ALLAN D’CRUZ
allan@herald-goa.com
PANJIM: Goa has produced some of the finest talents in the sports of football. If you start naming the list would just go on. But if you are to name some of the humblest footballers, you definitely wouldn’t miss Brahmanand Sankhwalkar.
Dial his number or approach the Arjuna Awardee at any hour, the Indian football legend is always available when it comes to football. Whether asked to give his suggestions, opinions, views or even advice to the budding footballers and teams, Brahamanand never turns it down.
Brahmanand is a perfect amalgamation of experience, expertise and humility. When Herald contacted Brahamanand regarding various issues, he never shied away from sharing his opinions regarding any topics. Though was associated with Sesa FA for a long time, yet always made himself available to young budding talents of various other football academies in the State.
He is Goa’s most decorated footballer winning various laurels including Santosh Trophies for Goa which earned him the Arjuna Award. He was rightfully considered as one of India’s biggest goalkeepers and was acknowledged as the player of the decade by AIFF for (1985-1995).
But this never let him stop in connecting with the football passion. Despite being the top most footballer in the State, he made himself even for the smallest function which would give him an opportunity to connect with the youngsters, specially footballers.
Recently speaking with Goan footballers during SportsBalcao player of the month award function at Panjim, Brahamanad stated, “There are no shortcuts for success. If a player wants to play top flight football, he needs to sacrifice and have his total focus on the game,”
“Things have changed now. There are more facilities available for the young footballers and they are getting more exposure than before, but to be the best and to taste success, one needs to be dedicated and work passionately towards goals, which is not seen much nowadays,” he stated.
He personally spoke to the players individually and told them to not let anything affect their goals.
“If any of the players are facing any issues and are looking for my advice, I am always available to speak. I want to help Goan footballers in whatever way I can and I would be happy if you speak out rather than give up the sports for certain issues,” Brahamanad stated to the players during the award functions.
The SportsBalcao December months awards were as following: Best striker: Pedro Gonsalves (Dempo SC); Best midfielder: Suraj Hadkonkar (Dempo SC), Best defender: Alton Vaz (Sporting Clube de Goa); Best goalkeeper: Luis Barreto (Vasco SC); Fan’s choice: Bevan D’Mello (Vasco SC); Best coach: Deggie Cardozo (FC Goa). The awards were presented in the presence of Vasco SC club director Ravish Narvekar and Savio Fernandes.
