PANJIM: The journey of a footballer begins with a dream of playing at the pinnacle. From humble beginnings, Goa’s Mandar Rao Dessai scaled new heights as his football career kicked-off.
Speaking to Herald TV, Mandar stressed about the evil side of the game which needs to be addressed in order to keep the beautiful game from turning ugly.
“For us, there is a day where we have a meeting just regarding this match fixing. There are a lot of chances of these things happening in the world so there is always a meeting for all the teams before the tournament starts. This should be told to each and every player, no matter the league and no matter the level,” the 30-year-old said.
Last month, the State football governing body after extensive investigation drew the conclusion that a match was fixed in the Goa Professional League.
“This should not happen because these players like to play and they have passion. However, if you try to do such a thing, their career is over, the teams are banned and it is not good for the State. The State governing body who takes care of the league should enquire about such practices with the players and the coaching staff,” he urged.
Mandar has been part of various winning sides right from lifting the Lusofonia Trophy with India to clinching the ISL trophy with Mumbai City FC.
“When I was very young, I started playing football in my village and I was also a part of my school team, St. Britto’s High School. The physical education teachers and the principal, they always wanted me to play. They scouted me when I was very young. They told my parents about this and they wanted me to play in the school team and from there I played for Goa United Sports Academy, Calangute and then I joined Dempo Sports Club. I am at a big ISL club because of Dempo. They gave me a great platform and I’m very thankful to them and all the coaches to reach here,” acknowledged Mandar.
“I also dedicated both the trophies to my father because I lost him at that point of time in December. It was a difficult moment for me at that point of time but I tried to manage it because he was the one closest to me. I had to be strong and I told myself that if I go and perform well then, he’d be proud of me,” Mandar shared.
“I represented so many leagues. It’s always difficult because there is always so much competition but it was my passion to play football and I think it’s very important for me to take everything in a positive way and enjoy playing football. I think this is the most important thing. The level of Leagues from childhood till now, I think the most important for me till now is to enjoy playing football and I’ve done it,” he added.
Dessai has transitioned from a boy to a man by playing for various prestigious clubs including Dempo Sports Club and FC Goa.
“The teams that I played with in the I-League and ISL, those were the teams that were the best in the country. Every year we would win a trophy and I was alongside so many great players. So, I’ve learnt a lot of things from them and I’m very lucky to be in such teams so that I could learn such things from these teams,” stated Desai who currently plays with Mumbai City FC.
The footballer always had his eyes set on representing the country from a tender age and is glad he has finally achieved the feat having so far made nine appearances for the Blue Tigers.
“Playing for the national team was my main goal when I was young. I still remember going to watch games when Dempo used to play and watch so many great players like Sameer Naik, Mahesh Gawli, Climax Lawrence, Clifford Miranda. I used to watch them once upon a time but after 2-3 years when I was part of the team, they were my teammates. I wanted to be like them. They were the players in the national team and I also wanted to play in the national team. It was my dream to play and I did it,” said Mandar.
Mandar shared his opinion about playing for an overseas club which recalls as not being easy especially with many Indian footballers choosing the foreign route to continue with their careers.
“I had gone for training for three weeks in Villareal in Spain. It was a great experience for me before joining the ISL but the most important thing for the players is to join from a very young age. That is the most important thing. I think the best time to go is when you are very young. I have learnt a lot of things from there.” The coaches have helped me a lot. “Recently, there are many players who try or want to go to Europe but the level is completely different and you have to be very practical when it comes to this. Even players like Sunil Chhetri, had gone to play for Sporting Lisbon. We are good friends and he shared these things with me, that its not easy to play in Europe,” he added.
