It was overwhelming to meet with our outstanding globe-trotting football coach, Mariano Barreto, in Lisbon.
Mariano was born at our Ribandar hospital on 18th January 1957. He migrated to Portugal when he was just three and then to Mosambique and at 19, returned back to Portugal, where he had a brilliant career in Football. But never lost touch with Goa. We have been in touch on social media over the last few years, but it was so heartwarming to personally meet the gregarious, very warm-hearted fellow Ribandarite who deeply loves his roots. He loves Goa in every sense, our culture, heritage, cuisine and never forgetting our mother tongue. He is currently Head Coach for the Lisbon based 'Clube de Futebol dos Beleneses', which is one of the oldest Portuguese Sports Clubs in spectacular Restelo. Over the years, after successfully coaching football clubs in various countries across the globe, Mariano is now all set set to take up his next assignment this June at Taif in Saudi Arabia. The greatness of the very well-connected and affable Mariano Barreto is his humbleness and he being ever so proud of his Goan roots. A great Goan he is.