CHARLES D’SOUZA
MARGAO
The Curtorim village has been a cradle of footballers, having produced champions like Antonio Rebello, Armando Colaco, late Lepoldo Fernandes, Cyril Rodrigues, Roy Baretto, Roberto Fernandes, Alex Rebello, Roque Carneiro and Maria Rebello (woman footballer), who went on to win for the State and the country in the sport.
Many Curtorkars, with its rich sports tradition, have contributed enormously to the Goan and Indian sports. Like top coach Armando Colaco and FIFA referee (women) Maria Rebello, the village has produced many sportspersons who have brought laurels to the country, State and the village with their stupendous performance.
Football is in the blood of the people of Curtorim, they say. The latest footballer coming out of the village, who has grabbed the spotlight is Jessel Carneiro -- the 29-year-old left wing-back who is playing for Kerala Blasters FC in the ongoing Indian Super League.
The footballer from Maina-Curtorim donned the colours of Salgaocar FC, Dempo SC (2012-14), Pune FC (2014-2015), FC Bardez, Dempo (2018-19) before joining the Kerala Blasters. Jessel captained Goa during the 2018-19 National Football Championship for Santosh Trophy held in Punjab, where the team finished as semifinalists.
Alex Dias, the coach of Cuncolim Union and former secretary of Curtorim Gymkhana, said the villagers of Curtorim are proud of Carneiro. “He is going to be an asset for Kerala and will be a potent force, helping his forwards to score goals. The years of experience with Dempo, Salgaocar and FC Pune and now playing for Kerala Blasters... the national call may not be far away.”
