PANJIM: For all those who closely followed the Goa Professional League, Panjim Footballers had been undeniably the most promising team in the season. With no experienced players in the line-up the side managed to finish their campaign in the top half of the league.
The team also saw rise of many Goan players and besides Kunal Kandoikar, Prasil Kankonkar is another upcoming defender in the league.
At just 21, Prasil has developed rapidly into a no nonsense defender who is able to carry his team. He is an aggressive demon which no strikers want to go up against, using his though physic, frame and power to bully those players at the either end of the pitch.
“This season is considerably better than the previous ones as I managed to play in most of the games. On a personal note, this was the best season I had so far and our team collectively has done better too. So overall a good season for me and my team,” stated Prasil Kankonkar.
The Panjim Footballers team, the development side of Sporting Clube de Goa has given platform for many Goan youngsters to showcase their talent, and Prasil didn’t waste the opportunity this time.
“You don’t get chances often. But when you get, you should try to make the most out of it. Playing in the top Goa league, I gained a lot experience as we were all youngsters and got opportunity to play against some of the brightest talent in the state as well as foreigners,” expressed Prasil.
Born on 25.10.1998, Prasil Kankonkar has gradually turned out into a hard tackling defender and has tackled opposition strikers with ease. He was given an opportunity to play in the Third Division League for Benny XI Sports Club by his mentor Oswin Goveia who is a Physical Education Teacher at Fr. Agnel High School.
“I want to attribute my success to my mentor Oswin Goveia for teaching me the basics of the game and making me understand the beautiful game and also my parents for their support,” expressed Prasil, rewinding the memories of his school days.
Prasil at a young age of 16 did not let his mentor down and was instrumental in helping Benny XI Sports Club earn promotion to the Second Division League. With his steady performance this season, Prasil might find himself promoted to Sporting Clube de Goa for the coming season.
The Goa Velha lad can play as a left back as well as a stopper and he did well this season in both the position. During the absence of their skipper Kunal who is their regular CB, Prasil filled the void for Panjim Footballers and showed his capabilities as a central defender too.
Prasil’s performance this season for Panjim Footballers might have surely put their senior club Sporting Clube de Goa in thoughts of promoting the player back in the team.
“I would like to gain more match time as it helps me in my growth. My aim at the moment is to become a professional football player sooner,” revealed Prasil.
An official of the Panjim Footballers stated, “Overall this was a good season for many of our players but yes Prasil is a robust player and he has improved a lot this season. But we believe the player needs to work in certain areas which will make him complete defender.”
