MARGAO
Curtorim village has been the cradle of footballers, having produced champions like Antonio Rebello, Armando Colaco, Robert Fernandes, late Leopoldo Fernandes, Cyril Rodrigues, Roy Baretto, Alex Rebello and Roque Carneiro who went on to win laurels for the State and the country
in football.
Goalkeeper Agnelo Gomes (Dempo Sports Club), midfielder Macroy Peixoto (Salgaocar FC), Defenders, Nickson Castana (Dempo), Jessel Carneiro (FC Bardez) and Joaquim Carvalho (Salgaocar), who all hail from the village, are walking in the footsteps of their illustrious predecessors to bring glory of the past to the village.
The five footballers have been included in the State team for the 72nd West Zone National Football Championship for Santosh Trophy that gets underway at Ahmedabad
in Gujarat.
Goan have been placed alongside Rajasthan and Gujarat and begin their engagements against Rajasthan on January 10.
Joaquim Carvalho is making his debut in the Santosh Trophy.
"We are confident in our collective ability as a team and we will play to win," said Nickson Castana, a wing back who is one of the set-piece specialists in the side.
"Goa are in a positive frame of mind going into the West Zone qualifiers," said Jessel Carneiro.
"We are very confident about our preparations because we played five friendlies and made sure that we are fully prepared. All the boys are confident," Carneiro added.
Alex Dias, former coach and Sports Secretary of Curtorim Gymkhana, said that the villagers of Curtorim are proud of the five players who figure in the
State team.
