Best Foot Forward

There’s been exciting stuff as the Hero Indian Super League begins with FC Goa hitting pre-season wins. But will they clinch the elusive trophy this time?. VIVA GOA takes a brief look at their chances, with exclusive insights from co-owners AKSHAY TANDON and VIRAT KOHLI and star player FERRÁN COROMINAS TELECHEA (Coro).

- Kedar Dhume & Dielle Dsouza

Currently, FC Goa is like a home chef’s favourite cake – it’s got all the right ingredients, the flavours sparkle through and it baked perfectly. The only thing missing is the icing. For five seasons, the Hero Indian Super League (ISL) crown has eluded the Goan team and in the sixth year they are hungrier for success than ever before.

Led by captain Mandar Rao Dessai, two-time Golden Boot winner Ferrán Corominas Telechea (Coro) and coach Sergio Lobera, the team recently beautifully stole the 2019 club knockout Indian Super Cup trophy from under the noses of arch rivals Chennaiyin FC who had denied them ISL glory with two heartbreaking injury-time goals in the 2015-16 season.

The past six years have been a long night for FC Goa with near misses every step of the way, from their semi-final loss in the debut season to last year’s intense extra time defeat in the finale against Bengaluru FC. This year, the co-owners – renowned industrialist and chairman of Delta Corp Jaydev Mody, communications guru and club president Akshay Tandon and Indian cricket team captain Virat Kohli – have dug their heels in hard behind the team, supporting a stronger, more cohesive team by retaining many important players from the previous season.