Casa de Portugal coach, Pele says Melroy said “I am the coachof Portugal House Macau. In my three years here, I have taken them from the fourthdivision to the second division. Lastyear I lost the second division league because I did not have a goodgoalkeeper. I have selected Melroy to play in an exhibition 7-a-side firstdivision beginning this month. I want him to help me, if he likes Macau, then Iwould like him to come in January and help our club win the second division league.Bolinha is the more important league in Macau. I won the Bolinha title threetimes as a player when I played for the Negro Rubro and Lam Pak. I hope nowMelroy helps me to win now as a coach.”
Campeonato da 1ª Divisão do Futebol is the top division ofthe Macau Football Association, created in 1973. Melroy had caught the eye ofthe coach Jose Martins during their visit to Goa for an exhibition tournamentorganised by the Vasco Sports club, in honour of its patron, late Noel LimaLeitao. Melroy said “They saw me play inVasco and decided to invite me over.”
Melroy, thus becomes the first player from India to play inMacau. The Macau League has players from Mali, Brazil, Timor, Cameron and Nigeria. LikeGoa, Brazil, Timor and Macau were former Portuguese colony and a lot ofLusofonia influence is also reflected in the local leagues.
