CHARLES D’SOUZA
MARGAO
Goa captain Vitorino Fernandes sounded confident of putting up a good show at the 72nd National Football Championship for Santosh Trophy, which kicks off in Kolkata on March 19.
Speaking to the The Goan ahead of the team’s departure to Kolkata, Fernandes said the team is eager to put up a good show and bring home the coveted trophy which has been eluding them for quite some time now.
“It is good because all of the players are fit. We have been playing Pro League and we have had enough time to prepare for the championship. It is again a new beginning for us. We need to start afresh,” Fernandes stressed. “Looking forward, it is always good to start on a fresh note,” he added.
The Goa captain was also hopeful that the team will produce results to win the championship. “The young boys have been in the match mood. They have been playing Pro League. We have had a short camp here so pretty much everyone is in the mood of playing matches,” Fernandes added.
Goa finished runners-up behind Bengal when Goa hosted the last edition of the championship. Fernandes, however, is confident of turning the tables this time.
“Our first aim is to do well in the group. It’s extremely important to top our group and make the semis. I believe we will be up for a strong challenge,” said the Flaming Oranje striker.
Dempo defender Mathew Gonsalves will be the vice-captain. Besides the captain, only Mathew Gonsalves, Peter Carvalho, Marcus Mascarenhas, Joaquim Abranches, Melroy Fernandes, Bevan D’Mello, Shallum Pires and Nickson Castana have any Santosh Trophy experience.
The heart of this team though mainly comprises of Dempo Sports Club, with as many eight Eagles players making it to the final squad.
