MAPUSA: Chapora Yuwak Sangh were declared the ‘Team of the Year’ at the GFA Awards Nite 2023 having jumped from the Second Division to First Division after a well fought, arduous campaign in the 2022-23 season. It was a well planned and superbly executed campaign indeed.
All players who donned colours for Chapora deserve a pat on their back, as after all it is a team game needing a great collaborative spirit. That would also include the coach, manager, the kit boy and above all the club management authorities, not forgetting the fans and its well wishers also.
As goals matter the most, and decide the outcome of a match, it is the scorers and those providing the assist that corner glory in the end even though it is a collaborative effort no doubt. Consequently, clubs have to rely on players with good experience not only to fetch them goals but also guide the youngsters at large. They give stability to the play.
Chapora did the right selection in signing 26-year-old Sachidanand Satelkar hailing from Moira, a stylish striker who executed his role to near perfection.
Whilst playing for Saligao Sporting in inter-village tourneys, Sachidanand was among the scorers and was largely instrumental in most of the team’s successes. He has a knack to be at the right place at the right time and this helps him score goals with his powerful left foot. He is the first choice for spot kicks as very few goalkeepers can halt his tries. He has a uncanny knack for that.
Talented Sachidanand is a skillful player with sound technique, very good ball control and dribbling skills which he has put to good use especially when getting past the goalkeepers in a one-to-one situation.
Sachidanand rose from the typical local village clubs and went on to don colours in the Goa Professional League for Panjim Footballers, Calangute Association, Sporting Clube de Goa and then for Muthoot
Academy in Kerala. He was also a regular in the University team at the inter-university championships in 2017-18.
Sachidanand stole the limelight for Chapora YS at the Goa Police Cup-2022 where he was adjudged the best striker as his team took the runners-up spot after being beaten by Sesa Football Academy.
Sachidanand, an employee of GMR Company at Mopa airport, makes time for playing at the inter-village tournaments. However, he was in the thick of action in the just concluded Second Division League and can be pointed out as someone who was instrumental in taking his club to the First Division. He accounted for 23 goals and recorded five hat-tricks.
Chapora YS’ coach Severino Fernandes showered praises on the striker, saying, “He was my trump card. He was simply outstanding in his role. Above all, he is an excellent team player who strongly believes in team work and team spirit. Without him, it would have been impossible to qualify. He was the highest scorer who netted in every match the team played. He has the potential to rise further.”
Severino sounded optimistic about the player’s future, pointing out that once he recovers from his injury and resumes his fitness regimen, he would be much sought after by any Pro League club. At this juncture, at least one club has shown interest in him.
“God has blessed me always. I am grateful to coach Severino and my club and my team in inter-village for having placed their full trust on me and it is with the help of the Almighty that I could deliver,” exclaimed Sachidanand during a chat.
