Goan footballer leaves for Guimaraes to train

Panaji, Jan 30 (UNI) A Goan footballer Joshuab Vaz today left for Guimaraes for undergoing five months training at the famous football academy 'Vitoria Sports Club (Vitoria De Guimaraes) in Portugal.

Goa Football Association (GFA) secretary Mr Savio Messais told media persons that Vaz's total expenses, amounting to Rs 3.5 lakh, which includes academy fees and the trip to Guimaraes, was sponsored by Mr Douglas Fernandes, a Goan working abroad.

When asked as to why Mr Ferandes had decided to shoulder the financial burden, he replied that Fernandes was highly impressed with the boy's skills when he saw him playing and felt that he would shine one day.

Joshuab Vaz, a 16-year-old from Margao is a student studying in the 11th standard at R M Salgaocar Higher secondary. He had played for various club in Goa and even represented the state in the under 15, U-18 nationals, besides representing India when the Under-16 national team visited Portugal two years back.

Mr Messais pointed out that this opportunity to join the academy was made available mainly due to the efforts put in by Mr Daniel Barreira, who is currently here, under the protocol with the University of Porto.

The GFA has many more ambitious plans under the protocol and have received an invitation to send the U-15 team to participate in a tournament in Portugal in June, Mr Savio added.

UNI