Midway through a meeting between heads of industrial andfinancial bodies in Portugal and Indian businessmen and policy makers at theCommercial Association of Lisbon last week, the Chairman of the Dempo empireand GFA president, Srinivas Dempo took leave of the Consul General of Portugalin Goa to go and another meeting. As he walked out of the room, in walked twogentlemen in suits crossing Mr Dempo. As the events flowed thereafter, two ofthe senor most officials of Sporting Clube de Portugal, missed a chance datewith man who wants to bring Portuguese talent hunters to pick, train andnurture grassroots football in India.
But much to the chagrin of Joao Pedro Varandas, DirectorSporting Clube de Portugal (Sporting Lisbon) and Diogo Matos, head of Footballdevelopment, Dempo was on his way to meet the CEO of rival club Sport Lisboa eBenfica. They took his number and promised to “catch him somehow..” Theirsuccess isn’t known, but this was a mini-history in the making. Two of thesenior most officials, one from the management side and the other a hardcore field official, present to woothe head of Goa’s football establishment to come to India. The Goan spoke to Srinivas Dempo, on hisplans and the interest of the Portuguese, including the club that producedRonaldo and Figo, to come to Goa
The Goan: You have invested in a club in Denmark. Is this an extension of your efforts to beingin foreign coaching and training?
Srinivas Dempo: The investments in Denmark were of mycompany. This initiative is to get quality training and grassroots development.We are looking for not just coaches but those who can spend time picking youngpeople with talent. That is the key to the future of football in Goa.
TG: So at what stage are the negotiations
SD: Its notrestricted to Portugal. The stage is very early. One of the clubs (refused to specify) isasking for a very high fee and yes I’m talking to others including Benfica. I’mcertainly interested.
TG: Has Sunil Chetri’s contract with Sporting sparked a newinterest in Portuguese clubs?
SD: There is a great fan following and interest in both theclubs. Sporting has produced two of the world’s greatest players in Luis Figoand Cristiano Ronaldo, while another of the best players in the world Eusebio,played for Benfica. Of course Sunil’s selection is a great moral booster forGoan and Indian players.
