The Goan: We arereally curious to know to know how Sunil Chetri was spotted. Why Chetri? WhyIndia?
Varandas: it didn’t happen in one day. There was a full teamworking on it. We are consciously looking at talent in countries in Asia andIndia and went about it systematically.
Matos: We engaged a professional company Wizcraft with amandate to spend time across the country watching talent. At the same timethere was organised spotting of Indian talent. Chetri is just the beginning. Weare looking at grassroot development.
TG: But this needs to be an engagement with football associationsin states or the Indian Football Association
Varandas: Yes, we are working towards it and are in theprocess of establishing contacts and links in the country.
TG: But it’s still difficult to fathom why a club likeSporting Lisbon will be after Indian football officials.
Varandas: We live with the times. We have to be players whoparticipate in the globalisation of the sport. And then, Sporting Lisbon is thebiggest brand in Portugal. It’s a clubwith the most number of major titles. It has 100 years of history. It hascreated Figo and Ronaldo. But it worksboth ways. There is a Goa connect too because of history and we would love tobe in Goa
TG: What did you see in Sunil Chetri to pick him
Matos: A synergy of values. He has a strong ambition to win.He is a natural leader and captains India. And India is a great place to workwith and grow in. our main athletes are focused, have excellent conduct and arenatural leaders. And yes we are very happy with our decision.
TG: But Sunil has hardly played?
Matos: He has trained and has picked things up. Didn’t yousee him in the Nehru Cup for India?. He was flying and we would like to takesome of the credit. We have instilled added confidence in him to add to his andhis pool of natural talent
TG: Why was he picked for the B team and not the main?
A Matos: We didn’t want to waste him. Competition is toughin the main team. Here he can train and get games under his belt. And it’s awork in progress. It’s a step forward and he will get there.
