CHARLES D’SOUZA
MARGAO
As a player, he had a stellar career and now Samir Naik takes the spotlight as he will lead the State Santosh Trophy team in the West Zone qualifiers which will get underway in Solapur, Maharastra from February 7.
The former Dempo SC defender, who enjoyed a decade-long career with the Indian national team from 2002 to 2012, called the challenge of leading the State team as coach a “challenging” one.
“We are confident that we will qualify. We have worked on all aspects of our game in the short preparatory camp we had. I concentrated on our tactical and technical abilities as a group and our time together has helped the players gel as a group,” the Dempo SC coach, who holds an AFC A Licence, told The Goan.
The State team played three friendly matches and the coach said he was happy with the performance of his boys. They drew 1-1 with FC Goa developmental side, and won the other two matches against Vasco SC (3-1) and Sesa Fooball Academy (1-0).
“I have been coaching Dempo SC and that has been challenging. However, the work with the State team is much more demanding. I am handling mature and experienced players and it is all about team management. I have to give them self belief and help them keep focusing on winning,” the 39-year-old coach said. Naik said his team is a blend of youth and experience. “We have a good team. (However) it will be very demanding and tough. I am sure the boys will rise to the challenges,” he said.
Goa will play Daman and Diu, Lakshadweep and Madhya Pradesh in the West Zone qualifying round. The top two teams advance the final round. Goa will kick off their campaign against Daman and Diu on February 7, before taking on Lakshadeep on February 9 and Madhya Pradesh on February 11. The team will leave for Solapur on February 4.
Santosh Trophy remains the only national tournament played among State teams and this gives players a sense of pride to play for their native State, according to Naik. Despite a steady decline in its popularity with the advent of franchise-based tournaments like the Indian Super League (ISL), Naik feels the national championship still carries its own charm and relevance.
“Personally, I think winning the Santosh Trophy will be a moment of pride for the State. The ISL, for me, is like a job for a professional footballer. I maybe from Goa but I can be playing for Pune in the ISL. But in the Santosh Trophy, it’s a matter of pride when a player represents his State and that’s what will keep this tournament alive,” Naik stated.
