Interview: Dawson Fernandes, the new kid in Indian football opens up

Dawson Feranandes with his Sporting teammates (Picture Courtsey: Sporting Club De Goa)

Q. It’s always a footballer’s dream to play for the national team. What were your initial reactions when the news of you being selected for the International friendly match broke out?

Dawson: I cannot explain that feeling in words. Every footballer, when he starts his career, dreams of playing for his country and I was about to realize that dream of mine. I was all of 23, when I donned the Indian jersey. I guess my hard work bore its fruits!

Q. This season the I-League matches across every stadium has seen a good spectator turnout. How do you see this changing face of Indian football? Could you tell us how different it is to play in front of a full house stadium, than in front of empty stands?

Dawson: I think the game of football has been a late bloomer in our country. We all know that people here love football and that is reflected through their support for their favourite European Clubs. But off late, this crowd has started paying attention towards Indian football as well. It is indeed a welcome change. Now when we play, a good crowd is more or less guaranteed. It is good to know that this trend exists not only in places like Goa and Bengal, but also in cities like Bengaluru and Pune, which is indeed appreciating.

Q. Though the I-League has seen some amount of improvement this season, the national team still lacks the ability to push itself into reckoning at the international stage. What do you think can be done, so that India qualifies for something like the AFC Cup or the Olympics, if not the FIFA World Cup in the near future?

Dawson: You cannot blame the team management for the poor show by the team. I believe that the team requires more time together. A national camp which could go beyond the usual 1-2 weeks could come as welcome relief. The players need to gel well and understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses. You need to give them time. If that is taken care of, I believe the national team could also put up a good show.

Q. You have worked under various coaches starting from your time at Fransa-Pax FC, where you began your youth career, till the national team coached by Wim. Could you tell us, which coach has been the best in understanding your game and has helped you develop it?

Dawson: Every coach under whom I have played has helped me develop my game is some way or the other. But I somehow believe that Oscar Bruzon of Sporting Club De Goa has helped me being the player that I’m today. He understands my playing style and has used my talents at the right time and in the right place.

Q. If you were asked to pick one footballer from both Indian and International football each, whom you admire and look up to, who would they be and why?

Dawson: In the Indian circuit, it would be Climax Lawrence for me. He is from my town in Goa and I have seen him play throughout my life. In fact, he is one of the reasons why I’m a footballer today. It is not only his on field presence, but also his off-the-field behavior that I admire. And from the international arena, it will always be the Brazilian legend Luis Ronaldo.

Q. Finally, what is your message to the Sporting fans as well as the Indian national team followers who will see you in action in the coming days?

Dawson: Do turn out in numbers in your support for Flaming Oranje, and I assure you that this season we will be a surprise package. We do have a good squad and the players will be giving their best in every game. Please keep praying and cheering for us!