church Hall.
Most of the members, some of whom had flown from the US and the UK were present to relive the moments of April 6, 1974. At Rajendra Prasad stadium on that day, Panvel became the first village team to beat one of Goa’s top teams, Sesa Goa, 2-0 in the final.
The top four teams then were Salgaocar SC, Sesa Goa, Dempo SC and Vasco SC.
The sole person behind this celebration of the 1974 victory was Antonio Botelho (Tonito), former secretary of Panvel and Goa Football Association.
Some of the Panvel’s veteran players met on Dussehra last year and thought of having a reunion of the winning team. Along with his wife Jyoti, Tonito took the pains of contacting all the players who played for Panvel not only those who were involved in the 1974 historic victory, but all those who had played for the famous club.
Panvel is the original name of what in Portuguese is known as Panvelim, then a ward in Sao Pedro, adjoining Ribandar.
On Saturday, it was a reunion of not only the players, but their wives, sons and even grandsons. It was a nostalgic moment for everyone.
The event saw many hugs being exchanged, tears of joy shared, and fond memories recalled.
Botelho, along with Joao Coutinho, Oscar Rebello, Sanjeev Nagvenkar and Alex Miranda lit the candles to begin the celebration. Jovito Lopes compered the function.
