MARGAO
Dempo Sports Club head coach Samir Naik believes that participating in the 2nd Bhausaheb Bandodkar Memorial Trophy will greatly benefit his team as they prepare for the upcoming I-League season.
"We are grateful for the chance to compete in the Bandodkar Trophy," Naik said. "Facing senior teams with foreign players has been invaluable in preparing the boys for the challenges of the I-League. Although the results weren't always in our favor, the matches were closely contested, and the players gained significant experience."
Naik emphasized that many of his players had not previously competed against teams at the senior level, making the tournament a unique and beneficial experience. "Playing against such high-quality teams at a professional level is crucial for their development as footballers," he added.
Despite limited practice time and assembling the squad on short notice, Naik expressed optimism about their potential if given more preparation. He stressed the importance of a strong start to the I-League and noted that this was the first time many of his players faced teams with a high level of foreign talent.
Naik also commended the Goa Football Association, led by Dr Caitano Fernandes, for their excellent organization of the tournament. "The GFA did a fantastic job hosting the event, which was a tremendous success. Football has the power to unite us, and this tournament exemplified that spirit," Naik concluded.
