MARGAO
Salgaocar FC coach Anthony Levino Periera on Friday said the present Under 18 team is much more balanced as compared to the last year’s squad .
As a player he gave his hundred percent. Now as a coach of Salgaocar Colts, the former Mahindra United player is determined to make the squad a formidable one.
His assignment is the Hero I-League Under 18 which gets underway at Kalyani, Kolkata from April 27.
Salgaocar FC are in Group B comprising United Sports Club, Royal Wahindoh FC and Baichung Bhutia Academy. Salgaocar FC will play their first match against United Sports Club on April 27 and will meet Royal Wahingdoh FC in the next match before finsihing their engagment with Bhutia Academy on May 2. Claiming it as a challenging assignment, Pereira said he will use all his experience as a coach and player.
“I will try to make a difference to this side. I want to make it as one of the top teams in the country. That has always been my dream as a player. I got this opportunity as a coach,” he said.
Coaching has not been new to former Sesa Goa attacking midfielder. He coached Clube Sao Miguel de Taleigao. “I think we have a much balanced side as compared to our last year’s squad,” said Pereira.
“I have been coaching at the grassroots and that has been challenging. This kind of work was much more demanding, I will try to bring self belief into the team and keep focussing on winning,” he said. Pereira said as player, it was a limited role but coaching is a multi-fold assignment. As a player it was less taxing. But now I have to be involved in all aspects of the game trying to bring the best out of the players - skill and attitude wise. Most importantly I have to ensure that all the players enjoy the game. There should be more bonhomie in the dressing room. I would like to make it a winning habit for the team,” he pointed out, adding: “But now we have to look forward as we play in the I-l League Under 18 tournament. I think we should get back to our winning ways. The boys should realise their potential and win the tournament.” Pereira said the team has the strength and ability to win the tournament.
“We have a good team and I sincerely believe that we have the strength and ability to retain the crown. We just need to be at the top of our game. We have a strong forward line, waistline, defence line and goalkeeper department. We have more options in all departments of the game, which we didn’t have the last time and couple of couple of promising youngsters. I am sure the boys will rise to the challenges,”
Pereira signed off.
