MARGAO
Miles away from Goa, Goans have excelled all over the world in every field - science, technology, art, culture, etc, and football, which is one of the highest watermarks of Goan identity.
Among footballers, the name of Tiago Fernandes hailing from Sodovim, Verna brings to mind nostalgic memories of the golden era of Goan football. He was one of the best midfield-strikers and scored plenty of goals ever since his school days at Holy Spirit Institute, Margao.
Born to Cristalina and late Socorro Fernandes, the younger among two brothers, Tiago started his football career with Pax of Nagoa in the Goan 3rd Division League, playing for two seasons from 1982 to 84. Soon, Tiago had an offer from Vasco Sports Club; he played for the famous club between ‘84 to ‘87 and later went on to play for Dempo from ‘87 to ’89. But it was donning the colours of Salgoacar SC for three seasons from 1989 to 1992 that Tiago holds closest to his heart.
Tiago remains ever indebted to his former coaches Agnelo Fernandes (Vasco Sports Club), Mutawalli, and T Shanmugam (Salgaocar) who groomed him into a star player. Tiago, fondly called Tiger by friends, also represented Goa at the Santosh Trophy in 1990.
Throughout his playing career in Goa, Tiago was a regular feature during the off-season for his home team Verna Sports Club in inter-village matches. Greener pastures saw a young Tiago leave football in Goa while he was still at his best, and embark to Kuwait in December 1992.
In Kuwait, Tiago continued his passion by playing for various teams such as Bayan Boys (one season), Kuwait Goans (five years), Colva United (four years), Navelim (four years) and also played for Royal XI, United Friends, Saligao, Goa Maroons, Santos United, AVC, United Goans, Skynet, 3 Kings Verna, etc.
As a message to up-and-coming footballers, Tiago says, "Discipline in life is what young and aspiring footballers must follow, apart from following their passion."
Tiago is happily married to Liby and they have a daughter named Trisca. He works for Bayan Palace Diwan Amiri at the VVIP section of Kuwait Airport and still kicks around on weekends.
