Panaji, Aug 17 (IANS) Indian Super League (ISL) franchise FC Goa on Wednesday announced the signing of Indian trio Romeo Fernandes, Mandar Rao Dessai and Laxmikanth Kattimani for the forthcoming third edition of the football tournament.
The trio have risen sharply through the ranks in the past two seasons and are seen as vital components of the team. All three players featured heavily last season with Kattimani being head coach Zico's preferred choice as his custodian.
"I'm very pleased that Zico has trusted me with the responsibilities in goal again. The set-up last year was great and that was one of the prime reasons for me re-signing with the club. And one doesn't get to experience the atmosphere of Fatorda anywhere else in the country so that was a definite plus," Kattimani said in a release.
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"We nearly won the ISL last year in front of our home crowd but fell just short. I'm sure this year we will mount a similar challenge. We want to give Goa the trophy that the fans of football here so richly deserve," the 27-year-old added.
Speaking of his re-signing, Mandar said, "I'm delighted to re-sign with the club. Being a Goan and to be able to play in front of my home crowd is a thrill that I can't easily explain. I feel like I've been improving my skills with each passing game and can't wait to get into the season."
Fernandes said: "I'm happy to be back at FC Goa again. We've had two brilliant campaigns in the past two editions and we certainly want to repeat that performance if not better it. We had great team chemistry last year and we were very focused on our objectives. We want to work up that same intensity during pre-season and we want to be in prime shape when the campaign gets underway."
--IANS
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