We did everything administratively possible to keep the team in best shape: GFA President Dr Caitano

GFA Media

Dr. Fernandes thinks that the young players need to start playing more games to raise the quality of football in the state.

Goa suffered a 0-2 defeat against Maharashtra to end the group I campaign finishing bottom of the six team table. Goa failed to record a single point.

Speaking on Goa team’s performance in the championship, GFA President Dr. Caitano Fernandes said, “The Santosh Trophy results have been alarming this year. However, Goa's performance has been on the decline in the recent past,”

“While we are not offering any excuses, if you analyze the data of the last 12 years, Goa have not been able to make it past the quarterfinal group stage on seven occasions and past the group stages on three occasions. They have been to the semifinals on three occasions and once to the final,” revealed Fernandes.

“Even on the club stage, a Goan team has not won the I-League in 10 years. On our part, this year, we did everything administratively possible to keep the team in best shape.

Players were given increased food allowances, taken by flight and were even given a 3 lakh-rupee bonus to motivate them after they qualified for the final round,” Fernandes stated.

“There is no short cut to success and Goa needs to start turning the youth development and grassroots wheel again. Young players need to start playing more games to develop. Goa needs to focus on organising more competitive games. The results will then show after 5-7 years. This is a long process and we need to be patient before the results show,” expressed Fernandes.

“Football now has spread to virtually all states in India and many states are organising youth development programmes which is why they are becoming more competitive. Goa has been lagging behind and we need to have a laser-like focus on youth and grassroots development to be successful on the national stage again,” he concluded.