By Salgaocar FC Media
GOA: Whilst Salgaocar FC’s first team players prepare to defend their Goa Pro League title, the juniors (U-20) have quietly gone about their business in the Goa Police Cup snaring Churchill Bros. SC and Santa Cruz Club of Cavelossim en-route to the final. Having exceeded all expectations, the boys have been advised to enjoy the occasion and play devoid of any pressure when they take on Tuff Laxmi Prasad SC in the finals on Wednesday.
With most teams participating in the tournament having fielded squads that are likely to feature in the Goa Professional League, due to commence from the 23rd of August, Salgaocar chose to give their U-20 boys an opportunity to make a name for themselves and possibly earn a call up to the first team for the Pro League and some much needed exposure, a gamble some may have said. A majority of this squad were part of the U-19 side last year that went on to clinch the GFA Third Division title in addition to finishing third in the U-19 I-League. Having shown great promise last year, the club management decided that the gamble was worth taking.
The team showed great character to bounce back against Churchill Bros. in the quarter-finals after being a goal down before a clinical performance saw them get the better of Cavelossim, 3-2 in the semi-finals. Their opponents in Wednesday’s final, are a team that have been on the ascendency over the past couple of years. Tuff Laxmi Prasad finished Runners-up in the Goa Professional League last season and have bolstered their squad with some key signings including former International. Climax Lawrence, at the start of this season. Tuff will undoubtedly start as firm favourite against Salgaocar’s teenagers.
Head coach of the senior team, Malcolm Thomson who was in attendance at both the games played thus far was full of praise for the club’s juniors. “It is fantastic that you are putting pressure on us (the first team) with your performance”, he remarked. “This can only be good for the club as youngsters like yourselves keep knocking on the doors of the senior team”, he added, whilst addressing the boys after their semi-final victory.
For Salgaocar’s juniors, tomorrow’s game is likely to be the most important of their lives yet! They have already won over fans aplenty with their grit and steely resolve. Will they now go on to conquer the final hurdle?
