BASIL SYLVESTER PINTO
PANAJI
Caitano Fernandes, from Bhatpal in Canacona, is the third Goan to make the final cut for the inaugural edition of Premier Futsal; the other two being Michael Silva and Fredsan Marshall who we profiled over the weekend.
Caitu, as he is better known, was among the 15 Goans selected for the Boot Camp held in Chennai in July prior to the commencement of the league on basis of his performance at the ‘Launchpad’ held in Goa on July 4 and 5. While, the other two Goans, also in the Ronaldinho-led Goa 5s squad, got to showcase their talent on the playing surface in their first game against Kolkata on Day 1, Caitu was hopeful of getting off the bench Sunday night against Bangalore to create an impression.
The 22-year-old started playing football in school representing Government High School, Sadolxem at the U-14 and U-16 levels. He also played for his village, Bhatpal at the U-14 level in the Canacona taluka level GFA tourney.
The mid-fielder, who can play on either wing, then moved to Salgaocar FC where he played in the I-League U-19 for a year. He then moved to play for Churchill Brothers for a year at the U-20 level and later made his GFA First Division debut with Salcete FC. The following year, he played for United Club of Telaulim (UCT) in the First Division. Last season, he turned out for Vasco Sports Club in the Goa Pro League.
Futsal was a novelty to him as a player when he went for the trials in Goa. He got to know about it through a friend on WhatsApp just a day before it was to begin. The story goes that on the first day he did not get an opportunity to play the last match. This prompted Caitu to ask the coach why he did not get a chance to play. To which he got a reply, “I know your game and that is why I rested you.”
On his Chennai experience within the boot camp, he says he has learnt new skills and tricks like dribbling. On the opportunity playing with Ronaldinho, he addresses as the ‘Magician of Football’ Caitu says he is excited and it is a dream to play with such a big star. Another big bonus was a chance to meet former Manchester United star Paul Scholes.
"Scholes is the best central midfielder I have seen. I like his pin-point passing, through balls, accurate long balls," says Caitu, who got an opportunity to meet up with his hero in the dressing room. “When I first saw him tears came to my eyes,” he added.
For now, he has only been able to meet his captain Ronaldinho and have a picture with him. But he is confident it won't be long before he gets to live his dream of playing with the Brazil great.
