PANJIM: Times have changed in Goa! Once it was all about Dempo Sports Club, Salgaocar Football Club, Sporting Clube, Vasco SC and Churchill Brothers FC, but now it has taken a massive turn as the five-year-old club FC Goa has been a clear favourite among the rest for many aspiring footballers across the State.
A good number of talented youngsters join the FC Goa setup (FC Goa Development programme) every year. The reason is very clear – to play in the much-fancied Indian Super League. Perhaps football has remained the same! The participation of FC Goa in the ISL have made them a brand the Goan footballers live and believe as the Golden Oldies –Dempo, Salgaocar etc—from the industry have taken a back seat from the National football.
One such player is Sarineo Fernandes. A perfect example of hard-working and determined player, who has simply grown during his time at FC Goa and made his presence felt in Goa with outstanding performance in the Goa Professional League.
“The reason I chose FC Goa is simple. The club has a platform at National level and if I perform well there are more chances that I could make it to ISL. I had a good season this year. I was regular on the field and I am happy with my performance this season,” said Sarineo, who lifted the Goa Pro League crown this year.
Sarineo was a known name in Goan football right from his younger days when he first played for Young Strikers Benaulim. But like almost half of the sporting talent killed by education pressure, Sarineo almost quit football.
“I am actually weak in studies and my mother wanted me to concentrate on studies. I took a break for a year from football and almost quit football thinking of studies. But then I followed my instincts and chose football over everything. I told my mom that football is everything I wanted and I continued with the sport after a year’s break,” said the left back, who then played for almost every club during his youth. From Salgaocar FC, Sporting Clube, Dempo SC to FC Bardez, Sarineo played for all.
“Every player dreams of playing for a big club. From the time FC Goa was established and after watching them play in the Indian Super League, I always dreamt of playing for the team and I felt great when they spotted me. But I haven’t achieved anything yet. Now that I gained and worked on my position in the Goa Pro League for the Development Squad, I want to work hard and get into the main team,” expressed a humble Sarineo as he joyfully described his desire to sport the Goa jersey in ISL.
Originally a left midfielder, the medio was asked to play on the left side of the defence by former India coach Armando Colaco during his stint at FC Bardez in the Goa Professional League to which he readily agreed and it worked out well for him and his team. Since then he has gone from strength to strength.
Sarineo’s quick thinking and man marking makes it difficult for the opposition strikers and his pace to beat opposition half and cut into the box or put in perfect passes and crosses, makes him a good wing player too. But to break into the first team, it won’t be an easy affair for the lad as he would have to fight his place to get into the team with his development side teammate Saviour Gama, who will be in Sergio’s plan in coming season after his extraordinary performance in the ISL final and Super Cup.
“Even at FC Goa, I initially started as left half but then FC Goa played me left defender. I know it won’t be easy for me to get into the main team as the team has some of the finest talent in the position which I play. Not to mention, my biggest competition will be my own friend Saviour Gama,” expressed Sarineo who added that he has achieved and earned his place with pure hard work and will continue to strive to make it to the senior team as there is no room for excuses.
Incidentally, both Sarineo and Saviour Gama played together for FC Bardez and FC Goa Development side with the former guarding the left defence and the latter playing in the wing position.
“There are times though both played together and if I continue to work hard I believe we will soon play together in the senior team,” added Sarineo who stressed on continuing to give his best for the team and train even harder to fulfil his dream.
The lad spends extra hours on training and spends most of the time with the senior and seasoned players trying to gain knowledge from the players, simply because he wants to scale the heights the former players did.
“I like to speak to senior players and I know that only hard work and dedication will help me achieve my dreams. When I speak about being successful, the only thing what comes to my mind is sweating it out on the pitch and striving to improve regularly. I will continue to work hard till I achieve everything what I have dreamt of. Right now my next step is to play in ISL.” concluded Sarineo.
