THE BLOG BY CPD FOOTBALL | The World of Indian football and beyond by Chris Punnakkattu Daniel

Unbeaten Salgaocar FC look set to reclaim pole position

Salgaocar FC

Salgaocar FC

In what is being widely regarded as the most competitive Goa Professional League in years, evidence stemming from the fact that Laxmi Prasad SC and Santa Cruz Club of Cavelossim are perched at the top the league table, Salgaocar FC will look to continue their rich vein of form when they take on Sesa Football Academy in a Round 6 clash at the Duler Stadium on Thursday, September 25.

In a topsy-turvy league, where upsets have been the order of the day, Salgaocar continue to remain the only unbeaten team in the 10 team league. Currently in third position and only three points adrift of table toppers Laxmi Prasad SC, the ‘Greens’ have played two games less than all of the other teams in the top 6, and a win will see them catapult to the top of the league standings with a game in hand.

After sharing the spoils in their opener against Sporting Clube de Goa, Salgaocar FC have registered three successive victories, with the latest of those being a morale boosting 3-0 win over traditional rivals Dempo SC. The results are even more noteworthy given that 8 U-20 players have been registered as part of the squad for the Pro League with a minimum of 3 featuring regularly in the starting 11. The forward line in particular has been led by, and comprises predominantly of U-20 players with teenager Myron Borges helping himself to a brace in the last encounter.

This also speaks volumes for the quality of players being churned out from the club’s youth development system, given that in addition to the 8 juniors registered for the league, the club has lost several talented youngsters at the start of the season to other clubs both within and outside the state, seeking first team action. Coach Derrick Pereira has over the course of the 4 games been able to give a majority of the squad a decent run out. With sights firmly set on the Durand Cup scheduled to kick-off at the end of the month, the last 5 games of the first phase of the league should offer the gaffer plenty of opportunity to try out other possible combinations.

“At the club, we have always looked to promote youngsters and that has been integral to our philosophy. We will continue to do so whilst simultaneously ensuring we keep competing for trophies which are equally important in my opinion. Finding the balance between the two is the key,” remarked Derrick.

The Vasco derby awaits the Greens following the encounter with Sesa Football Academy and shall be played on September 29 at the same venue.