Let's Celebrate 150 Years In Style - Mahesh Gawli

Goa is celebrating its 150 glorious years of football and Mahesh Gawli feels there’s no better way to celebrate the occasion than by winning the 63rd Santosh Trophy tonight...

14-Jun-2009 9:35:25 AM

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The western state is well-known in India for its love for football and Gawli believes that it will be an ideal present for those in Goa, if he and his colleagues could win against 29 time champions West Bengal at the Nehru Stadium, Chennai.

Speaking to Goal.com, Mahesh Gawli said, “Let’s hope that we bring the Santosh Trophy to Goa as we are celebrating 150 years.”

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The Indian international, however, opines that the outcome of the match wouldn’t establish Goa or West Bengal as the hub of Indian football.

“That’s the public’s thoughts of the winner establishing their supremacy over Indian football. I feel Indian football must be well spread across the nation and the game is a final between top two teams in the tournament,” said Gawli.

The performance of Goa in their last outing against Tamil Nadu wasn’t the best and Gawli is quick to acknowledge the same.

“We didn’t play that well and couldn’t control the game. It was a tough semi-final. The crowd was good in the match, however later we had to wait for more than an hour before being escorted to the hotel.

“There was stone pelting and bottles being hurled on the pitch. Even when we went to the hotel, there was enough police cover to ensure security.”

Commenting on West Bengal, Gawli said, “West Bengal are a good side and all we have to do is follow the coach’s (Mariano Dias) instructions.”  

Rahul Bali.

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