GPL top scorer Joshua looking for game time as I-League stint beckons

Panaji: Top teams from the I-League are chasing Sesa FA’s Joshua D’Silva, not surprising given his form this season where he finished as the top scorer in the Goa Professional League with 24 strikes.

Joshua, though, is in no hurry to sign on the dotted line.

Around this time last year, Joshua was doing duty for Young Boys of Tonca (YBT), who he helped qualify to the top tier from the First Division League. The striker was roped in by Sesa FA head coach Charles Dias, and has since then made rapid progress, finishing as the top scorer in Goa and making it to the state team for the 37th National Games and Santosh Trophy.

Now, it’s time to make another move.

“There is no decision made yet. I’ll see what fits me well as a player and as a person. That is what I am looking at. One crucial aspect is to get as much game time,” Joshua told TOI on Friday.

It was no always smooth sailing for the 22-year-old from Ponda.

Just before the Covid-19 pandemic in 2019, Joshua suffered an ACL injury during his stint with FC Goa’s U-18 side which had earned a place in the final round of the AIFF Elite League.

But Joshua didn’t lose heart and recovered well after undergoing surgery. Since all sporting events came to a standstill for some period, he didn’t feel the void either. In fact, it boosted his confidence to return to the pitch.

He joined Vasco SC in the GPL and played in the U-20 Taca Goa tournament. Joshua then switched to the First Division with YBT to focus more on his academics, but didn’t stop scoring.

He managed eight goals and five assists in 12 games and Charles didn’t think twice before convincing him to join Sesa at the start of the season.

“I saw his game and his ability to score. That’s exactly what we were lacking, and we needed. I told Joshua he will add value to the team,” Charles had earlier told TOI.

Charles was spot on.

Joshua had targeted to reach double figures, but goals simply kept flowing. Interestingly, all his 24 goals came in the second half as Charles used him effectively in the later period of the game.

He started in only two games against Vasco and Dempo but went on to score in the second half. Joshua’s form helped Sesa challenge for the title until the last matchday where they settled for the runnersup position.

“Coach Charles showed his trust in me and gave me confidence. He gave me minutes and freedom to play. That benefited me a lot,” said Joshua.

Overall, Joshua played in 40 games this season for club and state, scoring 30 and assisting on 10 occasions across GPL (23), Bandodkar Trophy (4), National Games (3), Police Cup (2) and Santosh Trophy (8).

“Obviously, I didn’t expect to score 24 goals (in GPL). Had set a target of 10 goals. It was just happening naturally, I didn't have to force myself. Every game was important,” said Joshua.