Marcos (Mark) Mascarenhas.
Photo Credits: The Goan
MARGAO
Former goalkeeper Marcos (Mark) Mascarenhas died after a prolonged illness on Wednesday. His funeral was held on Thursday and the former player was laid to rest at Our Lady of Assumption Church Cemetery at Sarzora.
The funeral was attended by several former players, including Derrick Pereira, Lector Mascarenhas, Mariano Dias, Anthony D'Souza, and Anthony Fonseca.
Mascarenhas was part of the junior Goa team which won men's nationals in 1980. From Goa and clubs like Salcete FC and Salgaocar SC, Marcos moved on to the WIFA and to the Central Railway team in Mumbai in 1985. Throughout his playing career with Central Railway in Mumbai he did not feel tempted to settle down in the urbs prima and he was a regular at the Sarzora khud.
Initially, Marcos joined Central Railway in a clerical position and was later promoted to Office Superintendent at the Matunga Workshop establishment. He took voluntary retirement in 2017.
Derrick Pereira, technical director of FC Goa, recalled playing with Mascarenhas for the Goa U-19 team in the B C Roy Trophy at Ernakulam.
"Mark and I played together for Goa U-19 team in the B C Roy Trophy at Ernakulam which we won beating hosts Kerala. Mark was one of the influential players who made the difference. Very sad to hear about his passing away. May his soul rest in peace," said Pereira.
"Mark was one of the most skilful goalkeepers in the history of Goan football. His invaluable contribution to Indian football will always remain with us, and never be forgotten. Goan Football has only got poorer," said Anthony Pango, senior vice-president of Goa Football Association.
"A great goalkeeper of Central Railway team. It was a treat to watch him keeping. He never uttered any dissent as he stood like the Great Wall of China. It was very difficult for the ball to pass through. He was Mr Reliable under the bar," said Walter Pereira, former FIFA assistant referee.
