PANJIM: Former international football player, Anthony Joao Rebello, from Curtorim, breathed his last at the GMC Hospital, Bambolim early morning today. He was 65. He leaves behind his wife and two daughters. The funeral to St Alex Church in Curtorim will take place on March 22 at 3.15 pm.
Stopper back Anthony who had his baptism in football at St Xavier's Institute in Curtorim, played for Panvel, Mandovi Shipyard, Salgaocar with whom he had the longest association since 1977, and played top class football until his retirement. He donned colours for India at President Cup in Seoul in 1982 and Merdeka Cup in Malaysia. He assisted Goa in the Nationals when Goa beat Punjab 1-0 in the finals and won the Santosh Trophy outright in Madras, without conceding a single goal. He retired from football in 1987 following a knee injury and moved to Kuwait where he was involved in football, coaching teams like Curtorim United and also patronised Konkani dramas.
Anthony was one of most feared defenders in India in eighties. It was pretty tough to get the better of him, both in the air as well as on the ground. His strong athletic built, with heavy broad shoulders and tough chest made him a formidable stopper back who would block most of the attackers. He was a hard tackler with his strong headers earning applause. It was pretty tough to get past him. He was rock solid in defence. He was much feared by Bengal as well as Punjab players.
GFA president Caetano Fernandes alongwith the Executive Committee condoled the death of Rebello. AIFF Executive Committee member, Valanka Alemao, ex-GFA president Churchill Alemao also condoled the death of ex-football player.
The Goan community in Kuwait has expressed deep sadness at the passing away of the Goa legend, after a brief illness. Former GFA Secretary, Antonio Botelho, GFDC Chairman Brahmanand Shankwalkar, Irineu Gonsalves, Norbert Gonsalves, Arnaldo Costa, Frankie Fernandes (ex-FIFA referee), Camilo Gonsalves, Mathew Rodrigues, Cowan Lourenco, Gasper Crasto (Kuwait) and several others also condoled the passing away of Rebello.