FC Goa announce squad for GFA Vedanta Women's League

23 of the 24 players were selected via the trials held on February 2 at the Agacaim Ground. 

Following a successful open trial FC Goa have announced a 24-member squad that is set to take part in the 4th GFA Vedanta Women’s League. 23 of the 24 players selected for the FC Goa squad were selected via the trials held on February 2 at the Agacaim Ground. 

Slated to start on February 28, 2021, the 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. 

Sugitesh Mandrekar has been given reins of the women’s team. He will be assisted by our 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.

Speaking on the squad and the competition, Derrick Pereira said, “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. 

“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’s squad for the 2021 season of the GFA Vedanta Women’s League is as follows:

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

The team has already started their pre-season training and is expected to be in action by the end of the month with the start of the Vedanta League.

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