Dear colleagues,
Please find below the following reports: · An Interview with India International Francis Fernandes where he shares his experience of playing for Goa in the 70th Santosh Trophy. · A preview report on the two semifinals of the 70th Santosh Trophy *Also find attached a picture:* Francis Fernandes feels playing in the Santosh Trophy has made him match fit (file picture). *The copyright of the picture attached lie with AIFF Media. Please credit AIFF Media for te picture used.* *For all updates of the National Team and exclusive pictures please follow our Official Twitter Handle @AIFFMedia at **https://twitter.com/AiffMedia* <https://twitter.com/AiffMedia> *Also follow and like the Official Page of Indian Football Teams on Facebook at **https://www.facebook.com/TheIndianFootballTeam* <https://www.facebook.com/TheIndianFootballTeam> *For Media queries contact AIFF Media Manager Mr. Nilanjan Datta at +91-9873185150* Regards, AIFF Media Team -------------------- *‘HAPPY TO SHARE MY EXPERIENCE’* *SANTOSH TROPHY HAS MADE ME MATCH FIT: FRANCIS FERNANDES* *By Nilanjan Datta,AIFF Media Team* *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. www.the-aiff.com caught up with India International Francis Fernandes on 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. --------------------------- *#SantoshTrophy #IndianFootball* *All eyes on Santosh Trophy semifinals* *By Nilanjan Datta,AIFF Media Team* *NAGPUR: *There are a number of International Footballers plying their trade in the 70th National Championships for the Santosh Trophy. Look at Goa, for example. There’s Francis Fernandes, Peter Carvalho (Captain), Rowilson Rodrigues and even Laxmikant Kattimani under the bar. Services, on the other hand boast of Arjun Tudu and Zain P, both of whom were called for the National Camp prior to the SAFF Suzuki Cup. Will that be a factor? A day prior to the semifinal, both Coaches ponder. Shaji SP, the Coach of Services quips: “Experience always helps. Such Players can play safe whenever required. But we are from the Army and we will go out and fight. Goa are a good side who boast of several Players who have played both in the I-League and the ISL. But we will go for the kill,” he informs. You put it across to Alfred Fernandes the Goan Coach, and he admits that his Players do have the “experience.” “Yeah, they have played on big occasions. But experience doesn’t win you matches. Hopefully our Players will go out and perform on the field,” he states. Nevertheless, Captain Peter Carvalho says it’s a “motivation” to play for the State. “We will go out and give our best. I have been part of a triumphant Santosh Trophy squad and I am dying to be a part of it again. You don’t get the chance to represent your State every day. We are motivated.” Referring to Services’ envious track record in the Santosh Trophy in recent times, Shaji says it’s a “challenge to carry on the momentum.” “Sustaining the consistency is a big challenge. It’s a motivation for the squad to carry on the legacy,” he quips. “In our last match, we tried out our bench as some of the Players were carrying Cards.” *HOSTS MAHARASHTRA TAKE ON TAMIL NADU:* In the second semifinal hosts Maharashtra take on strong contenders Tamil Nadu, in a match which promises to be cracker. Robin Charles Raj, Coach, Tamil Nadu made no secret that his Team wanted to top the Group, even that meant that they would be playing the hosts in the semis. “I have trust in my Players. But we need to be consistent,” he had uttered immediately after his side had brushed aside Punjab in the last Group League match. “I feel we are peaking at the right moment and it’s very significant for us,” he pronounces. “The guys from the local Leagues need the recognition and the motivation to do well. There’s a huge lot of talent in the State and if they are to make it big, we need to achieve this,” he adds. For the record, Tamil Nadu are the sole Team among the four Teams in the semis who are yet to win the Tournament. Charles Raj was a pleased man after Reagan scored a hat-trick in the last Group League match. “It’s good for him and the Team. We are ready for the semis and will approach it systematically.” Captain Sirajudeen promises that they will “give their best.” “It’s understandable that the hosts will have the home support. We will put up a good fight.” Maharashtra Coach Augusto D’Silva, meanwhile, made no secret of the fact that they look to bank on the home support. “We have five local boys from Nagpur in the squad of 20. It’s understandable that the crowd will rally behind us,” he smiles. “We respect Tamil Nadu as opponents. They are a strong side. But we don’t fear them,” he declares. “We are a young side and the Players are tactically very sound. As hosts, we will not take the pressure,” he stays specific. Both the semifinals would be played on Friday (March 11). --------------------------------------- EOM Media Department, AIFF. Alternate: [email protected] Website: www.the-aiff.com
