Panjim Footballers relegated after six-year stay in GPL

Panaji: Panjim Footballers will return to the First Division after an uninterrupted six-year stay in the top-tier Goa Professional League after they were left at the bottom of the table, despite having a match in hand.
Panjim Footballers have eight points in their kitty but Vasco Sports Club’s 3-0 win against Pax of Nagoa means they have 12 points and are now safe from relegation.
Panjim earned promotion in 2018–19 season from the GFA First Division League.
“This team was promoted to give young and upcoming talent an opportunity in the Pro League. The team was strongly supported by late Peter Vaz,” said Angelo Albuquerque, patron and founder of Panjim Footballers. “One of our best seasons was when we finished sixth on the table, led by captain Dattaraj Gauncar who incidentally is the captain of Sporting Clube de Goa this season.”
As Albuquerque pointed out, throughout their six seasons in the top tier, the club nurtured young talent, providing a platform for promising players such as Irfan Yadwad, now an international footballer plying his trade with Chennaiyin FC.
Reflecting on the club’s debut in the Pro League, club president Anthony Vas recalled their 2–2 draw against Salgaocar FC. The club also made headlines when they held Sporting Clube de Goa to a 1–1 draw, with Joel Colaco leading the team as captain.
The crowning glory for Panjim Footballers came in 2021 when they defeated Dempo SC 1–0 in the final with Joyson Gauncar scoring the all-important goal.