Salgaocar look to turn the tide

Thursday, 17. September 2009 - Kanzil Rodrigues (GA)

Beginning today, IndianFootball.Com brings to you profiles of the clubs that will take part in the I-League, beginning on October 1. From Indian football’s babes Shillong Lajong FC and Pune FC to that of Viva Kerala, old timers Churchill Brothers, Dempo, JCT, Mohun Bagan, East Bengal, Mahindra United and others, this time the league has a somewhat pan India feel to it. Before the action hots up, here’s a sneak peek into what’s in store for you.

Once they were the best in Indian football, winning the coveted national league way back in 1998-99. But times have changed and Salgaocar find themselves at the wrong end of the ladder. For them, the story is more of downs than ups.

The club which boasted the likes of Goa's only Arjuna awardees in football - Bruno Coutinho and Brahmanand Shankhwalkar - have struggled to stay afloat in the top tier of domestic football and with the I-League scheduled to start from October 1, that will be top priority.

With a new coach in place, Salgaocar are looking for a fresh start. Having qualified once again for the elite tier, the club with the biggest fan base in Goa starts this season's I-League campaign against Viva Kerala on October 3.

Stanley Rozario, who helped Salgaocar qualify for the I-League, has given way to American Tim Hankinson and the coach has maintained that his priority will be to keep the team afloat.

The 54-year old, who had worked with the likes of Colombian midfield maestro Carlos Valderrama and US striker Landon Donovan during his days in the Major League Soccer, is here to change the fortunes of a club which needs to dig deep against a field that is becoming competitive every passing year.

Hankinson expressed his concern when he said that the team lacks good bench strength.

"We need depth in the squad, players whom we can use in the long run. There will be times when players will be injured or will be out due to some reason or the other. During these times it is important to have players who can step off the bench and keep the team strong," said Hankinson. "This is one area we have to work on."

The coach is banking on team spirit and key players Chandam Chitrasen, Alexandre da Silva and Luciano Sabrosa. Chitrasen joined the club from Churchill Brothers and his inclusion is surely going to lend some bite to the midfield. Former Sporting Clube de Goa player Sabrosa is expected to give some solidity to the defence while Brazilian striker Alexandre is going to have former India player Manjit Singh for company up front. The former JCT, Bagan, and Mahindra front man has somewhat drifted from the scene and will be hoping to stage a comeback with Salgaocar. A lot will also depend on inspirational midfielder Rocus Lamare and young striker Bevan de Mello. Salgaocar have it in them to spring quite a few surprises.

Quote Unquote :

Tim Hankinson (Coach) :

"It took me a while to settle down, get to know the players and improve their fitness. I can assure you the players will give their best. We intend adding a few more players and hopefully will have a good run in the league."

Luciano Sabrosa (Captain) :

"We have a strong team. The addition of some experienced players have made the team more competitive."


Key players :

Chandam Chitrasen, Manjit Singh, Rocus Lamare, Alexandre da Silva and Luciano Sabrosa.