When Vasco SC takes on Dempo SC in Raia on September 2, themanagement and its fans will hope that this year will mark the return of thestate’s only city based team to the I-league. It has been a tumultuous time trying tocompete against clubs with larger corporate sponsorship which allows themfootball players with more experience and possibly finesse.
This year however things may be changing. A 100 lakhsponsorship with the NRB group and the infusion of fresh legs has generated greatconfidence. Ajay Patil, CEO at Vasco Sports Club said “The boys have beentraining very hard and they have the confidence to tackle all the hard battlesahead.”
The sponsorship has brightened the prospects of this team.Patil said the deal had given them a boost morally and financially. This yearthe team recruited six under 20 players and three foreigners to add muscle tothe squad. The club has signed BrunoFurtado a Brazilian and Felix Chidi and Monday Kingdom, two Nigerians.
The team Patil said had the quality to qualify for theI-league which was vital. 13 players from last year’s squad were retained toensure some continuity. This he said was due to the fact that the club treatedthem like family.
The challenge before Vasco is similar to all those clubsbattling bigger richer clubs all over the world. Last year it stood fifth inthe super league, its campaign marked by doughty draws and the odd win. Patil,the management at the club and the sponsors at NRB group will hope theirinvestment will pay off and a trip to the more lucrative I league will become areality this year.
