Tag: Goa Football

Sports

SFA’s Maiden IWL Qualification Marks a New Dawn for Goan Women’s Football: Armando Colaco

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

The Sesa Football Academy Senior Women’s Team has created a landmark moment in Goan football by securing its first-ever qualification for the 9th Indian Women’s League. Their entry marks the return of a Goan team to the national stage after three years, and positions SFA among the only five Goan clubs to have ever competed in the prestigious league. Having already established themselves as the reigning Vedanta Women’s League champions, their commendable third-place finish in the IWL 2 set the foundation for qualification. With the Indian Arrows withdrawing, and through the persistent efforts of Dr. Caitano Fernandes, President of the Goa Football Association, SFA earned their place in the 16-team competition.

The achievement arrives at a promising time for women’s football in India, where the U17, U21, and senior national women’s teams have all qualified for the AFC Champions Cup. For Goa, SFA’s entry into the IWL opens a vital pathway for local players to gain exposure, visibility, and opportunity at the national level. Navin Jaju, CEO of Vedanta Sesa Goa, expressed pride in the team’s rapid progress, acknowledging that their journey serves as inspiration for many young athletes.

Dronacharya Awardee and former India and SFA coach Armando Colaco described the qualification as more than a sporting accomplishment. For him, it signals the revival of women’s football in Goa. He recalled a time when the women’s game had strong grassroots presence in the state, which gradually faded over the years. The recent successes of SFA, he believes, have reignited that lost momentum. Colaco praised the technical ability, discipline, and temperament of the young players, viewing this milestone as the beginning of a new phase for Goan football rather than a conclusion of past efforts.

Colaco also highlighted SFA’s important role in rebuilding a sustainable ecosystem for women’s football. He emphasized that women’s football must not be regarded as a benevolent side venture but as a high-performance sporting avenue deserving of strategic investment. In this journey, the continued support of Vedanta Sesa Goa has been instrumental in stabilizing and growing the women’s football structure in the state, particularly through their contributions to the Women’s League in Goa.

Looking ahead, Colaco believes that if SFA sustains its current momentum, it has the potential to become a national reference point for women’s football development. As the SFA Senior Women’s Team prepares to enter the IWL, expectations rise not just for their performance but for the broader impact they may have on Goan football. The moment, he says, belongs to the players, the academy, and to every young girl dreaming of pursuing football professionally. For him, this is not only a moment of qualification but a moment of revival—one that calls on the entire football community to support the SFA team in ushering in a true Goan sunrise.

Sports

Candolim Panchayat FA, Super30 Distribute 140 Jerseys to Young Footballers

allycaralgoa

CANDOLIM: The Candolim Panchayat Football Academy (FA), in partnership with Super30 Soccer Schools, marked a proud moment in its grassroots football journey on Wednesday with the distribution of 140 jerseys at the Dr Gustavo Monteiro ground, Candolim.

The academy’s vision is rooted in accessibility and opportunity. Powered by the Village Panchayat of Candolim under the leadership of Sarpanch Blaize Fernandes and the panch members, the programme offers fully sponsored football training for boys and girls aged 5 to 18. Families incur no costs, ensuring every child in the village has the chance to access structured, professional coaching.

The initiative was conceptualised six years ago by Ricardo Cardozo, founder and owner of Super30 Soccer Schools, who envisioned a system that would make high-quality training available to local children. With strong Panchayat support and a dedicated coaching staff, the collaboration between Candolim Panchayat FA and Super30 has evolved into one of North Goa’s most impactful youth development projects.

In the past six years, the academy has trained over 700 children, with many progressing to professional clubs, elite academies, state teams and even the Indian national structure. The programme has become a model for community-driven sports development in Goa.

During the jersey distribution ceremony, 140 players received their official kits for the new season. Parents, coaches and Panchayat members attended the event, celebrating the continued growth of the academy.

Speaking at the function, Sarpanch Blaize Fernandes commended the coaches and organisers for their dedication and reaffirmed the Panchayat’s commitment to supporting grassroots sport. Representatives from Super30 expressed gratitude for the Panchayat’s trust and long-term vision for local talent.

The event closed with group photographs, player interactions and motivational words from the coaching team—further strengthening the commitment of Candolim Panchayat FA and Super30 to nurturing future footballers and fostering a vibrant sporting culture in Goa.

Sports

Mandar Rao Dessai Calls on AIFF to Act: “India Needs Its Football Back”

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral Sports Desk

Former India international and current Chennaiyin FC player Mandar Rao Dessai has urged football authorities to take immediate action to end the growing uncertainty surrounding the Indian Super League (ISL). In a heartfelt message shared on Instagram, the Goan footballer described the situation as an “existential crisis” for Indian football and appealed to the All India Football Federation (AIFF) to act swiftly and bring clarity to the future of the league.

Mandar, who has represented India and played for clubs including FC Goa and Chennaiyin FC, voiced his frustration over the ongoing delay in the start of the ISL season. His message resonated with players and fans alike, as he called for transparency and urgency from those responsible for managing the sport.

In his post, Mandar wrote that professional footballers across the ISL are united in their plea to resume competitive football in the country. “We want to play, and now,” he said, expressing the collective desperation of players who have been waiting for months to return to the field. He added that the lack of communication and direction from the authorities had left players, clubs, and supporters in the dark.

Mandar’s statement followed a turbulent period for Indian football, with the AIFF’s tender process for broadcast, sponsorship, and digital rights ending without success. The failed process, which was meant to ensure the league’s long-term stability, has instead intensified uncertainty and speculation about the ISL’s immediate future.

With no official start date or clarity from the federation, frustration continues to mount among players, clubs, and fans. Many believe that the ISL, once heralded as a new era for Indian football, now faces its toughest test yet.

Mandar’s words reflect a deep sense of passion and urgency, calling for the authorities to act in good faith and restore confidence in Indian football. As he put it, “We’ve been in a dark tunnel for too long — we could do with a little light.”

The call for action from senior players like Mandar Rao Dessai highlights a growing movement within the Indian football community — one that demands accountability, clarity, and the revival of the sport that millions across the country love.

Sports

Goa Has Sporting Talent but Needs the Right Guidance and Support: Mandar Rao Dessai

Tanisha Cardozo

Panjim, Goa – The passion for football in Goa remains as vibrant as ever, and former Indian national team footballer and current Chennaiyin FC player Mandar Rao Dessai believes that the state has the potential to produce even more world-class athletes — provided they receive the right guidance and support.

Speaking at a sports kit distribution event in Arpora–Nagoa, organized by the V.P. Arpora–Nagoa Panchayat, Mandar emphasized the importance of nurturing young sporting talent through community involvement and mentorship. Reflecting on his own journey, the 33-year-old footballer recalled the challenges he faced during his early days. “When I started playing, there were challenges — lack of kits, infrastructure, and support. But today, everything is available,” he said.

Mandar noted that while opportunities for sports have grown significantly across India, many young players still struggle due to limited financial and infrastructural support. He urged everyone — from local organizations and coaches to families and sports clubs — to come together to provide the right environment for emerging athletes. “We all should come together to motivate and guide young players so they can become great athletes,” he said.

The footballer also highlighted the crucial role that families play in shaping the careers of young sportspersons. “Support from family and friends — whether moral or financial — is crucial. I have represented my state and country, and I know there are many more talented players in Goa who just need the right training and guidance,” he added.

Calling discipline and dedication the cornerstones of success, Mandar expressed optimism that Goa will continue to produce outstanding athletes who can make India proud. “Football runs in the blood of every Goan,” he said, capturing the enduring spirit of the state’s connection with the sport.

During the event, Mandar thanked the Panchayat officials for their efforts in promoting grassroots sports and encouraged further development of local sporting infrastructure. His message was clear — with passion, perseverance, and community backing, Goa’s next generation of athletes can achieve greatness on national and international stages.

Sports

Goa Sub-Junior Football Team Departs for National Tournament in Amritsar

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Amritsar, Punjab: Goa’s 20-member Sub-Junior Football team has set off for Amritsar to participate in the national football tournament, marking a significant opportunity for young players to showcase their talent on a national stage.

The team departed Mopa Airport at 2:55 am on October 25, accompanied by Head Coach Ramesh, Assistant Coach Eddie Phisio Suraj, and Manager Cosme Oliveira. Before boarding, the players, coaching staff, and their families attended a Mass at St. Joaquim Chapel in Borda, celebrated by Fr. Dylan D’Costa, Chaplain of Borda, invoking blessings for their journey and success in the tournament.

Goa’s first match is scheduled against Haryana on October 28, followed by matches on October 30 and November 1 against other teams in the group stage, including Kerala and Punjab. The tournament promises competitive fixtures and offers a platform for Goa’s budding footballers to gain national exposure and experience high-level competition.

This journey not only highlights Goa’s dedication to youth sports development but also demonstrates the support system of families, coaches, and local communities in nurturing future sports talent. Fans and sports enthusiasts from Goa are eagerly awaiting updates as the team aims to make a mark at the national level.