Once known as a powerhouse in Indian football, the Salgaocar name is making its way back into the spotlight. However, this time through a new entity: Clube de Salgaocar (CD Salgaocar). In a short span of time, the club impressed the spectators. It also secured a spot in the I-League 3 by finishing third in the state league. The team finished behind Sporting Clube De Goa and Dempo SC.

In this exclusive interview with Athletic India, the General Secretary of CD Salgaocar takes us behind the scenes of the club’s journey—from tactical blueprints to organizational philosophy.

1. Congratulations on qualifying for I-League 3. Could you walk us through how the club approached the season tactically and organizationally?

Thank you. From the outset, our approach was built on a foundation of strong team culture, unwavering commitment, and a resilient attitude. Tactically, we prioritized a dynamic and adaptable playing style, allowing us to adjust our formation and approach based on the strengths and weaknesses of each opponent. This involved rigorous training in various formations and tactical scenarios. Organizationally, we emphasized clear roles and responsibilities within the team, fostering strong communication both on and off the pitch. As a relatively new unit, we instilled a culture of hard work and discipline as non-negotiables, believing that consistent effort and adherence to our principles would organically drive positive results and build momentum throughout the season.

2. How did the players and coaching staff adapt to the challenge of transitioning from a new team to one capable of national qualification in such a short span?

The swift transition was facilitated by a collective buy-in to our core philosophy of hard work, commitment, and disciplined execution. The coaching staff played a crucial role in clearly articulating the tactical framework and fostering a unified mentality. Players were encouraged to embrace the platform of the Goa Professional League as an opportunity for growth and self-expression, which helped them handle the inherent pressure. We adopted a game-by-game approach, setting realistic targets for each match while keeping the larger goal of qualification in sight. The players’ understanding that consistent performance in the GPL was a direct pathway to national recognition fuelled their adaptation to the evolving challenges and the increasing intensity of competition.

3. Do you foresee CD Salgaocar evolving into a fully professional setup with longer contracts, scouting networks outside Goa, and more advanced infrastructure?

Absolutely. Our ambition is to establish CD Salgaocar as a fully professional football club in all aspects. While it’s a long-term vision, developing robust infrastructure, including dedicated training grounds and facilities, is a key priority. We also recognize the importance of offering longer-term contracts to secure key talent and build stability within the squad. Furthermore, expanding our scouting network beyond Goa will be crucial for identifying and attracting promising players who can contribute to our growth and elevate the team’s quality.

4. Are there plans to introduce formal academy certification or tie-ups with I-League/ISL clubs?

Introducing a formal academy with recognized certification and exploring strategic tie-ups with established I-League or ISL clubs are definitely on our radar as part of our long-term development. Once we achieve a stable footing in the national football ecosystem, investing in youth development and forging beneficial partnerships will be crucial for the sustainable growth and success of CD Salgaocar.

5. So far, has the Goa Football Association provided any kind of support (logistical/financial)?

We deeply appreciate the commendable logistical support provided by the Goa Football Association, particularly in the seamless organization of our matches. The newly relaid artificial turf at the GFA stadium in Duler, Mapusa, has also been a significant benefit, ensuring consistent playing conditions.

6. The Salgaocar name holds weight in Indian football circles. Does that come with extra pressure or expectations from fans and the media?

Undoubtedly. The rich legacy of the Salgaocar family in Goan and Indian football brings a significant level of expectation from the community and the media. The team is consciously built with players who understand and are prepared to absorb this pressure and responsibility. We aim to honor the Salgaocar name by embodying the values of hard work, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of success on the pitch. This legacy serves as motivation, driving us to uphold the standards associated with such a respected footballing institution.

7. Can you share some behind-the-scenes stories—maybe a turning point match, a standout player moment, or a management decision that made a big difference this season?

This season’s success has truly been a collective effort, with every player contributing significantly. However, the two victories against Sporting Clube de Goa, the eventual league champions, stand out as crucial turning points. Not only were we the only team to defeat them, securing a vital six points, but these wins also instilled a tremendous belief within the squad that we could compete with the very best. A key management decision was the early emphasis on tactical flexibility, ensuring the team could adapt to different opponents, which proved instrumental in those crucial victories against Sporting.

8. Financial sustainability is a common challenge for new clubs. How are you planning to diversify revenue streams beyond matchday and sponsorships?

Recognizing the importance of long-term financial stability, we are actively exploring avenues to diversify our revenue streams. Building strong community connections and a loyal local fan base is paramount, which will open doors to initiatives like player development academies that can generate revenue through player sales or training fees. We are also exploring community engagement programs and potential facility rentals in the long term, contingent on infrastructure development. While still in the planning stages, these strategies, alongside continued efforts in securing sponsorships and maximizing matchday revenue, will be crucial for our sustainability.

9. What is your long-term vision for CD Salgaocar in the Indian football pyramid—do you dream of the ISL or see I-League 1 as your realistic ceiling?

Our immediate focus is on establishing consistency and strong performances in the Goa Professional League over the next few seasons. This year marks our debut in I-League 3, and our primary aim is to deliver a compelling performance at this national level. While the aspiration exists to compete at the highest levels of Indian football, we believe in a step-by-step approach. Achieving sustained success in the leagues we currently participate in, building a strong foundation, and developing our infrastructure will be the key milestones as we chart our long-term trajectory in the Indian football pyramid. We will cross the bridges to I-League 1 and potentially beyond when we reach them, always striving for ambitious yet realistic growth.