PANAJI/MARGAO
Antonio Botelho devoted much of his life to football, combining administration with a keen eye for young talent and a willingness to invest his own time and resources in the game.
The veteran football administrator, who died on Tuesday morning at the age of 74, was remembered by former players and colleagues for his contribution to the development of the sport in Goa.
Botelho took charge of Panvel Sports Club in 1968-69 and remained at the helm until becoming Goa Football Association secretary in 1974.
During his tenure, Panvel won the Bandodkar Gold Trophy in 1974, its landmark achievement, while the club became a pathway for several players who went on to represent Goa and India.
Among those associated with Panvel during his tenure was former India goalkeeper and captain Brahmanand Shankhwalkar. Botelho spotted the youngster's potential and gave him an opportunity to play for Panvel when he was still a teenager. Shankhwalkar later described Botelho as a mentor who gave him his breakthrough.
Botelho’s commitment to the club extended beyond administration. He used his earnings as a sports sub-editor to help meet players’ travelling expenses.
Former India forward and Panvel Sports Club player Francis D'Souza recalled Botelho's commitment to identifying and developing talent.
“He was a selfless man who dedicated his life, time and money for the uplifting not only of the game, but visiting every village year after year, picked talented players for Panvel Sports Club who went to represent Goa and country,” D'Souza said.
Former AIFF and GFA general secretary Alberto Colaco described Botelho as an able football administrator who contributed to youth development in the state. Dronacharya Awardee Armando Colaco described him as a “great football administrator”.
For advocate Aires Rodrigues, Botelho's contribution was also deeply connected to Ribandar. Rodrigues remembered him as a “great son” of the village who worked tirelessly for the development of football and encouraged youngsters to take up the game.
“Tonito, as he was known to all, for decades tirelessly worked for the development and upliftment of football in Goa. His passion for football knew no bounds,” Rodrigues said. Rodrigues also recalled Botelho's efforts to secure a football ground for Ribandar, an initiative that has yet to materialise.
Botelho remained closely connected with football after his years with Panvel and the GFA. He was also associated with Dempo Sports Club, where he served as secretary during an important phase in the club’s transition towards professional football. His administrative career thus spanned different stages of Goan football, from the amateur club era to the emergence of a more professional structure.
For a generation of footballers, Botelho’s greatest contribution was not the offices he held but the opportunities he created. From Panvel’s historic triumphs to the players he helped discover and nurture, his imprint on Goan football extended far beyond the touchline.
