The ISL’s eight franchisees will be keeping a close eye on the 10 players out for auction and the 113 players in the domestic draft, which is just two days away.
With a pool of talent in Goa none of the players could make it to the auction list but the draft consists of 24 Goan footballers from a total of 113.
It includes the likes of India prodigy and 20-year-old Brandon Fernandes, who has a base price of 12 lakh.
However, the most expensive Goan from them all is defender Augustin.
The Salgaocar FC faithful has guarded his team for several years now and has a new challenge ahead in the cash rich tournament.
The 27-year-old has a base price of 26 lakh and will be a best fit for FC Goa if chief coach and Brazilian legend Zico feels so on July 10 in Mumbai.
Augustin feels it will be an honour for him to represent the State and has already expressed his willingness to play for FC Goa.
“To be honest, I don’t know where I will be playing as anything can happen in the draft. But as a Goan I would like to represent my State. It will be an honour to play for FC Goa,” says Augustin, who feels positive to be in top form.
The Goan franchise still have to accommodate two more domestic players from either the auction or draft. They currently have 11 domestic players.
Augustin has already started to work on his fitness after hardly two weeks of rest as he was part of the Indian squad that played two World Cup 2018 joint pre-qualification matches against Oman and Guam.
Although, he was not handed his debut, the Santa Cruz resident is hopeful to achieve his goal.
“My dream is to play for the national team. In future, I would like to get some game time,” stated Augustin, who aims to win the I-League one day with Salgaocar FC.
The defender is very excited to play in the ISL along with experienced international players. He was on the opinion that the crowd factor enriches the tournament.
Augustin shares his childhood days and has unforgettable memories playing for his village team St Sebastian SC.
“I started to play football in the fields along with my village friends but never thought one day I will become a professional footballer.”
Augustin is truly a home grown player and gained recognition donning colours of his village team.
“The turning point in my life came in the GFA Taca Goa Cup against Sesa FA as the academies coach approached me after the match and asked me to join them and I immediately committed with a quick yes,” Augustin concluded.
