MARGAO
On the eve of the Goa team's departure to Odisha for the Santosh Trophy, Goa Football Association president Dr Caetano Fernandes said, "Our efforts are solely aimed at regaining the prestigious Santosh Trophy which is eluding us for quite some time now. We are working hard and the players are determined to give their best so that Goa gets the much-deserved pride and prestige in football in India."
"We are looking forward to displaying a better show this time around. Some of our opponents are known while some are unknown. It's going to be a very tough tournament," Goa coach Norberto Gonsalves told The Goan on Tuesday evening. He opined that the squad was a mixture of youth and experience with four players who had played for the State also forming part of the team now. Some will be donning the State colours for the first time.
"The boys are putting in their best, they are a highly motivated lot and I am doing my level best to deliver," stated Gonsalves.
GFA President Fernandes emphasised that Goa could not lose sight of the Santosh Trophy.
"It is the most prestigious event and players need to be reminded that it has great historical significance for Goa. We have won it in the past and there is no reason why we can't do it this year," said Fernandes.
"With no I-league players eligible to be fielded as per the AIFF regulations, the next best talent on view has been selected with coaching staff doing the very best," remarked Antonio Pango, Sr vice president of GFA when Goa failed to qualify for the main draw last year. "...And we will do better this time. People's expectations are very high on regaining the symbol of supremacy. This year the results will be good," stressed Pango.
Meanwhile, the team offered a Thanksgiving Mass at Holy Shine Church, Bambolim. Fr Herculano Correia was the main celebrant for the Mass. He wished the state team good luck and hoped that the team would return with the coveted trophy.
Dr Caetano Fernandes, GFA president; Antonio Pango, GFA Senior vice president (South Goa); Jonathan D'Souza, vice president (North Goa); Cosme Oliveira, Constancio Paul Rodrigues and Aggie Fernandes attended the Mass.
"We are looking forward to displaying a better show this time around. Some of our opponents are known while some are unknown. It's going to be a very tough tournament," Goa coach Norberto Gonsalves told The Goan on Tuesday evening. He opined that the squad was a mixture of youth and experience with four players who had played for the State also forming part of the team now. Some will be donning the State colours for the first time.
"The boys are putting in their best, they are a highly motivated lot and I am doing my level best to deliver," stated Gonsalves.
GFA President Fernandes emphasised that Goa could not lose sight of the Santosh Trophy.
"It is the most prestigious event and players need to be reminded that it has great historical significance for Goa. We have won it in the past and there is no reason why we can't do it this year," said Fernandes.
"With no I-league players eligible to be fielded as per the AIFF regulations, the next best talent on view has been selected with coaching staff doing the very best," remarked Antonio Pango, Sr vice president of GFA when Goa failed to qualify for the main draw last year. "...And we will do better this time. People's expectations are very high on regaining the symbol of supremacy. This year the results will be good," stressed Pango.
Meanwhile, the team offered a Thanksgiving Mass at Holy Shine Church, Bambolim. Fr Herculano Correia was the main celebrant for the Mass. He wished the state team good luck and hoped that the team would return with the coveted trophy.
Dr Caetano Fernandes, GFA president; Antonio Pango, GFA Senior vice president (South Goa); Jonathan D'Souza, vice president (North Goa); Cosme Oliveira, Constancio Paul Rodrigues and Aggie Fernandes attended the Mass.
