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Ambrose's home away from home By: A Mid Day Correspondent October 14, 2004 http://web.mid-day.com/sports/local/2004/october/94694.htm I could have opted for Goa and was short-listed in the GFA squad, but I wanted to play for Mumbai, so I came here,” said Alex Ambrose, who will be spearheading Maharashtra’s attack in the Santosh Trophy that kicks off in Delhi today. Representing your state or country always evokes greatest passion among sportspersons. Being his first senior National for his home state, it is extra special for Ambrose. Though born and brought up in Dadar, Alex has played all his professional football in Goa. “It’s a special moment for me and am very keen to do well. I am looking forward to putting up a good show and get a good result for the team. “My friends and family are happy and excited about me playing for Maharashtra, though when it comes to playing professional football, Goa is a better place to be,” said Ambrose, who started his career with Shivaji Park-based football club Dadar XI. He was later selected in the Tata Football Academy and on passing out from there was offered a contract by one of India’s top clubs, Salgaocar. “We were a bit weak in that area (forwardline), but with Alex in the team we are now balanced in all departments. He has speed and is very good in dead-ball situations,” observed coach Bimal Ghosh. Ambrose, who is playing for Goa’s Vasco SC this season, is the only outstation player in the Maharashtra team, which has majority of the players from Mumbai-based clubs Air-India and Mahindra United. But forming an understanding with the other players will not be a problem, says Ambrose. After all, he has played with most of the guys at the junior level. “That should be no problem.” Ambrose was the captain of the Maharashtra state junior team in 1997, which had reached the quarter-final stage in the Junior Nationals after a gap of nearly 13 years. He cherises those memories: “We did well in the quarter-final league as well, but lost out on a semi-final berth to Bengal on goal average.” Ambrose will need to cross the Bengal hurdle with the senior team as well, which Maharashtra is slated to meet in the quarter-final league. Last year’s semi-finalist Services are the third team in the group, and only one team will advance. “It is going to be close, but we have a good team and are confident of faring well,” said Ambrose Forwarded by Eddie Verdes www.goa-world.com/kantaram