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MAPUSA: In the open grounds of Cortalim, Sevon Costa’s life has come a full circle, from playing as a top performer in the Reliance Foundation Youth Sports (RFYS) to mentoring the upcoming generation of budding talents at the Our Lady of Perpetual Succour High School, Mormugao, an institution that had a huge role to play in his growing up years.
In his recent stint as the assistant coach of the school, Sevon guided the U-15 team to the final of the tournament, where they finished runners-up.
Sevon’s football journey kicked off at 12, when he played in his village ground. A chance encounter with a local coach led him to Cortalim Gymkhana, which marked his first foray towards professional football. His promising talent bagged him a position in Salgaocar FC’s youth setup, resulting in him playing the I-League U-18 too.
However, it was at the Our Lady of Perpetual Succour High School, where Sevon captained the school to triumph in the inaugural Goa chapter of the RFYS in 2016, scoring a hat-trick in the final to clinch the Golden Boot. He spearheaded the side to a semi-final finish in Mumbai, the following year, ending up as the second-highest goal-scorer of the tournament.
“The RFYS gave me an opportunity to play at the top level and develop my skills alongside playing against the best players in the State. It helped me to improve my performances. Not just me, it gives an opportunity for young players from across the country to show their talent, which is otherwise hidden in the villages and towns,” Sevon said. Sevon credited his success to two people, his mother and his PE teacher Leroy Menezes, who played an important role in shaping his footballing journey.
“All I am today is because of him,” he said.
It is this same mentorship that he now seeks to provide to the young footballers under his wing.
Now as an assistant coach at Our Lady of Perpetual Succour High School and Cortalim Villagers SC, Sevon aims to provide his expertise to the up and coming players in the State.
“My ambition as a coach is to nurture and develop upcoming players, producing top football talent for my State and country. My ultimate ambition is to see my nation qualify for the FIFA World Cup in the near future,” he added.
At just 23, Sevon has touched lives with his sheer love for the sport, particularly at the grassroots and youth development levels. Channelising this passion for football through competitions like Reliance Foundation Youth Sports, one can be rest assured that more stars are set to rise through the ranks with mentors like him.
