AIFF president Kalyan Chaubey graces the GFA annual awards night with his presence

All India Football Federation (AIFF) president Mr. Kalyan Chaubey attended the GFA annual awards night. The Goa Football Association's (GFA) annual awards night was held at Verna, Goa.

Chaubey was present as the chief guest. GFA president Caitano Fernandes, AIFF executive committee member and former India captain Climax Lawrence were also present at the event alongside several dignitaries.

Sesa FA's Joshua D'Silva was named the GFA men's best player. On the other hand, FC Tuem's Pearl Fernandes was declared the women's best player at the GFA awards night.

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Football is not new to Goa - AIFF President Kalyan Chaubey

Kalyan Chaubey spoke about the football culture in Goa, reminiscing about his playing days for Salgaocar FC

“Football in Goa is not a new thing. It is in the daily life of the people of Goa. I don’t think you need an outsider to stand here and tell you about football. I remember my days playing for Salgaocar and the Fatorda stadium being full. All the faces here I’ve probably met or seen, 20 years ago," the AIFF president said.

He went on to talk about how talented players must get recognition and opportunities, which would, in turn, take Goan and Indian football further.

“Now it’s up to us to ensure that the talent gets the match time and opportunities to be noticed and scouted so that they can do more things for Goan football and national football and take the country further,” he added.

Speaking of the men's best player, Joshua D'Silva was the top goal scorer for Sesa FA in the Goa Pro League with 24 goals. He contributed an astounding 43.06 percent of Sesa FC's total goals (55) in the Goa Pro League. Moreover, he also scored three goals for Goa in the Santosh Trophy, apart from scoring a goal at the 37th National Games

The women's best player, Pearl Fernandes, is Goa's new upcoming talent. She displayed her prowess at the U-17 girls' nationals. She also went on to make her debut for the India U-16 Women's team, scoring twice. Further, she scored 25 goals in domestic football in the Vedanta Women's League.

Dempo SC, who qualified for the I-League after nine long years, were named the team of the season. M Faheez was awarded the Futsal Player of the Year.

Sesa FA coach and Goa Santosh Trophy team coach for 2023-24, Charles Dias, was rightly named coach of the season.

To wrap up, GFA, in the presence of Kalyan Chaubey, presented a Lifetime Achievement Award to Nicholas Pereira. The legendary Goan defender won two Santosh Trophy titles in 1983 and 1984.