Getting good minutes on the field, feel I can do much better for FC Goa: Abdul Rabeeh

Panaji: In over 60 appearances in the Indian Super League (ISL), Abdul Rabeeh’s goal column has remained blank. That’s quite an odd statistic for someone who’s blessed with pace, understands the game well, and gets into good positions.

“For me, the final decision-making is what he needs to improve,” said FC Goa coach Manolo Marquez. “He’s someone who can surpass players very fast and has good movements as a winger. I remember one season at Hyderabad when they had only one foreigner, Joao Victor, he played all games and had three or four attempts that struck the post. He didn’t score but was always close.”


Rabeeh spent two years at Hyderabad under Manolo and has now reunited with him at Goa, parting ways with SC Delhi. The Spanish coach first watched him play for Luca SC, Malappuram, where the youngster played a crucial role for his side in the Kerala Premier League. It was here that he was zeroed in upon by Hyderabad scouts and signed for their development side.

He was promoted to the first team for the 2021-22 ISL campaign.

“I know him for a long time. Rabeeh then, and Rabeeh now, is a completely different player. He’s very positive, his attitude is very good, and he’s trying to learn every day. That’s good for the team,” said Manolo.

Had Rabeeh decided to continue with Delhi – formerly Hyderabad– he would have been an automatic starter for the club. At Goa, he has been used as a second-half substitute in the first three Indian Super League (ISL) games. With Manolo stressing on the need for players on the bench to start games, the winger is now expected to play a more influential role for the club.

“I knew even before joining Goa that it was difficult to start (due to experienced players) but coach believed in me, trusted me, and that’s why I signed for the club. I am getting some good minutes and my job is to create more chances. I am giving my 100% in every game,” said Rabeeh.

The winger who was part of the Asian Games squad in 2022 felt he can come up with “much better performances” and vowed to prove himself during the remaining 10 ISL games.

“Even when I was with Hyderabad for the last three years, I wanted to be at Goa, one of my favourite Indian club. My aim is to win more trophies with Goa (after winning Super Cup earlier in the season) and get a call for the national team. This season, with less foreigners, Indian players are shouldering the responsibilities. We know we can play much better than what we have done so far.

“The coach helped me a lot when I was at Hyderabad and now, along with other staff coaches, I am learning everyday. I am looking to improve myself, do better, and when the season is over, hopefully my numbers will be better,” said Rabeeh.