PANJIM: One recalls it was Churchill Brothers who made a difference to football culture in the country. Its owner Churchill Alemao took pains to ensure that football in the country especially in the state of Goa is improved for players and the teams.
He was the one who made sure the player gets the best salaries and benefits.
In conversation with Herald, Churchill Brothers supremo and former GFA president spoke from his heart about Goan football and how it has changed over the past decades especially after him entering into the sport and taking ahead the only I-League team from Goa.
Churchill said that it was him who got the best and grants to GFA and clubs in Goa.
“Today Goa has many clubs who are affiliated to GFA, but are struggling to make their presence because of a lack of funds,” he said.
Speaking about how he has changed the scenario in football of the country he said that Goa can and will be the main hub of football of the country, but with the correct guidance and mentor.
Churchill spoke how he made sure the football and the management works for the better of the sport and the player in the state of Goa.
When asked about his son Savio contesting the upcoming GFA presidential elections, he said: “ GFA will have the correct leader who will take the association together with the clubs in a united fashion ahead to make sure that football wins and that there will be no place for discrimination.”
Churchill added that Goa needs a good leader in every department and field.
He asked: “How many teams from Goa are in the I-League? The mining crisis caused almost three teams to withdraw from the national league. It’s only Churchill Brothers FC who are still playing for the pride of the state and passion of football.
“The same will continue once Savio will be elected president of the GFA. He will make sure that he works for football in the State and with all clubs in Goa.”
Churchill said that many contesting for GFA posts have never kicked a football nor have the knowledge to work as family and take the sport ahead as per the culture and sentiments of football lovers in the state.
“Football is in every Goan’s blood. Football and its leadership should be in the right hands,” he concluded.
