Panaji: At a recent discussion of GFDC football summit, Pradyum Reddy, CEO of Dempo SC, engaged with football legends Padmashri Brahmanand Sankhwalkar, Denzil Franco, Beevan D’Mello, and coach Keenan Almeida about the challenges faced by Goan football players when it comes to pursuing careers outside the state.
Keenan Almeida provided insight into the situation. He explained that prior to 2014, there were five teams in the National Football League, allowing many players to stay in Goa while still enjoying career opportunities. However, with the shift to just two teams in the top league, fewer players are able to make a name for themselves outside Goa. “Players have not moved out as much as we would like to see. It’s partly about our culture; many find it difficult to leave their comfort zone,” Keenan noted. He expressed hope for a mentality shift, emphasizing that players must seek better opportunities outside Goa if they want to advance in their football careers.
Another former player pointed out that in the past, players were often employed by local companies, providing them with job security even after retiring from football. However, this practice has diminished as players now find more attractive contracts in professional leagues. “The compensation for professional players, including national team members, may not be sufficient to sustain them throughout their lives,” he said. He highlighted the increasing lifespan and suggested that players should have another profession to fall back on.
The former player also recalled a proposal by late Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, which promised government jobs to international players after retirement. He stressed the importance of revisiting such initiatives to motivate players to pursue international careers. “Today, that motivation is lacking. Many players turn to unrecognized tournaments just to earn some money,” he added.
Another football enthusiast chimed in, recalling how players like Brahmanand Sankhwalkar received government jobs when Churchill Alemao was Chief Minister and Sports Minister. This model provided job security for players and allowed them to continue working for the government long after their playing days. “We need to advocate for government jobs for international and Santosh Trophy players,” he said, noting that players like Sanjoy remain popular figures in Goa and beyond.
This discussion highlights a critical need for structural changes to support athletes in Goa. The consensus was clear: to ensure a successful future for Goan football players, the government must provide job opportunities after retirement. Without such support, many players face uncertain futures once they leave the pitch, which can hinder their career aspirations both in and outside of Goa.
