Considered a benchmark just a few decades ago, the 2015 Goa Pro League is currently devoid of thrill and enthusiasm, eversince the onset of I-league. So much so, that Goan football clubs have almost turned their back to the league, showing scant interest for the competition.
CHARLES D'SOUZA
MARGAO
Considered a benchmark just a few decades ago, the 2015 Goa Pro League is currently devoid of thrill and enthusiasm, eversince the onset of I-league. So much so, that Goan football clubs have almost turned their back to the league, showing scant interest for the competition.
This season, the I league will feature just two teams from Goa with Salgaocar FC and Sporting Clube de Goa fighting for top honours, with five-times champions Dempo Sports Club being relegated to the lower division. Salgoacar FC and Sporting Clube de Goa utilized the opportunity to try out their new signings or even may rest their star players playing in the Goa Pro League, keeping them fresh for I league.
With big teams showing their marked interest for the I league, football connoisseurs attruibute this development to the fact that the Pro League has not much to offer and no more worth its salt to the football player and the football crazy Goan crowd.
What's more, professionalism which was introduced in Goan football through the Pro League has also had its toll on teams with limited financial returns. Wilred Leisure Sports Club (Pro League club) and Salcete Football Club and Margao Sports Club (First Division league club) had uncermeniously withdrawn their team last season and with the exit of Sesa Football Academy this year. The Goa Pro league has lost its lustre with more than a handful of teams like Santa Cruz Club of Cavelossim and newcommers Guardian Angel Sports Club, Curchorem and Curtorim Gymkhana facing financial constraints.
The dwindling attendance with sparse crowds for the matches has also contributed to the downslide of the Goa Pro League. The Goa Football Assocaition in their best efforts had tried out several changes and even hosting the matches in village grounds to attract the attention of the crowds. The exercise may be well versed but in general is not a success as expected by Goa Football Association (GFA).
