Chance for women footballers to grab the spotlight

Panaji: Whenever a new league kicks off, and that too with debutant teams, it’s difficult to handpick the favourites. But for the seventh edition of the Women's Football League that kicks off on Tuesday, FC Tuem looks like the safest bet.

Financed by Goa Football Association president Caitano Fernandes, FC Tuem are quite easily the strongest team, having picked an assortment of stars. Whether they can combine together and start firing early remains to be seen, though not many are in doubt about their abilities.

“Tuem have the best players and it will be a surprise if they do not finish on top,” said one club manager who attended the jersey unveiling ceremony in the city on Monday. “Overall, I see this season’s league being somewhat balanced, hence the games will be competitive. Four of the teams can beat the other on their day.”

Another manager provided Sesa FA and Vintage 73 some hope with Compassion FC, last season’s runnersup, left to fight with a largely under-17 squad after their players were signed by big-spending Tuem.

Cana Benaulim and Sinquerim FC are the other participating clubs

The league opener on Tuesday will see Compassion FC go head-to-head with FC Tuem at Navelim, while Sesa FA will clash with Vintage 73 at Sirsaim.

For the first time, the women’s league matches will be streamed live.

“Within Sesa, we do not differentiate. For us, all are equal, and in society, both wheels are need,” said Navin Jaju, CEO, Sesa Goa, who promised support for the league.

A few months ago, Navin was left wondering why Sesa did not have a dedicated girl’s team, or exclusive training for them. Now, that has turned into a reality with not just participation in the league, but also camps where 72 showed up in Amona.

The double-leg league spans over three months with matches being played at four venues across the region. It includes Duler Stadium (Mapusa), Rosary ground (Navelim), Sesa Academy ground (Sirsaim) and Guirim ground.

“Football knows no gender, and it's high time that we provide the same opportunities and recognition to our talented female footballers. The Women's Football League will be a platform where they can shine and inspire generations to come," said GFA president Caitano.



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