VASCO: Whilst Salgaocar FC’s first team players prepare to defend their Goa Pro League title, the Juniors (U-20) have quietly gone about their business in the Goa Police Cup snaring Churchill Bros SC and Santa Cruz Club of Cavelossim en-route to the final against Tuff Laxmi Prasad SC, at Tilak Maidan, here, on Wednesday, at 3.30 p.m.
Having exceeded all expectations, the boys have been advised to enjoy the occasion and play devoid of any pressure when they take on the Bardez outfit.
With most teams participating in the tournament having fielded squads that are likely to feature in the Goa Professional League, due to commence on August 23, Salgaocar FC chose to give their U-20 boys an opportunity to make a name for themselves and possibly earn a call up to the first team for the Pro League and some much needed exposure, a gamble some may have said.
A majority of their squad were part of the U-19 side last year that went on to clinch the GFA Third Division title in addition to finishing third in the U-19 I-League. Having shown great promise, the club management decided that the gamble was worth taking.
The team showed great character to bounce back against Churchill Bros SC in the quarter-final after being a goal down before a clinical performance saw them get the better of Cavelossim, 3-2 in the semi-final.
Their opponents in Wednesday’s final, are a team that have been on the ascendancy over the past couple of years. Tuff Laxmi Prasad SC finished runners-up in the Goa Professional League last season and have bolstered their squad with some key signings including former India International Climax Lawrence, at the start of this season. They will undoubtedly start as firm favourites against Salgaocar FC’s teenagers with experienced defender Remus Gomes available after a one match suspension.
Speaking to Herald, President of Tuff Laxmi Prasad SC Francis Viegas said, “We are the local club and our efforts will be to play a fair game with good football and hope for our strikers to do the job.”
Head coach of the senior team, Malcolm Thomson who was in attendance at both the games played so far was full of praise for the club’s juniors. “It is fantastic that you are putting pressure on us (the first team) with your performance”, he remarked. “This can only be good for the club as youngsters like yourselves keep knocking on the doors of the senior team”, he added, whilst addressing the boys after their semi-final victory.
