Vinoshka Fernandes with her Player of the Match prize.
MARGAO
It was a historic day as far as football in Sirvodem is concerned as Sirvodem Sports Club lifted the 4th Vedanta Women's League crown on Wednesday.
One of the architects of that title triumph was Vinoshka Fernandes, who scored six goals and was named Player of the Match in the final game of the league against Compassion FC, which they won 8-0.
The 14-year-old developed a passion for football from a young age and was encouraged by her father Roque Fernandes and mother Maria Ferrao. Vinoshka was then spotted by her physical education teacher Chadwick Furtado at St Jude High School, Betalbatim.
“The head coach Girijadevi Dessai and assistant coach Covan Lawrence have given me opportunities and my performance has improved a lot because of their support,” said Vinoshka, who was named as the Promising Player of the Women's League.
The young footballer, who idolises Argentina great Lionel Messi, has played for Goa in the Juniors Girls National Football Championship, GFA age-group tournaments and represented her school in Subroto Mukherjee girls inter-school football tournament.
“Balancing studies and football was challenging. But choosing football was a natural choice and now I am happy that I have reached a good level and I can play against the best footballers in the country,” said Vinoshka, referring to the upcoming challenge that awaits her team in the Indian Women’s League 2020-21, which will be played in Bhubaneshwar from April 23 to May 27.
According to Lawrence, Vinoshka has the potential to excel on the national and international stage. “Her big dream is to don the national colours. Vinoshka is well on the way to realising her dream if her performances for Sirvodem Sports Club are any indication,” he said.
