Dempo Sports Club has completed signings of several Indian players over the week and is in advanced talks with Jeje Lalpekhlua for the forth coming season.

While retaining most of the players, coach Arthur Papas has managed to strike a balance between youth and experience in the team. National team players like Jewel Raja Sheikh (Mohun Bagan) and Prathamesh Maulingkar (Pailan Arrows) have already signed for the club while Dempo regulars like Godwin Franco, Mahesh Gawli, Peter Carvalho and Laxmikant Kattimani have pledged their commitment to the club for next season. Mercurial Indian striker Jeje Lalpekhlua is next on the radar and talks regarding his contract are in advanced stages.

Promising U-20 players like Myron Fernandes (Mapusa), Nixon Castanha (Curtorim) and Aniston Fernandes (Betalbatim) have found a place in the senior squad after impressive performances in the I-League U-20 event which was personally attended by Papas in March 2013. Hardworking Midfielder Mandar Rao Desai from Mapusa has also been promoted to the I-League squad next season.

In an effort to build team for the future, Dempo scouts are keeping a close look at the local football tournaments in Goa, which apart from being crowd pullers are also a hot bed of several unknown talented footballers. The club officials are finalizing details with few young Goan players in consultation with the Head coach.

(Dempo SC)