Bandodkar Memorial Trophy to kick off on August 24 at Fatorda

Sports Minister Govind Gaude briefs the media on the Bandodkar Memorial Trophy.

Photo Credits: The Goan

PANAJI
The 2nd edition of the Bhausaheb Bandodkar Memorial Trophy is about to begin on August 24. The opening match will see FC Goa take on the GPL Qualifiers, Sporting Clube de Goa, at 4 pm at PJN Stadium in Fatorda. The tournament’s final is scheduled for September 6.

This year, the tournament has expanded to include two top international clubs: Brisbane Roar FC from Australia and Clube Deportivo Defensa y Justicia from Argentina. Both teams are highly regarded in their countries and are expected to raise the level of competition in Goa.

The winning team will receive Rs 15 lakhs and a trophy, while the runners-up will be awarded Rs 8 lakhs and a trophy. All matches will be streamed online on FIFA+ and Sportscast.

Originally, FC Goa were set to face Brisbane Roar FC on August 24 at 7 pm. However, due to a delay in the Australian team’s arrival, the schedule has been adjusted. Matches will now be played at 4 pm and 7 pm from August 24 to September 3, with the final taking place on September 6 at 7 pm.

The eight teams are divided into two groups: Group A consists of FC Goa, Brisbane Roar FC, Dempo SC, and Sporting Clube de Goa, while Odisha FC, Chennaiyin FC, Churchill Brothers FC, and Clube Deportiva Defensa y Justicia form Group B.

The tournament details were announced on Wednesday by Sports Minister Govind Gaude in the presence of Goa Football Association (GFA) president Dr Caitano Fernandes, and Vice President Jonathan De Souza.

Gaude expressed his enthusiasm for the tournament. “This year, we aim to make it bigger and better,” Gaude said, highlighting the addition of the two international clubs.

He emphasised how the tournament will help improve Goan football. “Our goal is to revive Goan football and elevate the sport in the State. Hosting such high-calibre teams will provide local players valuable experience and exposure, which can help them advance to national and international levels,” Gaude added.

Dr Fernandes announced that tournament tickets will be available from August 23. Prices are Rs 100 for the East, South, and North Stands, and Rs 200 for the West Stand. Tickets can be purchased at the GFA office in Panaji and Fatorda Stadium before matches, and Duler Stadium. Fernandes encouraged football fans to attend and enjoy the matches. He also invited parents and schools to bring children to experience the game.

The tournament will feature teams from various leagues, including ISL clubs Odisha FC, Chennaiyin FC and FC Goa, I-League team Churchill Brothers, and the Goa Pro League team.

• FIXTURES
• Sat, Aug 24: FC Goa vs Sporting Clube de Goa, 4 pm; Dempo SC vs Brisbane Roar FC, 7 pm
• Sun, Aug 25: Churchill Bros vs Chennaiyinn FC, 4 pm; Odisha FC vs Clube Deportiva Defensa y Justicia, 7 pm
• Tue, Aug 27: Sporting Clube de Goa vs Dempo SC, 4 pm; Brisbane Roar FC vs FC Goa, 7 pm
• Wed, Aug 28: Clube Deportiva Defensa y Justicia vs Churchill Bros FC, 4 pm; Odisha FC vs Chennaiyinn FC, 7 pm
• Fri, Aug 30: Brisbane Roar FC vs Sporting Clube de Goa, 4 pm; Dempo SC vs FC Goa, 7 pm
• Sat, Aug 31: Churchill Bros vs Odisha FC, 4 pm; Chennaiyinn FC vs Clube Deportiva Defensa y Justicia, 7 pm
• Tue, Sept 3: Group A Winners vs Group B Runners-up, 4 pm; Group B Winners vs Group A Runners-up, 7 pm
• Fri, Sept 6: Final, 7 pm (All matches at PNJ Fatorda; live-streaming on FIFA+ & Sportscast)

GROUPS: Group A: FC Goa, Brisbane Roar FC, Dempo SC, and Sporting Clube de Goa; Group B: Odisha FC, Chennaiyin FC, Churchill Brothers FC, and Clube Deportiva Defensa y Justicia