PANAJI: FC Goa have rebuilt their women’s team for the upcoming GFA Vedanta Women’s League, which is slated to start on February 28.
According to a press communique, FC Goa conducted an open trial and selected
23 players. The Porvorim-based club announced a 24-member squad on Tuesday.
Sugitesh Mandrekar is in charge of the women’s team. He will be assisted by grassroots coaches – Yash Raj Shervai, Premson Fernandes and Somshekhar Kumbhar. FC Goa’s Technical Director, Derrick Pereira will continue to guide the team and the coaching staff.
“We, as FC Goa, give great importance to the development of women’s football – both in the state and the country. And having the women’s team back is a good step towards the same. This is just the beginning. We have both short and long-term plans for the girls,” said Derrick.
“We are not only looking to win trophies but also be immersed in the holistic development and improvement of the players and the team. At the same time, the aim will be to finish top in the league and qualify for the Indian Women’s League.
“In the long run, we want to develop girls from a very young age – just like the youth program for the boys. I was very happy to see the number of participants in the open trials. We want football to make a real difference in the ecosystem and the girls to be introduced to the demands of a professional football environment.”
FC GOA WOMEN’S SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Swizel Carvalho, Jenoshka Fernandes, Lysandra Rodrigues
Defenders: Kulsum Shaikh, Prissie Fernandes, Malvita Mascarenhas, Stessi Cardozo, Remediana Noronha
Midfielders: Vailanka D’Souza, Geneive Fernandes, Suveda Kokate, Joyvi Fernades, Rebecca Mascarenhas, Amisha Endro, Kimberley Fernandes
Forwards: Mable Fernandes, Aqsa Sayed, Blessica Rodrigues, Sujata Shetty, Karina Haldankar, Joizima Fernandes, Leifa Carvalho, Flani Costa, Neefa Clemente
Meanwhile, the 4th GFA-Vedanta Women’s League will see five teams viz. FC Goa, Futebol Club YFA, Sirvodem SC, Goa United SA and Compassion SC competing for top honours with the winner guaranteed a place in the Indian Women’s League later this year.
