October is FC Goa football season and it’s been that way for the past two years. The last ISL season ended in heartbreak and controversy, but the past is the past and FC Goa is gearing up for Season 3 of the ISL. This one’s going to be different, for various reasons. The team has a new majority shareholder, they’ve had a decent pre-season in Brazil, where they got a couple of games under their belts and they’ve also got a brand new jersey, a new skin to wear when they run out under the lights in Fatorda. It’s not going to be easy but they have a sporting reputation to live up to.
Goa is one of the powerhouses of football in India. Atletico de Kolkata won the ISL the first time, FC Chennaiyin the second. FC Goa reached the semis in Season 1, and the finals in Season 2. They’ll be looking to better that score, so as to speak. Can they make it to the finals and win it all? Almost every FC Goa fan will say a confident ‘Yes!’ when asked that question. And why not? They’ve proven they have the mettle to compete in the past. Surely they can do the same now.
All eyes are on the team, led by the tactical genius in Zico and filled with many ISL veterans and a few newcomers as well, but newcomers who have a stellar reputation as footballers. It’s time now, to ensure that FC Goa gets what they deserve, a loud cheer every time they play. Fans, warm up those vocal chords.
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Despite missing out on winning last season FC Goa did showcase some entertaining football. Our team hasn't changed much since last season and I'm hoping and expecting some of our players to step up and come up with performances that will help us win the ISL this year. I'm also looking forward to youngsters like Sahil Tavora to get some game time and make a mark.
Ronald Fernandes, partner, Enduro Sports Goa
Being a FC Goa fan it was not easy for me to digest what happened last season, but after all the hurdles team stood strong and is ready to fight a new battle. All they need now is 20,000 fans chanting Forca Goa. I'll be one of them. I’m also very excited about the signing of Rafael Dumas and Matheus Trindade Goncalves, both 21yrs and 20yrs respectively. Zico is building the future of FC Goa.
Omkar Vaigankar, chairman, Goa Warriors Football Club
They squad looks really good for the upcoming ISL. Beating Flamengo in the last game of the pre-season has the team spirit up and raving. I expect the team to at least get to the knockouts if not win it. The fans need to be more enthusiastic and united than last season, especially with the new management. I can't wait for the season to start. I will make it for a few weekend games in Goa and will be there in Mumbai for the clash with Mumbai City FC. I've got a TV setup in Bangalore too, just in time for the ISL.
Conrad Barreto, founder The Football Dug Out
The FC Goans are the best fans in the world and over the last two years we have managed to create the best atmosphere in the ISL in our stadium. I expect the atmosphere to be as electric as with the previous two years, with the entire stadium singing the FC Goa anthem with me and cheering our players on.
Varun Carvalho, musician
