MARGAO
Having played in the centre back position through his football career, former player Rsimundo D'Souza has now conquered the battle on the political turf, becoming a councillor of Cuncolim Municipal Council.
The newly-elected Congress councillor from Panzorcone-Potomodo rates his latest victory as the toughest and most memorable, even when compared to wins as a footballer turning out for Dena Bank, Mumbai, Churchill Brothers Sports Club and Cuncolim Gymkhana.
"In football, when your opponents commit a foul on the field, they do so openly. But in politics, your rivals are forever ready to hit you below the belt,” D'Souza told 'The Goan Everyday'. "So I shall keep this victory ahead of all my other accomplishments," said D'Souza, who won the election earlier his month.
He credited former MLA Joaquim Alemao, his son Yuri Alemao and people of his ward for his victory. D'Souza became the second footballer after Ashok Fadte to occupy the councillor's seat. "This (the win) was possible due to the Alemao father-son duo," he said.
D'Souza has also served as coach of GFDC Cuncolim centre and his wards have represented the country and State at junior levels. But even in his new avatar, D'Souza has set his eyes on returning to the game which has given him so much.
"It's my dream to develop the Poitomaddo ground and jogging track which has been a long-time dream of the people of Poitomado. I want to work for the people and with the people. I have been out on the roads and bylanes of my ward during campaigning. I am trying to understand the people's problems," he said.
