After spending eight years away, Goa's Deggie returns home

Panaji:

Deggie Cardozo

has gained valuable experience working outside the state for eight years and the ATK reserves coach is now looking for an opportunity to work in Goa.

After injuries cut short his playing career, Cardozo took to coaching. He was mentored by former Sesa Goa midfielder Agostinho Dias at Goa United Sports Academy and then followed him for a three-year stint in the

Goa Professional League

with Calangute Association.

He left for Pune to join DSK Shivajians where he spent six years and the last two seasons he was incharge of ATK’s reserve side. But the coach from Calangute had to make a hard decision to part ways with the three-time Indian Super League (

ISL

) champions.

“The main reason to come back was my family. This year I thought I will stay with them but the situation in Kolkata due to Covid-19 is another problem. No one knows when the new season will start. I don’t mind moving out again, but for now I prefer to stay with my family. If I find something in Goa itself, it would be good for me,” Cardozo told TOI.

Cardozo had come for the ISL final at Fatorda on March 14 where ATK comfortably defeated Chennaiyin FC. The nationwide lockdown was announced 10 days later and Cardozo’s decision not to return to Kolkata seemed wise.

At DSK, the 32-year-old was mostly involved in the youth teams, but ATK trusted him with their reserve side.

He worked with senior players like Prabir Das, Hitesh Sharma, Salam Ranjan Singh and Cavin Lobo. Under his guidance, former Sesa FA captain Anil Chavan and Sumit Rathi were also promoted to the first team coached by Antonio Habas.

“Back in DSK it was mostly with the youth teams. Here (ATK) I got to work with more quality players from the reserves. In U-18, we defeated East Bengal, Mohun Bagan for the first time and it was good. It was a development for me too,” said the 32-year-old.

With Cardozo now back in Goa, FC Goa appears to be his most likely destination particularly since Clifford Miranda, having already agreed an extension, has been promoted to the senior team as assistant coach. Cardozo, though, is keeping his fingers crossed.

“Talks are there with some clubs but nothing concrete as yet. I’m not sure of anything, but I’m just waiting for offers right now,” said the A License holder.

He’s home for now with his family, and that’s what matters.