PANJIM: The Indian Super League is growing in magnitude as the second edition is underway. It has attracted legends of the game such as Zico, Roberto Carlos, Marco Materazzi, Del Piero and many other stars.
However, it is also turning out to be a gateway for Indian players to make it into the international scene.
Brandon Fernandes from Betalbatim is one of them. The highly rated attacking midfielder is certainly the next big star in India football, who impressed in his debut I-League season with Sporting Clube de Goa and is now set to make a mark in the ISL, donning the colours of Mumbai City FC as they take on rivals Pune City FC in a away fixture on Monday.
“I’m very excited about the prospect of playing for Mumbai City FC. I realize that people have expectations from me but I just want to play well and be a crucial part of the team. I don’t want to think about the pressure and for now, my focus is on our first game against FC Pune City on Monday,” said Brandon in an exclusive interview.
Mumbai City FC manager-cum-marquee player Nicolas Anelka was all praise for the young Brandon after impressive performances in the pre-season. The Frenchman who has donned colours for Arsenal, Real Madrid, Chelsea and many big name clubs has shouldered additional responsibility this season and has special plans for the Goan midfielder who is a favourite in the starting eleven.
“I consider myself very lucky to have the opportunity to train with Anelka. He is a great player and I learn a lot just by watching him and playing alongside him. He speaks to me on and off the field and his guidance is very helpful for me. He has spoken to me about the role he sees me playing in the team and I’m hoping to make a positive impact for the team,” added Brandon, who guided the Goa-India team to a gold medal at the 3rd Lusofonia Games last year.
The 21-year-old can easily adopt to the teams tactics as he has good understanding about the game after receiving training in South Africa at ASD Cape Town from 2010-13. He attracted many scouts during that tenure with trials with three English clubs mainly Leicester City, Reading and Sunderland. Although, he could not earn a contract, Brandon’s dream to play in Europe is still alive.
“I don’t want to think very far ahead at the moment. For now, my aim is the ISL and to perform my best for Mumbai City FC. The dream to play in Europe is still alive and I’m sure that if I play well, I shall be able to make it there soon,” sounded confident Brandon.
Brandon has represented India in the U-14, U-17 and U-20 categories and a senior team call up is just round the corner. He also has a huge fan following on his official Facebook page with 8,821 members.
After finishing in the bottom half last edition, Brandon feels his team has done very well in the transfer market and can challenge for the title.
“I’m sure we can. The management has brought in some top quality domestic and international players this season and I think the team balance is good. We have had a good six weeks of pre-season training and the team is in good form. So, while I don’ want to make any predictions, I’m sure the team will put in a much better performance this year,” concluded Brandon.
