MARGAO
I-League Second Division side ARA FC have added Dempo SC defender Nickson Castana to their squad for the coming season. Nickson joins fellow Goans, former Dempo team-mate Alber Gonsalves and Sporting Clube goalkeeper Melroy Fernandes as new signings at the Gujarat-based club.
The Curtorim-based Nickson started his youth career with Salcete FC, playing for their under-12 and -14 teams before joining Salgaocar FC, where he turned out for the under-16 and -20 teams of the Greens. The defender was picked up for the India under-16 team trials but could not make the final cut.
Among the biggest highlights of Nickson's career is the 2014 Lusofonia Games title win as part of the Goa-India team. His career got a fillip when he was signed by Dempo in 2013.
"Actually at Dempo, Australian coach Arthur Papas wanted to field me as a right back and in the Goa Professional League, I started playing as right back. Training at one of the biggest clubs in the country brought pressure but I owe my development to the opportunity provided at Dempo," Nickson said.
"I am very excited to have signed for ARA. It's a good challenge for me and I am eager to join my team-mates soon and get back into action," said Nickson. "My next target to help my team qualify for the I-League. I ultimately want to play in the Indian Super League."
The defender had the opportunity to train under coach Armando Colaco and also donned the colours of the Golden Eagles in the 2nd Division I-League in 2015 under Mauricio Afonso's tutelage as the team won the league.
Nickson also played for Churchill Brothers, spending a year with the Red Machines wherein he played four I-League matches under Petre Gigiu. He rejoined Dempo in 2019 and played at the club till the season got suspended in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Nickson also represented Goa at three editions of the Santosh Trophy.
