This decision was arrived when the General Body of the GFA met to analyse and resolve as to why Goa was facing a drought of National success.
Addressing the media out going GFA President Srinivas Dempo pointed out that a debate was moved and it was decided to have a strong team on a permanent basis.
“There is need for strong and long term training like the Lusofonia Games. A professional coach, a professional manager and a good team, is the need of the hour for Goa’s success at the Nationals,” he said.
Another important concern at the AGM was the lack of attention and support given to women football.
“It was decided to give women football special attention and produce more Yolanda and Rekhas by recapturing the glory of the past. The Goa Football Association must take the blame for the downfall of women football in the State,” Dempo informed the media.
Srinivas pointed that there was a debate on the inter-village rules introduced last year.
“It was felt that since it was just one year that the new rules came in place, it was bound to have teething problems and that some time should be given to settle down. However, President elect Elvis Gomes has asked the clubs to submit all their grievances and he would look into it,” Dempo disclosed.
It was also decided, according to Dempo, to revive the Bandodkar Gold Cup and make the trophy for the Goa Professional League.
It was also decided to take the assistance of the Goa Football Development Council in grassroots development.
In recognition of Edward Carvalho’s outstanding contribution in building the Duler Ground, the GFA has named the central stand after him. Carvalho family has also donated Rs 5 lakh to the GFA, Dempo declared, further adding that GFA has also named a stand after Vassudev V. Dempo and the Dempo Group of Companies has donated Rs 10 lakh, he said.
A motion of condolence was moved in respected of members and players who passed away namely Baptist Fernandes, Domnic Soares, Menino Constancio Almeida, Prakash Naik, Paresh Morje, Visitacao Lobo, John Franco, Rohan Ratwal and Armando Barbosa and offered the families the deepest sympathies.
“The General Body meeting passed a resolution congratulating the State government for organizing the Lusofonia Games and for helping to support the GFA and the GFDC, which is doing good work in developing the game at the grassroots,” Dempo told the media.
New affiliation was given to Valpoi Sports Club, El-Shaddai, Calangute, and St Anthony Marna, Pilerne and Rising Sports Club, Vasco.
The clubs were in dilemma and felt that the GFA calendar needed to be streamlined and executed before the season begins. However, it was explained that the GFA schedule was subject to the AIFF releasing its calendar.
“But it was agreed to make the efforts to put out the calendar,” Dempo informed.
Resolution was passed congratulating the outgoing Executive Committee and welcomed the newly elected and unopposed members.
Dempo agreed that the medical attention and refereeing were very important ingredients of football and that FIFA adds a lot of importance to these departments.
“We are lagging behind as far as medical facilities and attention is concerned, not only at the State level but also at the National level. A lot of action is needed on this front. We need equipment, trained and qualified personnel. The GFDC has these facilities, which can be used,” Dempo informed the media.
“With regards to referees, we have been regularly conducting refresher courses,” Dempo declared.
Dempo’s only regret as President is that, he could not fulfill his goal of computerising the records of the FA.
“It needs to be given priority. I could not fulfill that goal. The daily routine work itself is huge. I agree, I could have done more, but time did not permit,” said Dempo, before wishing Elvis Gomes all the best.
