MARGAO
Armando Colaco has faith in talented young players sourced through Professional League clubs, as well as experienced Pros in the squad as Goa attempts to regain the National Football Championship ‘Santosh Trophy' glory, last won in 2009. Goa, however, had been the runners-up last year when they lost in the finals at home to West Bengal.
"Our efforts are solely aimed at regaining the Santosh Trophy which is eluding us for quite some time now. We are working hard and the players are determi
ned to give their best so that Goa claims back its pride and prestige in Indian football," echoed head coach Armando Colaco's contingent and GFA officials, as the team completed their preparations for the first test of West-Zonal qualifying event to be held in Ahmedabad-Gujarat .
Goa usually comprise players from Professional clubs. However, due to their club commitments in I-League in the past; at times, Goa have fielded below-par teams. But this time, the team has a good blend of experienced professionals and five players from under-20s as made compulsory by the All India Football Federation.
"I have to rely on the players available, while I have personally scouted and selected these players. I trust they will do the job for us," coach Colaco told The Goan after the end of a friendly match against FC Bardez at Rosary Ground, Navelim, on Friday morning.
"For me football is life. I cannot think of life without football. Given a choice, I would have retained all of you'll but we can register only 20. The very fact that you are here means you are among the best players in the state," he told the probables that took part in the camp to select the team. "Being left out is never a good things for any professional, least of them footballers; but that is a reality that we have to face," Colaco added.
Colaco knows how much the trophy means to Goa. And he is quite prepared for the task ahead in Gujarat. "This is a young side but with plenty of promise," said Colaco. "It's a blessing in disguise," added the former Dempo SC coach.
"The group matches will help the team to settle down. It also gives me a chance to correct flaws before the big matches in the quarter-finals," said Colaco, who revealed that five players were selected out of seven U-20 boys taking part in the camp after considering their utility vis-a-vis the other players depending on the multiple positions they can play in.
"We have had a fair trial and the players performed well. I am sure they will give their best. The onus will be on the players. They have worked hard during the preparatory camp in the past few days. With some luck they will produce good results.We know no match will be easy and we are ready for the challenge," emphasised Colaco.
Goa are considered overwhelming favourites for the title but for that to happen and reach Kolkata where the final round will be played -with Only winners moving to the quarterfinal league and Colaco knows too well there is no room for error. Gujarat and Rajasthan may not be serious challengers at the national level, but football is growing rapidly that nothing can be taken for granted. Goa will begin their campaign against Rajasthan on January 10 and play with hosts Gujarat on January 12.
Goa, who played five friendlies against FC Bardez, FC Goa Development side, Guardian Angel and Dempo Sports Club, will be lead by Sporting Clube de Goa striker Victorino Fernandes. Dempo defender Mathew Gonsalves will be the vice-captain.
Meanwhile in a statement, Goa Football Association President Elvis Gomes expressed his confidence in the team's prospect. "This is one of the most formidable squads in recent times, as we have appointed one of the most experienced coaches Armando Colaco. He will be assisted by Mateus Costa. We expect that the team will emerge winners in the zonals."Team Goa, who had a prayer service at Margao on Friday evening, will leave for Ahmedabad on Saturday.
Goa usually comprise players from Professional clubs. However, due to their club commitments in I-League in the past; at times, Goa have fielded below-par teams. But this time, the team has a good blend of experienced professionals and five players from under-20s as made compulsory by the All India Football Federation.
"I have to rely on the players available, while I have personally scouted and selected these players. I trust they will do the job for us," coach Colaco told The Goan after the end of a friendly match against FC Bardez at Rosary Ground, Navelim, on Friday morning.
"For me football is life. I cannot think of life without football. Given a choice, I would have retained all of you'll but we can register only 20. The very fact that you are here means you are among the best players in the state," he told the probables that took part in the camp to select the team. "Being left out is never a good things for any professional, least of them footballers; but that is a reality that we have to face," Colaco added.
Colaco knows how much the trophy means to Goa. And he is quite prepared for the task ahead in Gujarat. "This is a young side but with plenty of promise," said Colaco. "It's a blessing in disguise," added the former Dempo SC coach.
"The group matches will help the team to settle down. It also gives me a chance to correct flaws before the big matches in the quarter-finals," said Colaco, who revealed that five players were selected out of seven U-20 boys taking part in the camp after considering their utility vis-a-vis the other players depending on the multiple positions they can play in.
"We have had a fair trial and the players performed well. I am sure they will give their best. The onus will be on the players. They have worked hard during the preparatory camp in the past few days. With some luck they will produce good results.We know no match will be easy and we are ready for the challenge," emphasised Colaco.
Goa are considered overwhelming favourites for the title but for that to happen and reach Kolkata where the final round will be played -with Only winners moving to the quarterfinal league and Colaco knows too well there is no room for error. Gujarat and Rajasthan may not be serious challengers at the national level, but football is growing rapidly that nothing can be taken for granted. Goa will begin their campaign against Rajasthan on January 10 and play with hosts Gujarat on January 12.
Goa, who played five friendlies against FC Bardez, FC Goa Development side, Guardian Angel and Dempo Sports Club, will be lead by Sporting Clube de Goa striker Victorino Fernandes. Dempo defender Mathew Gonsalves will be the vice-captain.
Meanwhile in a statement, Goa Football Association President Elvis Gomes expressed his confidence in the team's prospect. "This is one of the most formidable squads in recent times, as we have appointed one of the most experienced coaches Armando Colaco. He will be assisted by Mateus Costa. We expect that the team will emerge winners in the zonals."Team Goa, who had a prayer service at Margao on Friday evening, will leave for Ahmedabad on Saturday.
