Augusto Rodrigues
Goa Football Association (GFA) President Caitano Fernandes celebrated the association's 63rd birthday by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Vector X which will benefit clubs, State players and referees for the next four years.
“The signing of this MoU with Vector X on the occasion of GFA’s 63rd birthday will enable us to provide four to five FIFA Pro balls to all clubs registered for four years, kits will be provided to all teams representing Goa and the company will be providing us support for the grassroots development programmes we are working on,” stated Caitano during an interaction with the media at a starred hotel within the vicinity of the capital city.
“Vector X is also looking to work with GFA in terms of its grassroots development. As a company involved in the manufacture of equipment related to sports, we will work on the inputs given to us by GFA and if possible work out modalities to help build their grassroots programmes all over Goa,” stated Baljinder Singh, representative of Vector X during the ceremony.
“Winning back the Santosh Trophy and other national tournaments is something that will personally make me happy and is something we promised to try and achieve during my election campaign. We have appointed Norbert Gonsalves and I have given him a free hand in choosing his team. I am confident he knows our aim,” retorted Caitano during an interaction on the sidelines of the function.
“We defeated Salgaocar FC during our first practice match today and I am happy with the way the boys are responding. It is a bit too early to predict the outcome but everybody wants to be champions and that is our aim too,” stated Goa coach Norbert Gonsalves.
“Coach Norbert has selected his own assistant in Mario Soares and he has picked the boys from what the leagues that we have been conducting and will decide on the final eleven,” asserted Caitano.
Goa, it may be noted here, failed to qualify for the knockout round of the last Santosh Trophy. Instead, Gujarat qualified from the group.
“I have been informed by the GFA president that there are plans to tap children that are in school and as a company we would like to assist GFA in whatever way we can. Obviously, we expect our brand to benefit too. It’s a give and take,” stated Baljinder.
“I am yet to decide on the final eighteen that will form the team for the Santosh trophy. I know, our days are numbered but we are still giving an opportunity to all to showcase their skills so that we can get the best players,” stated Norbert.
“Some players have just started displaying their known form. Players too need their own space. But we are pressing them to give their best and show their capabilities so that we can come to a studied decision on who will be the most capable to help us win the title,” stated assistant coach Mario Soares.
“I am sure the Goa Santosh Trophy squad will bring laurels back. Every player representing Goa must play with great pride and passion and with the knowledge that the Santosh trophy is very dear to every Goan,” stated GFA secretary Lector Mascarenhas who represented Goa on five occasions and was part of the Goa team that won in 1984.
All members of the GFA Executive Committee assisted the birthday celebrations along with secretary Lector Mascarenhas. Vice president Jonathan gave the welcome address and Anthony Pango proposed the vote of thanks.
