MARGAO
As Dempo Sports Club celebrate their re-entry into the I-League, good wishes and compliments have been pouring in for Mauricio Afonso's men.
Schubert Furtado, Vice-president of Goa Football Association, South Goa, has congratulated the club and its staff for their sterling performance in the Second Division I-League. "Dempo stamped their class with a superlative showing with all eleven playing as one; solid under the maestro Mauricio Afonso," Furtado said. "Above all, due credit should go to Shrinivas Deempo for his overall vision for the club," he added.
Mario Soares, the Salgaocar FC coach while congratulating the players, the coach and the support staff pointed out that "the boys had given a superb display. It was excellent team work with each and every player exerting to the fullest and leaving no stone unturned to bring back the fame and glory to the Dempo Sports Club".
Joseph Dias, Vice-president of Salcete Football Club praised the team for their excellent showing. "It was superb team work. Kudos to Baba (Shrinivas) Dempo for his vision and passion for football," Dias said. He also lauded the work done by coach Afonso, who he said turned the team into "a fine cohesive unit".
Aleixo Noronha, Secretary of Margao Sports Club, was ecstatic in his congratulatory message. "Dempo victory is very significant; it's indeed historic. Last year the team was relegated to Second Division and within a year they have made a comeback into the I-League. Kudos to Shrinvias Dempo for his magnanimous vision for football," Noronha said.
Joe Menny Furtado, president of Union of Chinchinim Villagers, also lauded the performance of Dempo SC and hailed the coaching staff for their "marvelous performance in coming back into the I-League". Alex Dias, coach of Curtorim Gymkhana Under-20 football team, also hailed the Dempo effort. "With their superlative performance they have re-established Dempo supremacy in the I-League. No doubt coach Mauricio Afonso has blended the team exceedingly well," Dias said.
Anthony Mam Fernandes, GFA Executive Committee member, said: "This is a great achievement for Goan football as one again we'll have three teams in the I-League." Dinesh Naik, Sports Secretary of Cuncolim Union, also hailed Dempo for their "splendid showing".
