GFA celebrates 59th anniversary
The Goa Football Association celebrated their 59th anniversary with great fanfare at the Duler Stadium, Mapusa, as the State football governing body felicitated clubs, scribes and referee at Duler Stadium, Mapusa, on Saturday. Speaking at the occasion, GFA President Churchill Alemao said, “It’s been 59 years now that GFA had been formed and we should all work together with a common aim of making progressive roads ahead in coming years,” said Churchill requesting the newly elected committee members from both North and South Goa to work collectively towards the development of the sports in the State. “I want to uplift all the clubs and revive the old clubs with my own personal effort, which will help the aspiring footballers to grow in years to come,” added Churchill who received accolades of his decision to felicitate the clubs and scribes for the first time for their contribution towards the sport. Churchill also revealed that they have decided to have women’s exhibition match at the finals of all football tournament finals in North and South Goa in their bid to develop women’s football. GFA president thanked Ishita Godinho for arranging the women’s exhibition match. Earlier an exhibition match was played between Goa XI and Goa University women’s team wherein the Varsity team emerged victorious in the penalty shoot-out after playing a 2-2 draw in the regulation time. Akshata Patil had given GU Women the lead but Karishma Shirvoikar levelled terms for Goa XI. Velanie Fernandes once again gave the lead for GU only to see it cancelled by star striker Karishma. In the resultant tie-breaker Rhea Noronha stopped vital penalty to give GU much deserved win. Sports Authority of India director Roque Dias gave away prizes to the runners-up while Churchill Alemao present cash prize of Rs 5,000 to both the teams. Sao Jose de Areal (Panchayat Cup since 1981) , Navelim Sporting Club )inter-village tournament for 35 years), Baina Sports Club (Bandodkar Memorial tournament for 44 years), Cana Benaulim Sporting Association, CRC Chinchinim (inter-village tournament for 40 years), Santa Cruz Club of Cavelossim Inter-village tournament since 1975), Raia Sporting Club and Chandor Club (Seamen’s Rolling trophy for 45 years) were felicitated for organising inter-village football tournaments successfully for more than 35 years. The lone Goa woman referee Maria Rebello was also felicitated for being Goa’s first and only woman referee and the first Goan woman referee to be accredited by FIFA. Seven sports scribes were also felicitated for having covered football events for more than 25 years. They are Charles de Souza, Minoo Fernandes, Manguesh Redkar, Sandeep Redkar, Simon Alphonso, Kishore Petkar, Inacio Noronha. GFA Vice President North Levinio Rebello, Vice President South Anthony Pango and other GFA executive members were also present for the function.
