PANAJI
Goa'sDerrick Pereira, a highly respected name in Indian football, has beenappointed as the new Technical Director of Gokulam Kerala FootballClub.
Aformer Technical Director of FC Goa who was pivotal role indeveloping youth talent and strengthening the club’s footballingstructure, Pereira brings with him decades of experience as a player,coach, and technical expert.
"Alegacy joins a mission. Welcoming Derrick Pereira, our new TechnicalDirector, to lead us into a new era of excellence," wroteGokulam Kerala FC on its social media account - Instagram, Facebookand Twitter.
Foundedin 2017, Gokulam Kerala FC have been I-League champions twice -2020–21 and 2021-22. In fact, it’s the first club from Kerala towin an I-League title and also the first team to defend an I-Leagueleague title in 2021–22.
Derrickwill take over the charge of the club from 01 August 2025.
“Iam honoured and thrilled to join Gokulam Kerala FC — a club withambitious goals and passionate fans, which makes this opportunity allthe more special. I look forward to working closely with the players,coaching staff, and management to establish a sustainable footballculture and help propel the club toward even greater success,” saidDerrick.
"Theproject is good. The vision of the club is to get promoted to theIndian Super League (ISL). It’s a good opportunity for me to workwith them and make it a better team. Gokulam Kerala FC is such a clubthat always wants to be on top, “ Pereira told The Goan.
“OnceI formally take over, we will prepare a road map for the club afterconsultation with all the stakeholders as to how to take the club togreater heights, “ said Derrick who holds AFC ‘Pro’ CoachingDiploma.
Derrickhad an illustrious coaching career having coached some of India’sfinest football clubs such as Salgaocar SC, Mahindra United, Pune FC,and DSK Shivajians.
Hisnotable achievements include winning the National Football League(2005–06), Durand Cup titles with Mahindra United and Salgaocar SC,and reaching the AFC Cup quarterfinals in 2007.
Pereirahas also coached the India U-23 Men’s Team in 2019–2020.
Asa player, he represented the Indian National Team from 1984 to 1991in tournaments like Asian Cup and World Cup Qualifiers, captainedSalgaocar SC to major trophies, played for Goa for over 16 years, andwas part of the Santosh Trophy winning squad in 1984.
