Panaji:
Churchill Brothers SC have agreed to play all their home matches in the
I-League at the
Tilak Maidan in Vasco instead of the Nehru Stadium in Fatorda.
Fatorda is the home ground for FC Goa in the Indian Super League (ISL), and Churchill too were keen on playing their home matches at the best venue in Goa. Churchill CEO Valanka Alemao felt the stadium would be a better choice for all their Salcete-based supporters, since matches were scheduled for a 8pm start. However, after several rounds of discussions, the club has decided that Tilak Maidan would be a better bet.
“The decision to play at Vasco was arrived at after two rounds of meetings with the SAG and FC Goa. In the first meeting we decided on Fatorda but subsequently as the logistics were being worked out, it emerged that with the ISL and I-League being two different brands with two distinctive approaches, the organisational aspect would entail lot of additional work especially in matters of branding with masking and unmasking being a major area of concern for both parties.
Besides, there were several other issues which needed to be sorted out in order to avoid clashes on several other organisational, branding matters. The pitch maintenance was also a matter of concern,” said Valanka.
Churchill will play their first home matches of the season on December 19. The club will launch its anthem at 7pm. The specially composed anthem has Cyrus Berne as the lead singer with Allan D’Sousa and his group of enthusiasts providing soul-stirring background with a ear-catching Goan beat.
Tickets are priced at Rs 100 and will go on sale from December 18 at the venue. Tickets will also be available at Pattisirie Victoria at Margao and Colva outlets. School and college students will be provided free entry on presentation of identity cards.
“We hope more spectators from Vasco, Dabolim, Sancoale, Cortalim, Cansaulim, Vasco, Salcete, Ilhas, Bardez and several other areas will back up the only Goan team in the I-League. In order to attract a large number, there will be two special prizes up for grab for the spectators at every match,” said Valanka.
