Winger Joe Pereira celebrates a decade with Sporting Clube de Goa

With Sporting Clube de Goa commencing its crystal 15th year of existence this season, it is also a special anniversary for the club’s longest serving active player, Joseph Pereira who has recently completed ten glorious years with the Panjim outfit.

In today’s ever changing football climate where players are lured by increasing money offers to switch allegiance, it is very rare to see a talented one stick to the same club for a decade, but for Joseph who is better known around the club as just ‘Joe’, it is not so unusual.

“The club has treated me extremely well, through the good times as well as when I have been laid off with long-term injury, which is why I have stayed loyal to the club,” remarked Joe.

Rolling back the years, the 31-year old fondly remembers Season 2004/05 when the club annexed the national Super Cup, after narrowly finishing as runners-up in the NFL league as well as the Federation Cup, in which the classy winger claimed six goals and also collected four man-of-the-match awards.

“When I reminisce about the last ten years, 2004-05 is the season that really put the club on the map. I am still regularly reminded by Flaming Oranje supporters of the cherished memories of that stylish team.”

From that squad, Joe is the only survivor as some of his ageing team mates have retired, while others have moved on, including the mercurial Nigerian striker Dudu MacPherlin Omagbemi who was picked-up to play in Europe.

Joe is not one to dwell on the past and feels the club can grow to even greater heights over the next couple of years under Spanish coach Oscar Bruzon and is determined to stay part of his plans.

It is with this objective in mind that Joe wave’s good bye to his supportive wife and family and happily sets out from his lavish Cortalim residency early each morning to make the long journey to the club’s training ground at Don Bosco, Panjim.

Despite losing some of his horsepower acceleration, Joe stays competitive with his vast experience and game temperament, which has allowed him to continue playing in this season’s I-League.

Joe believes the terrific enthusiasm from the management can also act as a catalyst for prosperity. “The club is being well looked after off the pitch by the patronage of President Mr. Peter Vaz, who has recently installed fantastic training facilities, which has been greatly appreciated. The SCG Academy players should also realise how lucky they are.”

Joe’s earliest football memories are of him kicking the ball around at the Our Lady of Perpetual Succor High School, Cortalim. After the initial groundwork was set, Joe knew pretty early on in his teens that he wanted to be a footballer and set his mind on it by joining the SAI Hostel.

Splendid performances ensured that SAI were promoted to the GFA first division; with a team that included Sporting Goa left back Rovan Pereira. Joe eventually moved onto Cabral Sports Club in the first division and then to Sporting Clube de Goa where he has not looked back since.