Team Herald
PANJIM: Playing at home is always considered an added advantage to any team and it’s a perfect opportunity for Team Goa to get back the prestigious Santosh Trophy back to the State after eight years, as Goa will play host to the final of the senior Nationals football championship in March.
Goa will host the Santosh Trophy final round after 21 years from March 12 to 25, at Tilak Maidan, Vasco and Athletic Stadium, Bambolim with the final slated on March 26, at Bambolim under floodlights.
“Goa is hosting the final round of the National football championship for Santosh Trophy after long period of 21 years. It’s time for football lovers to come out in numbers to support the State team and get the prestigious Santosh Trophy back to Goa,” said Goa Football Association General Secretary Welvin Menezes.
Goa are placed in Group A along side defending champions Services, Meghalaya, West Bengal and Chandigarh and will play their opening encounter against the NorthEast side Meghalaya on March 12.
Kerala, Maharashtra, Mizoram, Railways and Punjab are potted in Group B.
“It’s an advantage to play in front of the home crowd, at the same time it should not be a pressure. Since we will be playing at home, the expectations will be even higher,” said Goa coach Mateus Costa.
Team Goa boasts a mix squad with experienced and talented youngsters with the likes of Liston Colaco and others. However, Costa feels finding a replacement for few senior players, who have been roped in by the I-League and Second Division I-League would be a challenge.
“As our players are mostly youngsters, it’s a new experience for them which is good for their future. We are preparing to be at our best but at the same time it’s a setback for us as Fulganco and Richard had to leave the squad,” added Costa.
It can be recollected Goa lost in the semi-finals last season to ultimate winners Services with Mohammed Ali’s own goal.
Goa last won the National title in the year 2009 after defeating West Bengal 4-2 in the final in Chennai.
“Since we are playing in Goa, we will give our best to win the title. My boys are working hard and we will try not to disappoint the fans,” explained Mateus.
“The crowd will play major part in this mission as the players will be more motivated with their support,” concluded Mateus.
