MARGAO
Their rivals Bengal are also geared up for the key clash. But former players turned coaches are backing the Goan team to come up trumps against traditional rivals Bengal on the D-Day.
Armando Colaco, head coach of FC Bardez wished the Goan team success. “We have been keenly following their matches. Our best wishes stay with them. Go out and do it. Give your best shot,” said the former National coach, praising the team coached by Matesu Costa for making it this far.
Mario Soares, Assistant coach of Salgaocar FC and former India midfielder who was the member of the Goa Under 23 team which won the National Football Championship in Goa, congratulated the Goan team for their good display in the ongoing tournament. “Keep up the good show. Our best wishes stay with you.You have made us proud through your victories .Our best wishes .Win the championship,” Soares said in his reactions.
“It will be a proud moment for every Goan player if we win the championship in front of our home crowd.Go out and enjoy the game and give your best,” said Mauricio Afonso ,head coach of Dempo Sports Club. “We need to be there to back them. Undoubtedly, it’s going to be an exciting match and a full house will give the boys added motivation,” added Afonso who is a former India captain. The midfield general who during his playing days was a menace for rival defenders witnessed the boys’ exploits against Kerala on television in the second semi-final .“It’s going to lure more and more football-loving crowd to the complex to enjoy the match,” he said.
“We need to draw spectators in very large numbers so that the team and the players are motivated to give their superb display of their talent .And when the Goa team take on West Bengal in the summit clash the state team must be given the impression that the entire Goa is behind them.Crowd support can make
a world of difference,” reasoned out Anthony Pango, team manager and GFA
executive member.
