MARGAO
The athletes from Sarzora have traded training ground for the paddy fields, farming amid the curfew either as a new hobby or to lend a helping hand to cultivators.
The Goan players who ply their trade for FC Bengaluru United, Churchill Brothers and FC Goa have come together to cultivate two paddy fields in the South Goa village, inspiring several youngsters in the process.
Hayden Hadson Fernandes, Chadel Fernandes, Myron Ferrao, Milroy Ferrao, Bradly Fernandes and Kish Cardozo are some of the players from Sarzora who are rallying together in this new pursuit. Two paddy fields that laid barren for decades have been cultivated thanks to the inspirational leadership provided by Seby Rebello, who has got the youngsters under one banner and made them go through the tough grind of cultivating the paddy fields.
Seby, who used to work as a casino technician on a cruise ship and as the secretary of the Sarzora Sports Club, was able to convince the youngsters and their families to help him in transforming the barren paddy fields to green ones. The youngsters have been working since June and this week they helped in the transplantation of the paddy fields.
“It is hard work and back-breaking. They have been able to transplant the paddy in two paddy fields which are around an acre of land,” said Seby. “We have learnt a few practical lessons of life and all of us, mature adults and these teenage footballers, have learnt many things which we will not be able to learn in school,” added Seby.
“It is going back to the roots, and all of us are enjoying the spirit and bonds of community family,” he said. “We need to preserve our paddy fields and these youngsters need to carry forward the message and inspire others. They are our brand ambassadors of Sarzora and our Goa,” said Seby.
The Sarzora youngsters' task was made easy thanks to the guidance and technical help from Verma D’Mello of Goa Sudharop.
For the record, Hayden plays for FC Bengaluru United, Chadel for Churchill Bros, Ferrao brothers “ Myron and Milroy “ have been with Dempo SC. Kish and Bradly are youth development players.
“Agriculturist Rosarinho Rodrigues from Navelim and Dr Lira Menezes Gama, a professor at Damodar College, Margao, motivated us and encouraged us to get into farming,” Seby said.
Valente Gracias, along with his sons Josh and Jade, worked tirelessly and encouraged the village footballers and also sought help from their parents to take up the farming, Rebello said.
Gracias, a former seaman who now operates an open dance floor in Sarzora, told The Goan that working in the paddy fields has kept him mentally and physically sharp during these difficult times.
“We try to spend a few hours there every day. Laying the beds, planting the seeds. It is all so satisfying, especially when our hard work will bear fruit soon,” said Gracias.
