RAIA: In a move to strengthen their team’s position for the upcoming season, Pax of Nagoa Sports Club has announced the signing of I-League winner Beneston Barretto on a long-term contract.
The 26-year-old midfielder, fresh from winning his second I-League trophy with Mohammedan SC, is now set to make a triumphant return back to his hometown club.
Barretto’s illustrious career boasts an impressive list of achievements. He first lifted the I-League trophy with Gokulam Kerala in 2022, showcasing his talent and determination to succeed on a national stage.
His winning streak continued as he contributed to Dempo Sports Club’s victory in the Goa Pro League after joining on loan in January 2023.
Barretto then joined Kolkata giants Mohammedan SC, where he immediately won the Calcutta Football League title and followed it up with a second I-League trophy this year.
Now, Barretto brings his wealth of experience and a winning mentality back to his own village club where he began playing initially as goalkeeper at U-12 level.
An injury to the team’s forward forced his late father and then coach Benjamin Barretto to deploy him as a striker and the lethal finisher hasn’t looked back ever since.
Speaking on the occasion Barretto said, “After winning the I-League twice, the Kolkata League title and the Goa Pro League, I’m back to play for my village club and it’s my dream to take my village club back into the I-League!”
The signing of Barretto on a three-year contract is a clear statement of intent from Pax of Nagoa SC, who finished fourth and mounted a serious challenge for the title in just their first year back in the Goa Professional League.
“I thank Beneston for signing, not just for one, but a three-year contract,” said Osric Cabral, CFS Group Head and Pax of Nagoa SC owner.
“He’s on the same wavelength as the vision that we have for the club. Hopefully, we can go a long way together, he can make a mark in Indian Football and at the same time take the club forward.”
“It’s a very significant day for the CFS Group and PAX of Nagoa Sports Club.” Cabral added, while also promising, “There’ll be five or six more big signings to come in the next weeks.”
Barretto’s arrival will bolster a Pax forward line that notched up 46 goals this season, the third-best record in the Goa Pro League.
“I’m very delighted to work with Beneston.” said Mateus Costa, Pax head coach. “His achievements speak for himself and he has already made a mark on Indian Football. Adding him to our forward line will make a lot of difference to our team.”
