Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: Goa has marked a historic milestone in women’s football with the Sesa Football Academy (SFA) Senior Women’s Team qualifying for the 9th Indian Women’s League (IWL). This is the first time in three years that a Goan team will participate in the prestigious national tournament and only the fifth Goan side to do so, joining Panjim Footballers (2019), Bidesh XI SC (2020), Sirvodem FC (2022), and Churchill Brothers (2023).
SFA earned this qualification after finishing third in the IWL2, and following the withdrawal of Indian Arrows, the team secured a spot in the 16-team event thanks to the persistent efforts of Dr. Caitano Fernandes, President of the Goa Football Association.
Navin Jaju, CEO of Vedanta Sesa Goa, congratulated the team, noting that the qualification is “a matter of tremendous pride” and a reflection of the academy’s rapid progress in nurturing talent and inspiring future players.
Dronacharya Awardee and former India coach Armando Colaco described SFA’s achievement as more than a sporting milestone. “The SFA Senior Women’s Team qualifying for the IWL signifies the revival of women’s football in Goa,” he said. “While the women’s game had a strong grassroots presence in the past, it gradually receded. SFA’s success has reignited that momentum.” Colaco emphasized that the young players demonstrate technical ability, discipline, and temperament, and that this milestone represents the start of a new era rather than a culmination.
Highlighting SFA’s role in building a sustainable ecosystem, Colaco added, “The academy has not only nurtured players but restored a clear pathway for progression in women’s football. Vedanta Sesa Goa’s consistent support for the Women’s League has been instrumental in this resurgence.”
Looking ahead, Colaco underlined the long-term potential, stating that careful nurturing of the current momentum could position SFA as a national benchmark for women’s football development. He concluded, “This moment belongs to the players, the academy, and every young girl aspiring to play professionally. It is a moment of revival—a true Goan sunrise—and the entire football community should support SFA in every way possible.”
The SFA Senior Women’s Team now prepares to compete in the IWL, carrying not only high perform
