The Indian Super League spotlight is firmly focussed on Romeo Fernandes, busy on duty for Dempo SC at the Federation Cup 2014-15. Expectations weigh lightly on his shoulders; the Goan teenager continues to enjoy himself bursting into the goalmouth for attempts on target.
Just like any young cricketer here is identified by the IPL exploits in one glitzy T20 tournament per season, rather than reputation built over a length of time in first-class cricket, Romeo’s value and versatility at FC 2014-15 will be compared to electrifying ISL performances under Zico for FC Goa. Two strikes in two consecutive games so far at the Nehru stadium, Fatorda, proves he is carrying the ISL scoring boots into the FC. East Bengal was felled by a match-winning header from the 22-year-old, whose next goal was a solo run and finish against Sporting Clube de Goa. Dempo lead the group with two wins.
FC Goa’s celebrated manager Zico and marquee player Robert Pires spoke highly about the wiry midfielder, creating in an aura around the youngster from Assolna blessed with a knack for putting the ball into the net. He had scored thrice in 11 ISL games, including the event’s 100th goal.
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With fans and friends admiring his game amidst anxiety whether their humble hero can focus on the task at hand without getting overwhelmed by many things happening around him, the midfielder is doing his bit for Dempo under head coach Artur Papas, also assistant coach at FCG under Zico for a while.
Goans watched him in inter-village football tournaments for many years, dominating matches using pure skill, ball control and speed. The energetic kid from Assolna became a youth international under Papas. When the ISL happened, bringing EPL crowd-pullers like Pires into India and Goa, Romeo was one of handful of Indians to step up his game.
Clube Atletico Paranaense (CAP) from Brazil came calling with a formal offer to Dempo SC, co-owners of FC Goa, expressing interest in the Goan teenager for their U-23 group. The prospect of an Indian getting a chance to acquire football education in Brazil is an unique career opportunity, created by high-quality, live telecast of ISL across countries.
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The excitement will have to wait. Dempo require his services for the Federation Cup, teaming up with FC Goa colleagues Mandar Desai, Gabriel Fernandes, Clifford Miranda, Peter Carvalho and Tolgay Ozbey, to name a few recruited for ISL by Papas in the domestic and foreign draft, then going on to flourish when Zico came on as manager.
The I-League 2015 follows, where ISL domestic performers loaned out to Indian clubs will be under watch. The Federation Cup and I-League determines India’s champion football club, opening a window of opportunity into Asian club events. Dempo, former I-League champion under Armando Colaco, wants to put its best foot forward under Papas.
Romeo, a fan of Atletico Madrid’s style of attacking play, is focussed on the task at hand, building on confidence and skills honed under the Brazilian icon during ISL, to strike terror under Papas for Dempo in FC. Both coaches understand how to use him as an arrow in the forwardline, the Goan is happy to deliver on demand.
Brazilian club CAP tracked him during the ISL, tearing down the flank as a right-sided midfielder and creating scoring opportunities with Mandar Desai doing the damage down the left flank. Czech Republic’s Miroslav Slepika played central striker by Zico, smaller and slippery Indian midfielders lying in wait to cash in when chances arose.
Tolgay is main striker in FC, an Australian known for ability to finish moves, scoring twice in nine appearances for FC Goa. FCG’s Goan players remain with Dempo, allowing coach Papas the luxury of operating with a confident bunch accustomed to pressure situations in the hyped-up ISL.
Romeo is only one of them, however first off the blocks as far as foreign clubs offer are concerned. Zico’s endorsement worked in Romeo’s case, nothing can be higher recommendation. Pires named him, along with Mandar and Narayan Das (another Papas recruit for Dempo) as locals with quality who impressed on his first-ever experience in India.
Five players from CAB youth development squads had been loaned out to ISL franchises this time, Brazilian forward Bruno Pellisari is the most prominent (four goals in ISL for Chennaiyin FC). The All India Football Federation has an arrangement with CAB for developing age group players, including the India U-17 footballers for the World Cup U-17 hosted by India in 2017.
It is not known whether the Brazilian club is sounding out other talents from other franchises also. FC Goa’s link with Brazilian football is too deep for co-owner Dempo to sidestep Clube Atletico Paranaense’s proposal. Zico has been asked about returning as FCG manager for ISL 2016. Romeo, one of his chosen ones, does not want to comment.
Asked about the Brazil club offer, he said: “Zico gave us the freedom to show our skills. Papas understands my game and knows what works for me. My job is to do the best for Dempo, the way I did for FC Goa. I am thinking about the Federation Cup and not too far ahead.” Goals will keep coming till then from Goa’s most famous football import to come under the spotlight.