the goan I network
MARGAO
Goa's only club in the I-League, Churchill Brothers will play their first match at home on December 19 at Tilak Maidan, Vasco, against Chennai City FC at 8 pm.
Club CEO Valanka Alemao disclosed that preparations were in full swing for the floodlit match on Goa's Liberation Day at the renovated venue which boasts of one of the best football pitches in the State. The launch of the official club anthem will be held at 7 pm.
"The decision to play the I-League matches at Vasco was arrived at after two rounds of crucial meetings with the SAG and FC Goa. In the very first meeting in which the ISL representatives were also present, it was decided that the I-League matches would also be held at the Nehru Stadium at Fatorda," Valanka said.
"Subsequently, as the logistics were being worked out, it emerged that with the ISL and I-League being two different brands with two distinctive approaches, the organisational aspect would entail a lot of additional work especially in matters of branding with masking and unmasking being a major area of concern for both parties," she added.
"Besides, there were several other issues which needed to be sorted out in order to avoid clashes on several other organisational, branding matters. The pitch maintenance was also a matter of great concern, since the ISL has its own procedures to adhere to," pointed out Valanka.
"That apart, with Tilak Maidan having proved to be a good venue in the past when Churchill Bros made a re-entry in the I-League and even won the prestigious I-League in the 2012-13 season, the scales tilted in favour of retaining the Vasco-based venue this year also," disclosed Valanka. "Matches will now be almost evenly distributed at three major venues - Fatorda, Bambolim and Vasco. We hope that more spectators from Vasco, Dabolim, Sancoale, Cortalim, Cansaulim, Vasco, Salcete, Ilhas, Bardez and several other areas will back up the only Goan team in the I-League."
Tickets will be priced at Rs 100 and will go on sale on December 18 from 11 am to 2 pm at the venue. Besides, tickets will also be available at Pattisirie Victoria at Margao and Colva outlets from December 18. School, college students will be provided free entry on presentation of I-cards.
Meanwhile, all GFA affiliated clubs have been given due recognition and asked to collect season passes from Mr Joyfon Goes, Liaison Officer or Macario Rodrigues, Administrative Officer, either at the club office in Margao or at the venue in Vasco.
