MARGAO
Caitano Fernandes, the newly-elected president of the Goa Football Association said that he “will engage with all stakeholders" to take Goan football forward together.
Caitano edged out Savio Alemao, son of former GFA president Churchill Alemao in the presidential election 83-47. Speaking to The Goan, Caitano said that his immediate priority will be to conduct the Goa Professional League, even if it means spending around Rs 35 lakh through his own pocket.
"I intend to present a long-term plan after the first executive committee meeting to be held this month. After that, we will present a realistic roadmap for Goan football,” he said. His other big plan is to start work on the artificial turf at Duler which has been worn out, by June next year. If there is delay in receiving the government aid, his own money will be used to fund the project, he had said after unveiling his vision document before the elections.
The GFA president has been hard at work since assuming his position. One of his major objectives for the future is to significantly improve the grassroots structure in Goa. He wants to ensure that the developmental level for footballers is at the highest quality. This can then help to produce more able, quality players that can help Goan football take promising steps forward in the near future. He also revealed that the youth tournaments are being planned.
Caitano added: “I want to involve all eminent footballers to work on the different challenges Goan football is facing today. I don't promise the moon. I won't make any such claims. What I can promise is to take Goan football forward."
Fernandes informed that he received calls from AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey and secretary general Dr Shaji Prabhakaran wishing him on his victory. “We plan to reach out to youths to extend our outreach at the grassroots level," he said.
"I intend to present a long-term plan after the first executive committee meeting to be held this month. After that, we will present a realistic roadmap for Goan football,” he said. His other big plan is to start work on the artificial turf at Duler which has been worn out, by June next year. If there is delay in receiving the government aid, his own money will be used to fund the project, he had said after unveiling his vision document before the elections.
The GFA president has been hard at work since assuming his position. One of his major objectives for the future is to significantly improve the grassroots structure in Goa. He wants to ensure that the developmental level for footballers is at the highest quality. This can then help to produce more able, quality players that can help Goan football take promising steps forward in the near future. He also revealed that the youth tournaments are being planned.
Caitano added: “I want to involve all eminent footballers to work on the different challenges Goan football is facing today. I don't promise the moon. I won't make any such claims. What I can promise is to take Goan football forward."
Fernandes informed that he received calls from AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey and secretary general Dr Shaji Prabhakaran wishing him on his victory. “We plan to reach out to youths to extend our outreach at the grassroots level," he said.
