MARGAO
After six seasons in the Goa Professional League, Panjim Footballers have been relegated following the conclusion of the 2024“25 season. The club, which earned promotion from the GFA First Division League in 2018“19, leaves behind a legacy marked by youth development and notable achievements.
Despite their relegation, Panjim Footballers have several milestones to celebrate. Their success in the Vedanta Women's League, where they won both the first and second editions under Coach Anthony Francis Vas, stands out. They also made history as the first Goan club to participate in the Indian Women's League (IWL). The club nurtured talent like Karishma Shirvoikar, who became a top scorer and went on to represent India internationally. Another highlight was their victory in the Goa Police Cup, where they defeated Dempo SC 1“0, with Joyson Gauncar scoring the winning goal. Irfan Yadward also achieved recognition as the highest goal scorer. This triumph was achieved under Coach Ajay Acharya, with Anthony Francis Vas serving as Club President.
Throughout their six seasons in the Goa Professional League, Panjim Footballers prioritized developing young talent. The club provided a platform for numerous promising players, including Irfan Yadwad, Akeraj Martins, Gautam Dias, Doyal Alves, Clive Miranda, Schubert Colaco, Alton Vaz, Myron Fernandes, Joyson Gauncar, Joel Colaco, Dattaraj Gauncar, Akash Sanadi, Kunal Kundaikar, Dhiraj Chouhan, Chandan Gawas, Darryl Costa, Beneston Barretto, Moises D'Sa, Lloyd Cardozo, Preston Rego, Snedden Rodrigues, and Liston Cardozo. Many of these players have since progressed to play for Sporting Clube de Goa at the senior level.
Anthony Francis Vas fondly recalled the club's debut in the Pro League, a 2“2 draw against Salgaocar FC, highlighting the team's resilience against a strong opponent. They also earned attention by drawing 1“1 with Sporting Clube de Goa, with Joel Colaco as captain.
"This team was promoted to give young and upcoming talent an opportunity in the Pro League and was strongly supported by the late Peter Vaz," said Angelo Albuquerque, the patron and founder of Panjim Footballers. He also noted a particularly successful season where the team finished sixth, led by captain Dattaraj Gauncar, who currently captains Sporting Clube de Goa.
The team also enjoyed strong fan support at Duler Stadium, where enthusiastic supporters would chant "Bhurgea bore Kavta," a memorable moment for former Coach Savio Vaz.
While their time in the Goa Professional League has concluded, Panjim Footballers leave a lasting impact on Goan football. Their dedication to youth development and their memorable performances will be remembered, and their contribution to nurturing future stars will endure.
