PANAJI
The Goa Professional League is set to kick off on Sunday, August 27 with a sensational opening match between FC Goa and Churchill Brothers FC at the Duler Stadium in Mapusa.
Dr Caitano Fernandes, the President of the Goa Football Association, expressed his enthusiasm about the upcoming season. He stated, “The season 2023-24 kicked off with a successful Charity Match. I am thrilled to announce the fixtures for the 2023-24 Goa Professional League where FC Goa and Churchill Brothers FC play the inaugural match.”
Last season's success in completing the league without significant issues has set a high standard, and President Fernandes aims to surpass it. He added, “This year, we will strive to make the league even better. The initial phase will be played at Duler Stadium, with matches scheduled at other venues in due course.”
Defending champions Dempo SC will begin their title defence on August 29 against Cortalim Villagers, promising an exciting showdown. Additionally, football enthusiasts can anticipate the return of Pax of Nagoa to top-flight football as they face Sporting Clube de Goa on August 31. New entrants Geno SC are set to make their league debut against Churchill Brothers on September 2, adding an element of intrigue to the season.
Fernandes highlighted the commitment to maintaining the integrity of the league. He stated, “We recently had an integrity seminar with the Goa Professional League teams, and we are hopeful that the teams will play a fair game. Any unethical practice brought to our notice shall be dealt with with seriousness, and strict action shall be taken against the players and teams.”
FIXTURES
Round 1 - August 27: FC Goa v Churchill Bros, Duler Stadium, August 28: Sesa FA v Young Boys of Tonca, Duler Stadium, August 29: Dempo SC v Cortalim Villagers, Duler Stadium, August 30: Calangute Association v Panjim Footballers, Duler Stadium, August 31: Pax of Nagoa v Sporting Clube de Goa, Duler Stadium, September 1: Guardian Angel SC v Vasco SC, Duler Stadium; Round 2 - September 2: Churchill Brothers v Geno SC, Duler Stadium, September 3: Panjim Footballers v Dempo SC, Duler Stadium, September 4: Sporting Clube de Goa v FC Goa, Duler Stadium, September 5: Cortalim Villagers v Calangute Association, Duler Stadium, September 6: Sesa FA v Guardian Angel SC, Duler Stadium, September 7: Vasco SC v Pax of Nagoa, Duler Stadium
