FC Goa would like to announce that the Club has registered a  26-man squad for the Developmental Team that will take part this year in the Goa Pro League. This includes 8 players who have been promoted from the U18 team. 

This season the young Gaurs will be under the tutelage of Deggie Cardozo, who was appointed as Head Coach of the side earlier this year. 

After impressing for the U18 side in the 2019/20 season, Hrithik Tiwari, Deeshank Kunkalikar, Rayan Roger Menezes, Velroy Fernandes, Meuton Fernandes, Brison Fernandes, Vasim Inamdar and Joybert Almeida were promoted to the Developmental Team. 

The eight formed the core of the FC Goa side that helped the Gaurs top the Goa Zone of the Hero Elite League before the season was cut short due to the pandemic. 

There are two new faces in the squad. Delton Colaco joins the side after plying his trade in the Goa Pro League last season for Sporting Clube de Goa. Meanwhile, Rollen Fernandes joins the Gaurs from Air India in Mumbai. 

The full squad is as follows:

Goalkeepers: Hrithik Tiwari, Antonio Dylan D’silva, Hansel Coelho, Viddhesh Bhonsle

Defenders: Deeshank Kunkalikar, Lalhmangaihsanga, Malsawmtluanga Ralte, Rayan Roger Menezes, Brian Faria, Sarineo Fernandes, Rollen Fernandes, Lesly Rebello, Alister Fernandes

Midfielders: Velroy Fernandes, Francis Colaco, Brison Fernandes, Nestor Dias, Kapil Hoble, Christy Davis, Delton Colaco, Vasim Inamdar, Ivon Costa, Meuton Fernandes, HP Lalremruata

Forwards: Aaren D’Silva, Joybert Almeida

Speaking on the squad, FC Goa Technical Director Derrick Pereira said, “We have continued with our philosophy of promoting and encouraging young talent with the squad for the Goa Pro League. 

“We have immense faith in the youngsters at the Club and eight promotions handed out is another promising sign for us all. The focus for the Developmental Team remains on developing these players further and helping them take the next step in their footballing careers.”  

The new-look squad has already begun pre-season training in full flow. The team has so far played 4 friendly games in the lead up to the tournament. The Goa Pro League is slated to start in the coming few weeks.