CYRIL FERRAO , First Goanprofessional coach.
Mr. Antonio Ciril Ferrao, alias Cyril was born on 2nd. Nov.1929 at Chinchinim,
to late Mr Tomacino and Mrs Amaldina Ferrao. Eldest in the family of two
brothers and sisters,lost Mr Jose and Mrs Valdomira , leaving behind Mr,
Ludovico and Mrs. Celine. He completed Secondary School at St, Bosco`High
School Chinchinim, and Portuguese education up to grade 7(setman), He was
fluent in English language
He can be proudly honored and included among the PEARLs of Chinchinim
Village. He has left a blazing trail and indelible foot prints on the football
map of India and Goa in particular. He has thus carved a special niche in the
hearts of football lovers, who had great respect for his dedication and
immense contributions to promotion of sports.
He was employed as the Head clerk at Salgaoncar at Vasco, but nursed a
different ambition in life , which he pursued with single minded devotion .
In his youthful days he was very much associated with Chinchinim Club devoted
to football. It was reputed as granary and nursery of football players on
the football map of Goa . He coached the players of the club .His personal
interest, observations, suggestions and guidance to talented other players led
to polishing and improving of their skills. He was compelled by circumstances
of difference of opinions to register and fund CHINCHINIM YOUTH CLUB. As the
founder, intended to rejuvenate and infuse interest in the dying game. The
players were mostly from Sucaldem and Plamar-grande. He was generous in
extending much needed financial support. It was for the first time,
exclusive and historical , for any Village to register two clubs but it
was possible only because of his clout. His personal interest, observations,
suggestions and guidance to other talented players led to polishing and
improving of their skills. . Dedicated coaching of the village youth took the
game of soccer to great heights of recognition and excellence. As the coach he
was a hard task master, strict and disciplinarian. Budding players groomed by
him loved and feared him as much .but respected him for his foresight and
vision. He was firm in his conviction not to field or coach players from
outside the Village. Under his tutelage,St Bosco`s H. School ,Chinchinim were
crowned finalists, twice in a row, at all Goa School tournament . Many
players of Chinchinim Youth Club (CYC) were recommended by him for placement
and therefore found lucrative, professional openings in football clubs in the
state and India. They climbed the ladder of success and rose to prominence and
fame at International level too. Their gratitude, appreciation and advancement
further enhanced his commitment. CRCC games then were being fielded and funded
by ChinchinimMotorcyclists and also by Rev Fr. Agnelo, among others to keep
the fires burning. He did always maintain a healthy, co operative and
sporting spirit towards CRCC, in spite of differences of opinions and thus
remained its admirer to the very end. He dashed off to Panjim and secured blood
to save the lives of those Chinchinim players involveled in the deadly
accident at Curtorim . A compromise and understanding was arrived at and he
disbanded Chinchinim Youth Club in favour of CRCC. It was due to his initiative
in indicating and securing the present premises of CRCC with the support of Mr
Alvarino. The only existing Church ground was temporarily under seize by
Portuguese army garrison .Instigated by the vested interest, the dispossessed
tenants publicly abused and threatened him . He was arrested due to
motivated, fabricated police compliant in revenge but soon released, unharmed
by influential contacts .It is with pride and honour we recall that Chinchinim
Club was declared Champions in 1951 , runners up 1952,The football lovers
were delighted and ecstatic He was part of team of Club Disportivo
Chinchinim,he coached and which won Goa`s first ever PrimeiraDivision League
Mr Cyril captained Salgaocar team and he donned colours for Amadores, Paulo XI
as dependable centre half
His talents were recognized first by M/s Shantilal , to coach the team, which
he selected to coach for 2 years, which was declared as Champions of Goa
Senior Division League. He thus unearthed scores of promising football
players. His two year stint with Dempo Club as their First Coach1964,also saw
them honoured as Champions GSDL twice in succession, although they remained
at the top many times He also led them to Victory at Bandodkars Gold trophy.
Vasco Club too adorned the glorious cap being crowned Champions ofGSDL due to
his relentless efforts as the coach. He led. Salgaoncar club to victory with
the team selected by him, and were crowned as Championship of GDSL.Sesa Goa
also became Champions of Goa league under his coaching techniques. He also
trained Timblo XI, and Sesa Goa. It thus appeared that Cyril Ferrao had
acquired Midas touch winning honours for the teams he traine and was saluted
as “BORN WINNER”. It was more than coincidental and unique feat that teams
coached by him were crowned Champions of GDSL. He enjoyed short tenures and
the shifts for it provided him a wider base to prove his merit and skills,
experimenting with new players. How. true he converted losers into winners It
was due to his persistent efforts Santosh trophy was launched in Goa, 1973
for the first time. He was in charge in 1967 of Goa team at Santosh Trophy. His
in depth analysis of the game., techniques and strategies were highly
successful.
Mr Aniceto, recognized his potential and promoted his training at Patiala. He
qualified as First and only Goan professional Soccer Coach at NIS (National
Institute of Sports ) that changed his course . .
. Undoubtedly Cyril earned the well deserved title of “best coach in Goa” , but
unfortunately to his disappointment the much awaited, legitimate recognition
at all India level eluded him for unknown reasons. It is rumoured that he
received much awaited invitation for advance course in Brazil after his demise.
It is an enviable proud fact that in Chinchinim Village he is the flag bearer,
as no sportsperson/coach has been able to replicate his stupendous feats of
achievements or rise above and see beyond his shoulders. He commanded
respect from all officials, Associations , clubs connected with sports,
received due consideration and courtesies to his views and suggestions. When
he joined Govt service he trained school football teams with renewed vigour and
purpose for future. It was his conviction never to stand in winners group
photographer Being qualified with Portuguese studies he declined Govt. postings
His role as an expert football commentator was much appreciated. His valued
comments and insights received accolades and acceptance as one and only among
few as gifted to enter the competitive field.
He was accredited sports reporter for Konkanni weekly Vauradeamncho Ixtt.
His untimely , unexpected , unfortunate demise on 17-9- 1971 cast a shadow of
gloom and despair over his native place, Goa and all over India.
His funeral rites remains the largest gathering of mourners, a sea of
humanity ever witnessed in Chinchinim till date. It was the barometer of his
all Goa popularity, respect and recognition, Indeed it was a colourful
spectacle with many prominent sports clubs donned with club colours at the
funeral . The funeral oratories by a selected few, sports stalwarts, Govt.
functionaries, eulogized his achievements in soccer and the mourners listened
attentively and respectively till the end. The privilege of CRRC as pole
bearers in club attire led him on his eternal journey to the sound of last
post. . He was thus laid to rest with greatest traditions of gratitude and
honour he so richly deserved .Perhaps, because of his dedication and
commitments he remained a confirmed bachelor, married to sports, which was his
life`s only passion ,he dearly cherished
Adv.Leo Velho, a prominent personality and football player of repute at the
finals of tournament conducted by him, had installed foundation stone in the
presence of Minister dedicating the CRCC ground to his revered memory. Times,
circumstances and priorities have altered the situation due to rivalries.
To immortalize his outstanding contributions to sports, the Village Panchayat
of Chinchinim Deussua has honoured this great son of the soil, perpetuating
his memory by naming Chinchinim-Deussua road as a fitting tribute after him
at a function on 15th. August. 2001. Surely his memory needs a better and
appropriate gesture of gratitude even at this late stage
Nelson Lopes
Chairman P.C Trust
15 Feb 2019
(The information , documented here is based on secondary sources of oral
deposition from erstwhile soccer players and family . Any unintentional
factual errors are subject to rectification, modification and refinement ,as it
is being the first and only known written tribute.)
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