Herald: As Churchill Brothers is the only survival surviving Goan team in the I-League this season, are you confident that your team will find success since the team is re-instated after two years.
Valanka Alemao (VA): Yes. In spite of the club not being in the I-league we have been playing continuously in the Goa Pro League. This season is the only time we have not performed well but if you see the last two years we have performed extremely well. Churchill Brothers will definitely obtain success and bring laurels to Goans and football aficionados.
H: With the team not doing well in the Goa Pro League (currently lying in the 8th place) are you looking for a complete overhaul of the team?
VA: The team which we have right now is definitely not good enough to play at the national level. We are carrying out a intense search for talented players. There are lot of players coming on trials and we need to see the ground reality. With the three Goan teams withdrawing there are many players who are not representing any team in the I-League.
H: Churchill Bros will have choice of Goan players now since the teams’ withdrawal. Will you give preference to local talent?
VA: For me Goa means the whole world. Representing Goa is something we have done for a decade and we have had the best players (local and national and international) who are in every club at present. But this year we want to give more representation to local players.
H: Besides Goan and national players are any foreign players in your probables list?
VA: Yes. My family has always been closely connected with the club and we have learnt from them that you need foreign players because that’s how you get exposure and learn new skills. You need to see every aspect of the team, both on and off the field. It was Churchill Bros who brought in the best foreign players to India.
H: What will be your budget on players? Is the club financially strong to buy players in the top range?
VA: As of now there is no budget fixed by the club. If I was a player I would first want to be on a platform where I could show my talent, where I could get exposure. It is not just about money, it’s about passion, enthusiasm, the zeal where you need to show how good you are.
H: Was it the right step of the other three Goan teams (Salgaocar SC, Dempo SC, Sporting Clube de Goa) to pull out of the I-League?
VA: Everybody’s decision need to be respected. It is their decision and I can’t judge other’s decision but it is very sad. I have grown up watching all these three clubs. The rivalry at home has been the sweetest thing for Goa. Goa has been always been the hub of Indian football.
H: If given a chance do you feel these three clubs should return to I-League?
VA: I will miss the rivalry and its going to be the best thing if all the three clubs return to the I-League. To run a club is not a joke. It’s load of hard work, a lot of dedication and an undying passion which all this three clubs have shown in the past. All the four clubs represented Goa very well in the League and have topped it many times.
H: What will be the fate of young Goan footballers as they will no longer get an exposure like before due to withdrawal of the clubs?
VA: The player fraternity is facing the biggest alarming concern with so much of unemployment which has all happened in few months. The players who had lot of demand in the past have lost their punch today. If we look at the players, their experience and their potential, I think every player wants to be in the national league to show their talent because that’s the platform to be noticed. The very fact that there is not a single Goan in the Under-17 World Cup when Goa has so much of potential worries me. I feel that the teams’ withdrawal will affect the players in one way or the other.
H: You fought so hard for the club’s survival. What was the success mantra?
VA: My success mantra is my father’s belief in me and that is what took me so far. He believed that if you have a dream you need to work hard. My hard work, perseverance, determination and ‘never say never’ helped me fight for the club.
H: Any special plans for carrying the team in the top notch?
VA: I believe in going with the flow. We have been a club which has been champions. I can proudly say that every existing trophy in India has been won by the Churchill Brothers including I-League, Durand Cup, Federation Cup and the IFA Shield. This is like god’s blessing. Obviously as a champion club we will be always be wishing to be in the top notch. It’s a team work and we need to work very hard for that. We need support from our family, management and more importantly the well wishers and our fans who are praying for the club.
H: What will be your advice to the young budding footballers?
VA: Football is the identity of Goa and today it is the official sport of the State and we can’t let this opportunity go wasted. Goa is one of the States which has the best infrastructure. Young footballers should work hard and not give up. Goa is famous all over the world for the three Fs – football, feni and fish. Everyone in the world faces challenges and one, specially the youth, should focus on their career once they know what they are looking for and where they are heading to.
