I-LEAGUE Media Team
NEW DELHI: Goan outfit Salgaocar FC open their account in the U-19 I-League 2014/15 as they take on Dempo SC at the Cuncolim Ground on Sunday, December 14, in the second match from the Goa Zone.
THE TEAMS AT A GLANCE:
SALGAOCAR FC U-19
Training routines: The Salgaocar boys started their training on July 30 and it involved a lot of physical, technical and tactical training with and without the ball. The technical and tactical build up to this tournament has been steady, vigorous and very encouraging.
Practice Venue: The lush green BITS PILANI Ground, where the team trains between 3.30 and 5.30 pm. The training is done in the evening,to make it possible for the boys, going to school or college, to attend the training sessions.
Practice Games played: The team played quite a number of practice matches mostly against the Senior team and a few against other Goa Professional League sides and haven’t fared too badly – winning 50% of the matches.
In the competitive matches played, the U19 team won 10 out of 11 and annexed the Mormugao zone of GFA’s 3rd Division Title, and qualified for the GFA 2nd Division for the upcoming season. In the All India Invitational Tournament held in Gadhinglaj, Kolhapur, the colts finished third.
Home Match venue: Cuncolim Ground
Quote from Anthony Pereira (Head Coach): “The U-19 I-League Goa Leg is expected to be expected to be extremely competitive, but we have prepared ourselves well and the boys are raring to go. We will do our best to bring home the title”.
Previous Record: Second from the Goa Zone of the qualifiers.
DEMPO SC U-19
Practice venue – Goa University Grounds, Bambolim, Panaji
Practice games played –
25th October: Vs Tropa Siolim (Div III)@Duler Stadium, DSC 9-0 TSFC,
28th October Gadhinglaj United Cup 2014, Kolhapur – DSC 2-0 Gadhnglaj United
29th October Gadhinglaj United Cup 2014, Kolhapur – DSC 0-3 State Bank of Travancore (seniors)
31st October Gadhinglaj United Cup 2014, Kolhapur – DSC 0-0 (2-3) Salgaocar U19
16th November: Vs Crown Club (Div III)@Panjim, DSC 2-0 CC,
21th November: Vs Ronit FC (Div III) @Panjim, DSC 4-2 RFC,
25th November: Vs St. Sebastian SC(Div III) @Panjim, DSC 5-1 SSSC,
29th November: Vs Guardian Angels (Div I) @ Margao, DSC 2-2 GASC
6th December: Vs Goa University Football Team, DSC 2-2 GU
10th December: Vs Colvale SC (Div I) @Duler Stadium, DSC 5-2
Home Match venue: Sesa Ground
Quotes from Kanan Priolkar (Head Coach): “I think we will be the underdogs in this tournament. We are improving upon our physical & mental conditioning. The boys have started believing in themselves and their team and the results are here for everyone to see.
“However, I think the U19 I-League will be on a different platter. Boys have to rise up to the standards thrown in this competition and they cannot be complacent on the field for even one second.
“I have told them to just play their natural game. They need to enjoy the game and not take the pressure on their nerves. Our club management has been very supportive to us in providing all the facilities and the boys have responded well.
“I still think there is a lot of room for improvements when it comes to my squad. Football is a learning process and we are all going through it. I am following the same pattern with which our senior team is practicing. Under the guidance of our head coach Arthur Papas we have studied and practiced his philosophy of building up from the back and possession based football. One good thing about this U19 team is that most of the boys are 97 & 98 born which means they get to stay here for another 1-2 years which will be crucial to the success of the team in coming years in this competition.”
Previous Record: Fourth in the Goa Zone qualifiers.
(Attached Pic: Salgaocar FC U19 with the GFA 3rd Division title)
