It was a tumultuous year for Goan football. The Goan clubs pulled out of the I League after plans to make the Indian Super League the premier league were proposed. To add to the pain, FC Goa finished this season at the bottom of the table in the ISL. A few fans of football in Goa talk about what they feel were the low points this year
Photo Credits: PG1. LEAD_1
A disappointing year for Goan football as on one side FC Goa had a poor season but considering the circumstances it was understandable while on the other hand my favourite team Salgaocar FC pulled out of the i-league but won the Goa Pro League and showcased a bright young talent in the form of Liston. Grassroots and football academies will have a key role to play in 2017-18 and the years ahead. The Goan clubs have traditionally produced some of the best players for India and I believe Goa will continue to contribute to Indian football. GOA as a footballing hub cannot be ignored or else it will be a case of killing the goose that lays the golden egg.
Sean Faia, PR professional
Everything is a process as we see in the Premier league, there are many Brazilian and Spanish players who cannot communicate directly with the other English speaking lads and it takes them 4-5 months to showcase their potential and here we have a tournament that gets in overseas players and ends in 3 months. There's no way a team can grow in 3 months that too playing twice or thrice a week. About I League, it being the National league should be given priority. Goan teams moving out makes sense as the future of I League is uncertain and no club would want to be part of a league that isn't given any value and has no future. I personally feel whether it's I league or ISL, the league should run a minimum for 8 months with at least 16 to 18 teams and compulsory one match a week. We cannot afford our boys to play two to three games a week . This will destroy their body at a very early age.
Ruel Baracho, mechanical engineer
Names like Salgaocar, Sporting Clube de Goa and now Dempo- these are clubs which boast of a rich legacy. Their glory days have earned them a multitude of fans from all parts of the country. But the fact that these top clubs have decided to withdraw from the national league is heartbreaking. An average football fan might not realise the loss. But the ardent Indian or Goan football follower can already feel something amiss from the ensuing Hero I-League. In terms of Goan football, the faith reposed in our local clubs is immense. Experienced staff, who are abreast of the grassroots conditions, contribute significantly in developing the youth. ISL clubs might have all the money but not the public’s trust. The Indian youth would prefer the proven talent of an Indian club, rather than in ISL clubs.
Rohit Pagi, electronic engineer
