MARGAO
A never-say-die attitude and self-belief to win were the key ingredients which propelled Sirvodem Sports Club PSA, Dubai to success in the GFA Vedanta Women's League.
Sirvodem defeated FC Goa 1-0 in a match which was earlier abandoned midway to emerge the first leg champions at Duler Stadium, Mapusa on Sunday which enabled them to book a spot in the Indian Women's League to be held at Bubaneswar next week. It is unlikely that the second leg will be played, a source said.
Sirvodem's technical director Covan Lawrence, who himself played for the club in his initial years, hailed the club's youth development system. “Over the last two seasons that coach Girijadevi Dessai has been in charge, we have tried to bring in young lasses, mostly from the schools. Our three outstation players have been an asset to our team. A lot of youngsters who made their debuts last year got call-ups to the State team and have been regulars in our side," said Covan, who represented Salgaocar SC, East Bengal, Air India, Vasco SC and Dempo SC.
Playing only their second season, Sirvodem perhaps are the youngest football club to win the Women's League title for the second year in succession without conceding a single goal. “It’s a great story for the club and the Sirvodem. We have a great team,” Covan said.
“I tried to share the experience with the players to make sure that they understand the magnitude of the games and go there and execute their skills and be as clinical as they can be,” Covan concluded.
