NAGPUR: It’s rare nowadays that you get to see International Players playing in the Santosh Trophy. But this season has been different. Especially when you glance down the squad list of the Goan Team, you will find quite a number of International Players locking horns for the coveted Trophy. India international Francis Fernandes talks about his experience with junior players, the Goan squad, the semifinal against Services and much more.

EXCERPTS:

You are a regular International Player for India. Share your experience of playing in the Santosh Trophy?

It’s a very good feeling. I am not playing in the Hero I-League and what better way to regain your fitness than playing here. It’s such a historical Tournament. This is an experience which I will carry with me forever. Getting to represent your State is always an unique experience. We have done well so far but it isn’t over as yet.

With you being an International Player the boys must be looking up to you. So are you the Teacher or a Student in the Goan Camp?

Both! It’s always so nice to be mixing with the juniors. I am learning a lot from them – their enthusiasm and honesty is bound to strike you. There are many juniors and looking at them I go back to my younger days.

And what are you teaching them?

(Smiles). I am happy to be sharing my experience of having represented my Country and also having played in the Hero I-League and the Hero Indian Super League. Most of the boys play in the Goa League and haven’t played in the Hero I-League as yet. But they are eager to hear and learn. Diet control is one aspect that I have stressed upon and they taken it very seriously.

What’s your view on the level of Football being played in the Santosh Trophy?

Once you are in the final round, there is very little difference between the Teams. We (Goa) were clubbed in Group B and I can certify that all were very strong opposition – especially Tamil Nadu, Punjab and West Bengal. We had to play our best to emerge into the semis from the Group. Very little separates the Teams. There are some good Players who have caught the eye.

What are Goa’s chances of winning the title?

We are taking one match at a time. The goal was to qualify to the knock out stages which we have did. Services are a very good Team and have the best record in recent times in the Santosh Trophy.

But I can only say that we are focused and the Team spirit is excellent. The squad has gelled well but it all boils down to the specific day. We need to go out and do it on the field. The presence of Peter (Carvalho), Laxmikant (Kattimani) and Rowlison (Rodrigues) has added to our strength.

You proceed to the National Camp from here. How much will the stint help you when the National Team Players assemble in Delhi on the 16th?

I was lacking match fitness and the matches here in Nagpur were test to my fitness. Besides, I have scored four goals so far and that has made me more confident. At the National Camp, one needs to compete with the Best. So the stint in Santosh will benefit me immensely.

By Nilanjan Datta,

AIFF Media Team