This coming weekend the Duler Ground in Mapusa, Goa is set to host its first I-League match on its new artificial turf after the ground was cleared to host matches of India’s Premier club football tournament.
But it is not clear if it will be Saturday’s encounter between Churchill Brothers SC and Mohun Bagan AC, as it will most likely be postponed like Mohun Bagan’s earlier matches. Then Sunday’s Salgaocar FC vs Air India will be the first encounter at the new ground. Due to no floodlights at the Duler Ground, the match would kick-off in the afternoon to finish before the sun sets.
The Goa Football Association worked on suggestions given by I-League clubs a few days ago, which now makes the Duler Ground available for I-League matches as an alternative to the under redevelopment Nehru Stadium and Tilak Maidan.
The Duler ground can now be used all year through, especially in the monsoons, as it now sports a FIFA sponsored artificial turf under the ‘Win in India with India’ campaign of the world football governing body; but the GFA has also build a proper mainstand with roofing for the spectators and improved dressing rooms, media facilities and more.
