George D’Souza, defender Sporting Clube de Goa
This season might remain an unfinished business for Sporting Clube de Goa despite leading the chart at the top of the Goa Professional League as uncertainty looms over the completion of the competition due to the global pandemic — Coronavirus. But their boss Peter Vaz will have plenty of positives from their current camp considering the rise of the youngsters in the league specially that of George D’Souza.
Hardly anyone knew George last season, but this season is different story altogether. After Savio Vaz took over as the head coach of the Sporting Clube de Goa during the last few matches of 2018-19 campaign, that’s when the boy finally started getting his playing time at the club, after joining the team from Sesa FA in 2016. This year, George has managed to feature in each and every match of the Flaming Oranje in the Goa Police Cup and Goa Professional League.
While many will wonder what brought a paradigm shift in his growth? The 25-year-old answered, “I can say it’s hard work. When I joined I wanted to earn my place in the team but it wasn’t easy. That’s when I started working hard as there are no shortcuts to success. I gave my best during the training sessions and I feel the coach noticed it and I got my chances in the latter stages in the league,” said George.
“The coach believed in me and handed me the starting role in this season. I grabbed it and continued working hard to stick to the coach’s plans. The game time I got this season gave me more confidence and has helped in my growth too. I am a different player now as compared to what I was before,” expressed George, who also acknowledged Sporting Clube Coach Savio Vaz and Manager Anju Albuquerque for guiding him during the season.
The Baga-based lad has a strong left foot which adds to his strength and is an excellent crosser of the ball and is always there upfront when Sporting Clube de Goa attacks, thus exhibiting his natural instincts. The four goals to his credits along with couple of assists are the proof of the same. Not forgetting his deadly free-kicks. He might not be a natural full-back, considering his playing position as a winger when he joined Sesa Academy, but his speed, stature, agility and quick decision making make him an ideal left back.
After putting in an excellent display throughout the League campaign, people have started to sit up and take note of the youngster — that also includes couple of Indian Super League clubs as well. Scouts from top Indian Super League clubs flew to Goa to check on the youngster and they seemed to be impressed as well. George’s contract with Sporting Clube de Goa expires this summer which makes him a free agent and the top Indian clubs wouldn’t want to lose such an opportunity to sign the talented full back.
“Every player desires to play at the top level and so am I. I want to play in the Indian Super League and then want to represent the country. I am aware of certain clubs’ interests but nothing has been finalised. Will get that sorted soon,” said George, thanking Sporting Clube de Goa for honing his talent.
Sporting Clube de Goa General Secretary Edward Noronha stated, “George has improved a lot over time at the club. This year, he was exceptional in our defence and we can all see from the stats as we have considered least number of goals in the Goa Pro League. His free-kick and accurate crosses makes him one of the finest players in the league.”
With the Goa Pro League competition unlikely to continue this season, don’t be surprised to see the young Baga defender play for an Indian Super League club next year.
