PANJIM: The Goa junior girls deserve a big pat on their backs for scripting a new chapter in women’s football as they beat Andhra Pradesh 1-0 in the final of National Junior U-17 girls championship Tier-2 at Jaipur on Sunday.
All India Football Federation’s Executive Committee member and Chairperson of AIFF’s Women’s Committee Valanka Alemao congratulated Pearl Fernandes for scoring the match-winner in the finals. She netted in all 12 goals in five games for Goa. Fatima Braganza won the player-of-the match award.
While praising the girls, the coaching staff and others for the excellent performance, Valanka gave credit to Compassion Football Club as it had 13 girls from the club in the Goa team, thus making for more than 50 percent of the total. And, normally there would be nine to 10 girls from Compassion Club in the first 11.
“Both, Pearl and Fatima are an integral part of Margao-based Compassion FC academy for the past three to four years.”
Valanka highlighted the tough journey of Compassion FA Academy, which has risen from grassroots without strong financial support. Under the dynamic leadership of Kennedy D’Silva from Ponda the club has been the winners of U-17 Khelo India last year and also the champions of all-India Inspire Cup.
“They have been an inspiration in Goa’s women’s football, having set up a progressive roadmap with a well designed academy culture based on toil and sacrifice of its founders and supporters,” said Valanka, pointing out that it is important to give credit where credit is due.
