Goan Silva-lining Asian Cup 2007
Saluting Benji...

NO one told a lanky, modest footballer from the south Goan Village of Ambelim; that blowing the whistle would be easy. In fact, very little would prepare the former Salcette FC and Clube Casco half with a coaching dream - for his duties as a professional referee at the highest level of football - FIFA..Nobody thought that would one day he would be 'one in a billion' and the first Goenkar ever to officiate the Asian Cup. Well, not even the man himself - FIFA Asst. Referree Benjamin Silva. If there is a ref all players don't hate its Silva... his integrity stands out. Somehow this easygoing off field guy has ,'Presence' . An innate presence, on the grass..a commanding aura that lets everyone know that he knows his job…that he belongs on the playing field.Even as India pulled allegedly pulledout bid to host the next edition of the Cup, Goenkar Benjamin provides the 'Silva-lining' for the nation as one 40 officials who will blow the whistle at Asian Cup 2007. Zena Costa caught up with the guy fondly called 'Benji' as he swift-packed to catch an unexpectedly pre-poned flight fly to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Benji-speak...
Blowing the whistle:
"I am honored at being only one from India. The only other referee for India to officiate at this level is Shankar. At the top level of football, in a time when the game is faster, physical and more powerful than ever one needs to really slog to keep up with the standards set by FIFA. Infact this flight takes me to Kualumpur, where we will undergo a refresher course and physical fitness tests from 2nd to -5th before we are allotted matches. The tourney is a four nation event from July 7th to 29th"... Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Indonesia""

From player to Coach to Ref:
"I played as a half for Salcette FC 1980-86 and two seasons for Vasco...at that point I wanted to be a coach... Even got AFC C coaches' licence, and was coaching and really enjoying it. AIFF Sect. Alberto Colaco who really helped me as a young village boy who didn't know the ropes suggested that I should try officiating. He felt I had the right temperament for the job. I respect his view then... And I also followed my heart... Football means so much to me personally... so I started out with the basic and today? You are here asking me this questions... Veteran Referee Theresa. He helped me a lot in my formative stages...and there are so many who have supported me...I'm grateful for the good wishes.

Benji isn't a whistling Dixie:
"Officiating is tough. you journalists are second to refrees when it comes to a 'villians' job in the game. I have worked hard One has to be razor sharp. You say that my decisions have rarely given cause for doubt. But what I d say is that a ref, a good ref has to make a decision in almost reflex. Knee-jerk isn't a cheat. Yes there is room, a lot of it... for improvement but I think understanding pressures of the job, the cameras re-plays, analyst, experts etc..Isnt easy. When an official makes a mistake... nothing wrong in admitting admits that he's not perfect. You need self confidence ,its not for the spineless.."

Requites for Whistle -blowers:
Making a call accurately requires that each official has the necessary athletic abilities, common sense, fairness, knowledge of the sport and level-headed temperament. However, good officials bring something more to the game. Respect for the sport, knowing when and when not to interrupt the flow of the game... Refrees have to work really hard...and we need support... its a conscience call..That's why when your decision is prompt and is taken unaffected by others. It's true...."

MAN IN black:
Yes!!We are blacklisted... I try get this really thick skin not to get affected... I speak for self. Personally, I approach officiating as a professional. I flash red card to my best friend's son or whoever for unsporting behavior - it's just my job! That moment requires me to act as per rules that govern the game. Its a professionally decision, nothing personal.. When a match is done I leave it. Look ahead positively.Thats my motto for improvement. The most frustrating part is when you love the game, slog, and you're a villain in every match??

A clarion Call for Harmony:
We don't lack talent .we know that. If India must excel: it's not so complicated. all four involved-players, officials, coaches and administrators... do their job as professionals, in interest of Indian football and not self... then we would all be aware that we go by rules of the game. I'm not going to name names... common sense...the day each of are true role. We view a red card as a rule.. not personal insult to give u an eg from my book. .. India can go any where in the world..crab mentality and arrogance, wont get us anywhere... nobody is above the game.

Football and Benji:
"I love football, not just bread and butter... It has helped me become a useful and productive citizen. I relate a lot of that to the hard work, and understanding of football at all levels. Hey! Im a Goan..I m really proud that we are doing well as a state...I have to gonow... but what I take with me is all Just told to you and my whistle of course. I hope to dispel the myth tat we Goans are a lazy lot. And for Indian football... If a boy form a small village can officiate there... and do a good job I hope to do that. It's really important to me ...my message??? if an Indian can officiate amonst the best; India can excel at football. Lets dream, an united dream""