PANAJI
Sporting Clube de Goa will face Dempo SC in a charity match at the Raia Panchayat Ground on September 12, with kickoff scheduled for 4:00 PM. This year's fixture follows Sporting's win against Dempo SC in last year's charity match, which ended 4-2 on penalties after the game finished level.
The fixture follows the club's recent announcement of eight new signings. Anchoring the midfield are Ashnoy Prince Gomes, 20, from São José de Areal in Salcette, and Garrison Fernandes, also 20, from Raia, who plays as a forward. Leading the line up front are Rutik Ramesh Bandodkar, 24, a forward from Sanguem, and Aliton Furtado, 19, from Quepem, who also plays as a forward. Holding the backline together is Delmon Rebello, 21, a defender from Chinchinim.
The squad has also been strengthened by Mevan Dias, 23, who brings pace to the frontline and is equally comfortable as a striker or out on the wing, along with Frevino Fernandes, 22, who commands his box with safe hands and sharp reflexes between the posts. Nagoa's Velanco Rodrigues, 23, adds a creative spark as an attacking midfielder and winger.
The new additions will turn out alongside familiar faces from last season's title-winning squad, including Ivon Costa, Dhiraj Chouhan, and Aaron Barreto.
Head coach Dipankar Sharma has overseen training through the months as the group prepares to field the squad in a competitive setting.
"Sporting Clube de Goa is a club built on a rich history and a football culture to be proud of. To be given the opportunity to lead a club of this stature is a privilege, but also a responsibility I am determined to repay with hard work, ambition and results," said Sharma.
Saturday's fixture will be Sharma's first match in charge of the side. Proceeds from the fixture will go toward the match's charitable cause.
