The midfielders will hold the key to the outcome of the match with Salgaocar Veterans having the compact quartet of Mario Soares, Robert Fernandes, Roque Carneiro (all former Salgaocar players) and Xavier Colaco (former Dempo player), while Fatorda have Johny D'Cruz, (Ex Dempo), Remy Barreto (Ex Vasco) and Bobby Crasto (Ex Napoli, Benaulim) in their ranks. Former Indian Goalkeepers Virender Singh and Chandrakant Naik are the goalkeepers for Salgaocar and Fatorda veterans respectively and both are yet to concede a goal
MARGAO
A tough battle is on the cards when former winners Salgaocar Veterans clash with first-time finalists United Club Fatorda Veterans in the 15th Salgaocar Memorial Veterans soccer tournament in the summit clash at St John the Baptist grounds, Dando, Benaulim on Sunday.
The midfielders will hold the key to the outcome of the match with Salgaocar Veterans having the compact quartet of Mario Soares, Robert Fernandes, Roque Carneiro (all former Salgaocar players) and Xavier Colaco (former Dempo player), while Fatorda have Johny D'Cruz, (Ex Dempo), Remy Barreto (Ex Vasco) and Bobby Crasto (Ex Napoli, Benaulim) in their ranks. Former Indian Goalkeepers Virender Singh and Chandrakant Naik are the goalkeepers for Salgaocar and Fatorda veterans respectively and both are yet to concede a goal.
Sheikh Niazi (MPT) and Baptist D'Mello (Anderson Marine) form a rock solid central defensive pair for Salgaocar and it would be a difficult task for Fatorda strikers Vincent Barbosa and Tony Crasto to get the goals. Former Sesa and Mahindra player Anthony Khambo Pereira and Bhibi Fernandes (MPT) form the striking pair for Salgaocar and the duo will have a testing time against the experienced Fatorda defender Mahesh Kambli (Salcete) and Agnelo Araujo.
Salgaocar Veterans are the most successful team in the tournament's history, having won the trophy thrice while ending runners-up thrice. For UC Fatorda Veterans, this is a rare appearance in the finals in their 15 attempts. Fisheries Minister Avertano Furtado will be the chief guest for the finals.
