PANAJI: The GFA President, Mr Shrinivas Dempo said on Thursday that there is definitely no denying the fact that Panaji, which has two major I-League clubs in Dempo Sports Club and Sporting Clube de Goa, needs a proper football stadium.
With the state government proposing to build a new 5000 plus capacity stadium at Campal, there is definite hope for football lovers in and around Panaji to witness top football in the near future. Mr Dempo was optimistic that the government will surely find a solution and a stadium will hopefully be constructed in Panaji. Meanwhile, support for a state-of-the art football stadium at Campal also came in from CCP councillors, and former players, who spoke in favour of having one at Campal. Ms Bharati Heble, serving as Ward Councillor of Ward 13, Corporation of the City of Panaji, said: “The Government’s proposal to build a new 5000 plus capacity stadium at Campal, with adequate parking facilities and a sound traffic management plan needs to be welcomed with open arms.” “The erstwhile Campal stadium which was demolished sometime in 2002 has a huge history behind it with some of the best footballers who donned Goan and Indian colours being groomed here,” Ms Heble elaborated. Top International Stars like Salvatore Schillaci, the winner of the Golden Boot at the 1990 FIFA World Cup, have also played on this ground, she pointed out. “The football stadium has been one of the long cherished dreams of the residents of the city and I fully support and endorse the construction of such a stadium,” Mr Heble added. “Many residents who live in the vicinity of the Campal grounds are residents of my Ward, a majority of who also support the construction of such a stadium, which can primarily be used to host school and college games, and first and second division matches while the I-League and other top class games can be hosted here once in a while. “In addition to the above, regular coaching camps to groom young footballers from North Goa could be held here,” she pointed out. “The Mayor’s statement opposing the stadium is disappointing, but it is his personal opinion and does not represent the opinion of the CCP Council,” Ms Heble stated. “The matter has not come up before the CCP for discussion at all,” she divulged. “The opposition is from a select few but by and large, a majority of the residents from the locality, Sports Clubs and the Youth are vouching for this project to come up. Though Goans are passionate about football, it is unfortunate that hardly any grounds are now available for them to play, watch and enjoy their cherished game. “Considering all these factors, the Government must go ahead with the proposal to construct a new stadium expeditiously,” Ms Heble observed. The city residents and football fans have waited close to a decade for the stadium to come up and if it does, it will be a dream-come-true for all sportspersons and fans alike. Panaji city badly needs a stadium where we can once again get to watch top class matches, where talented youngsters can nurture and harness their skills and talents, a stadium that will be the Pride of the city. Similar views were also expressed by CCP councillor, Mr Surendra Furtado who voiced his view strongly against opposition to the state-of-the-art Campal stadium. “Panaji needs a proper football stadium. We want to watch our stars in action at Panaji itself. Why go elsewhere,” Mr Furtado argued. “Not having a football stadium is amounting to depriving the football-loving people of this city their right to watch good football in their very own town and I am hopeful that Panaji will soon have its stadium,” Mr Furtado added. Mr Brahmanand Shankwalkar, Arjuna awardee and former India captain and goalkeeper, also spoke in favour of the state-of-the-art stadium at Campal. “Walking past that Campal football ground reminds me of my playing days. The venue was the charm of the golden era where Campal was witness to Santosh Trophy, Bandodkar Trophy and a host of other football tournaments. A football stadium in Panaji is a must,” Brahmanand thundered. Source: http://www.navhindtimes.in/sports/no-denying-panaji-needs-football-stadium-dempo
