PANJIM: The second edition of the Bhausaheb Bandodkar Memorial Trophy will kick-off on August 24 with the final slated for September 6 at the Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Fatorda.
This year for the first time, two foreign teams will feature in the tournament.Brisbane Roar FC from Australia and Clube Deportiva Defensa y Justicia from Argentina who compete at the highest level in their respective countries and are set to bring a fresh level of competition to Goa.
Speaking to mediapersons, Sports Minister Govind Gaude on Wednesday expressed his enthusiasm for the tournament's potential impact. "This year, we will make it bigger and better," Gaude stated.
"We are going to include two foreign clubs, namely Brisbane Roar FC from Australia and Clube Deportiva Defensa y Justicia from Argentina."
Both these foreign clubs play in the top-tier leagues of their countries and will be coming here to compete in Goa, he added.
Gaude emphasised the broader vision for Goan football. "Our aim is to revive Goan football and raise the standard of the sport within the State. By hosting such a high-calibre tournament, we can provide our local players with invaluable experience and exposure, ultimately producing talent that can represent Goa and India on bigger stages," Gaude signed off.
We have decided to price the tickets at Rs 100 per day (for both matches) for the East, South and North Stands, while the West stand tickets are available for Rs 200 per day (for both matches). The tickets will be available from August 23, at GFA office Panjim, Fatorda Stadium (before the commencement of matches) and Duler Stadium, Mapusa.
Goa Football Association (GFA) president Caitano Fernandes said, “I urge the football enthusiasts to come in large as I assure it will be entertaining and quality football at display. I also request parents and schools to send their children to watch and experience the game.”
The tournament will feature a competitive line-up, including ISL clubs Odisha FC and FC Goa, along with I-League stalwarts like Chennaiyin FC, Dempo SC, and Churchill Brothers. The tournament will be structured into two groups of four teams each.
Group A will consist of FC Goa, Brisbane Roar FC, Dempo SC, and the GPL qualifier. Group B will see Odisha FC, Chennaiyin FC, Churchill Brothers FC, and Clube Deportiva Defensa y Justicia battle it out for a spot in the finals.