Exclusive- FC Goa set to play in Goa Professional League

The Gaurs will also integrate into state football at all age-groups.

After much consjecture, FC Goa are set to participate in the state's premier football competition the Goa Pro League (GPL). Earlier this year, the Goa Football Association (GFA) had given the green light to the GPL comprising 12 teams.

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The Goan side has made it clear that they will be fielding their developmental team in the league. The Goan ISL side will be enrolling in the U-14, U-16, U-18 and the TACA Goa U-20 League. FC Goa are said to have paid an undisclosed fee to join the state's premier footballing tournament.

Confirming the decision FC Goa's Vice-President of Operations, Rahul Rodrigues spoke exclusively to Khel Now. "I can confirm that we will be competing in the upcoming edition of the Goa Professional League after having agreed terms with the GFA. We have signed multiple year contracts with all of the 35 players in the Developmental squad and believe that competition is vital and paramount in aiding the growth of these young footballers. We will also be fielding teams in the U14, U16, U18 leagues and Taca Goa," he explained.

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The Goan side have recently appointed a new coach Sergio Lobera Rodriguez for the next two years. His CV is nothing short of amazing. Having managed the La Liga side Las Palmas previously and also having been part of Tito Vilanova's backroom staff during his tenure at Barcelona, he brings in a plethora of experience with him. 

With FC Goa having a huge fan following, bringing the team to the state league will help pull in the missing crowds to local games. Liston Colaco, Savior Gama, Princeton Rebello, Kingslee Fernandes, Meldon D'Silva, Franzil Negredo, Hayden Fernandes, Manvir Singh and Aaron D'Silva are some of the young stars set to feature in the state league for the ISL outfit.

The league season is set to kickoff in thre first week of October and you can find dailly match reports on Khel Now.