ASPIRING TO REPRESENT GOA IN THE INTERNATIONAL ARENA

By Aakash Ghadge

Goa is a land of footballers, and the state has given many talented footballers to the country, many of whom have also received accolades and a w a r d s f o r t h e i r a c h i e v e m e n t s B r i s o n

Fernandes is one such young footballer who is aiming to become the next champion and take Goa's name to an international level.

Brison Fernandes comes from the beautiful village of Lotoulim situated in south Goa. “I grew up in Loutolim, Goa and started playing football at the age of around 10. My career as a professional footballer began when I signed for Salgaocar's U14 team. I played with them for two years, as a striker. It was in 2016-17 that I signed for FC Goa,” said Brison.

Brison believes that football is a sport where one can make different kinds of decisions for any situation. “Each decision will have a different outcome. Hence, learning the basics of the sport involves knowing the right decisions to make in different situations I'm grateful to all my coaches who mentored me and developed my abilities: it's their guidance that helped me reach where I am now.”

Brison tells us that he played f o r t h e F C G o a Developmental Team in the AIFF Elite League, the GFA U20 First Division League, the Goa Pro League, the Goa Police Cup and the Reliance Foundation Development League. “I won the GPL and Police Cup with the Dev Team in 2019 In 2021, I got promoted to the FC Goa first team and won the Durand Cup. And finally, this season in the ISL, I scored two goals, both in home matches in front of friends and family at Fatorda. These were some of the best moments in my career as a footballer.”

Goa is a land of footballers, and the state has given many talented footballers to the country, many of whom have also received accolades and awards for their achievements. Brison Fernandes is one such young footballer who is aiming to become the next champion and take Goa's name to an international level.

Speaking about challenges, Brison says, “Challenges and setbacks are part and parcel of every footballer's career. They happen in the form of injuries, not getting as many chances to play as you'd like etc. I've had such challenges in my career as well, but as a youngster, I was always told by my coaches to keep believing in myself and work hard because tough times also pass. Whenever I face such challenges, I look at those as opportunities to improve because whenever I do get another chance, I need to be ready to perform.”

Like anyone else, Brison also has high ambitions . “One of my ambitions till last year was to start in an ISL match for FC Goa, and I got that chance finally in December. It was an important moment for me because it testified that I'm progressing well and gave me e n c o u r a g e m e n t . G o i n g forward, I'm working hard to become a confirmed firstchoice for my coach Carlos Pena, and I look forward to contributing to winning trophies with my team. I want to win the ISL League Winners' Shield, the ISL Trophy, the Super Cup and everything else possible while wearing the colours of my Club FC G o a

“It's also my dream to play for the Indian National Team. Every youngster dreams of doing it, and it would be an honour to represent my country in an international match,” he concluded.