Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: In a bold move to revitalize its football scene, Goa’s Sports Minister, Govind Gaude, led a delegation to Portugal to explore a strategic collaboration with the renowned Benfica Football Club. This initiative aims to establish a football academy in Goa, leveraging Benfica’s expertise in nurturing young talent. Benfica, celebrated for its successful football academy, offers a potential solution to enhance Goa’s football infrastructure, which has been struggling to produce strong national-level teams despite football being the state’s official sport.
Sports Minister Govind Gaude and his delegation, including MLAs Premanand Shet and Anton Vaz, along with Secretary of Sports Suneel Anchipaka, visited Benfica Football Club in Portugal to discuss a potential collaboration. During their visit, they met with Miguel Reis, Benfica’s Global Expansion Coordinator, to explore opportunities for a world-class partnership.
The proposed collaboration focuses on scouting and nurturing grassroots talent in Goa, with an emphasis on specialized coaching and infrastructure assessment. This partnership aims to address the state’s current challenges in producing top-tier footballers by providing the necessary technical guidance and support.
Benfica is recognized globally for its world-class football academy, which has produced numerous international players. The club’s success in developing young talent makes it an ideal partner for Goa’s ambitions to enhance its football landscape.
Goa’s decision to partner with Benfica reflects its commitment to revitalizing its football scene. Despite being the only state to declare football as its official sport, Goa has struggled to dominate national competitions. This collaboration seeks to bridge that gap by leveraging Benfica’s expertise.
Minister Gaude extended an invitation to Benfica officials to visit Goa, further solidifying the potential for a fruitful collaboration. This visit will provide an opportunity for both parties to discuss the specifics of establishing a football academy in Goa, aligning with the state’s vision to become a hub for football talent development.
