It’s the season end! A time for quick fix as clubs across the country scour the transfer market to bolster their squads. Well, most were actively involved even before the season ended while the rest left if it late. But everyone has their cheque book out already for next couple of months.
Plenty of talking points this year in Indian Super League! But the most would be revolving around FC Goa. The Goan side created history by becoming the first Indian side to seal Asian Champions League spot despite sacking Sergio Lobera during the critical league stage. Ever since his departure, few have already penned deals with rival clubs, while others are linked with moves away from the club.
Most players who guided Goa to their dream AFC Champions League berth wouldn’t be there to experience Indian club’s debut in the competition. A rare feat at any club.
Last week we learnt about Ahmed Jahouh’s exit. This weekend, it’s Centurion Mandar Rao Dessai, being the latest among them to part ways with the club. It is given to understand the FC Goa skipper has agreed terms with Mumbai City FC wherein he is likely to reunite with former gaffer Sergio Lobera and teammate Jahouh. The Indian international is learnt to have agreed a three-year deal. Could the ghost from the past haunt the Gaurs this season?
Well, having one of the best expertise in Indian football, the change in the dressing room wouldn’t bother much for FC Goa. With three new upcoming Indian talent already roped in, there are quite a few interesting signings on cards too for Goa.
Besides that, FC Goa might finally give chance to their upcoming talent this year. The Gaurs have focused a lot of resources, time and energy in their production line and Technical Director Derrick Pereira who is most likely to take over as the head coach of the senior team has already spoken of his desire to capitalise on this.
“There is Princeton as well as Saviour Gama who have started to make a mark. They are courageous and brave. They have the right attitude and whenever they have come off the bench they have delivered. They will have the chance in both the AFC Champions League as well as Indian Super League,” expressed Derrick Pereira.
Well this could be the season we all were waiting for! This will be no doubt music to the ears of many Goan fans and the academy players as well who have been frustrated with the lack of playing time for their development team graduates — Princeton Rebello and Saviour Gama.
Gama is there to guard
The talent is there to see. Saviour Gama is another player, who has been promoted from the development team and could start regularly for the Gaurs this season with the departure of Mandar Rao Dessai. The Chicalim-based has already proved his time on the field and haven’t fumbled even at during intense battles not forgetting his performance in the final when he came on as a substitute for an injured Mandar.
“I have had the pleasure of working with Carlos Pena and Mandar Rao Dessai over the past two seasons and they have made a huge impact. They have experience of playing in the position and have always been encouraging me to do better,” stated Saviour Gama.
“One of the major aspects that I have kept a focus on is to improve myself. I have improved both technically and tactically and I would believe that I improved in both aspects,” he added.
Compared to his teammate, Saviour Gama has managed to get a decent time. The 22-year old played 188 minutes and featured in 11 matches for the Gaurs. In his time on field, he scored a goal which came in the second leg semi-finals against Chennaiyin FC and was also sent off in the same fixture. However, the Chicalim lad deserved more time taking into consideration his potential.
“Coming through the Development Team, being a Goan it was always my dream to represent FC Goa at the highest level. The similarity in the style of football through the ranks has helped me a lot as well. This is a style of football I love to play. And if thrust on to the first team with a regular spot, I feel I am more than ready to take the challenge head on,” Saviour stated.
“I feel I will only get better with more playing time. That has been my goal every season and that doesn’t change for the coming season,” he concluded.
Time for the Prince to step up!
Princeton shone in the midfield of the park with an assured and exhibiting display, he was rightfully moved to senior team last year.
“The talent was there on show the first time we saw him playing. That was with the U-19 India team. We had seen him before and he fit exactly what the kind of youngsters we were looking for. He impressed in the very first game he played for us in the Goa Pro League. And we immediately thought that he should be practicing with the first team. He had a number of training sessions with the seniors which helped him build confidence” explained Derrick.
But breaking into FC Goa’s star studded midfield comprising of Edu Bedia, Lenny Rodrigues, Hugo Boumous and Ahmed Jahouh wasn’t an easy task. Goa had undeniably the best midfield in the country. In that position – each of them well accomplished and more importantly delivered for the last three seasons, making it difficult for the young lad to get opportunities. Unlike other youngsters, Princeton, who has made it on the bench, had to fight with the foreign contingent to break into starting eleven.
It was always going to be tough with the calibre of the midfield FC Goa had, but coach Derrick believes, if there is talent, the player will get his opportunity.
“One just has to be a bit patient and ready to make the most of the opportunity. I have spoken to him and told him that he will surely get his chance – sooner rather than later. He just has to be ready for it and show that is up to the mark. Playing with them everyday in training has helped him become more wiser and he is pushing even harder to improve himself – an opportunity he might not have got at any other club,” explained Derrick.
“Right now he is improving and he is really determined to get into the team. And I firmly believe he will do it. I think he is capable of playing at highest level,” added the former Vasco SC and Churchill Bros coach.
Princeton, just 21, has shown lot of maturity on the pitch and during training sessions he has been constantly lauded by Coro, Mandar and co for his work rate during last season. Among the many Indians, Princeton is one among those who would rather hold the ball and create more space and try to penetrate and break the rival defence. The youngster’s ability to adapt to any style of play and confidence on the field remains his strength. Looks like his time has come to take Goa forward!
“I am waiting for my chance as I have a point to prove. My aim is to be a regular starter next season. I don’t want to sit on the bench. I want to play every match possible and soon get a national call,” stated Princeton who will definitely miss his closest buddy Mandar Rao Dessai, who often guided the Benaulim lad in the team.
Princeton managed to get just 38 minutes of playing time for the entire season coming off the bench eight times. But the boy tried to get maximum in those minutes creating 50 passes and 68 touches.
Well there would be certain new signings likely to join the club but this year could be the youngsters — Princeton’s and Saviour’s year provided they get the playing time and trust from their management.
