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KESHAV VERNEKAR : This diminutive linkman made a good
reputation for himself when he played for Salgaocar Sports Club from 1963 to
1965. He had the knack to nip the opponents moves in the bud and the ability to
make defense splitting passes to his colleagues. He joined Vasco Sports Club in
1965 and performed brilliantly in the 1966 Rovers Cup tournament. He was hard
working and tenacious. Keshav rejoined Salgaocar towards the fag end of his
career.
He was a member of the Goa side which
made its debut in the Nationals at Madras in 1963-64. He also played at Guwahati
and Quilon in 1965 and 1966.
O. K. SATYAN : This highly efficient medio from Kerala
made his debut in Goan soccer when he joined Salgaocar in the early sixties. He
fell back to help the defenders, whenever they came under pressure and moved
upfield in a flash to feed the forwards with precise passes. He assisted Vasco
Sports Club from 1965 to 1971.
GEORGE ROSEMOND : After starting his career as a forward,
Rosemond shifted to the midfield and gave a very good account of himself. He
played as a forward for Vasco in the 1966 Rovers Cup tournament and scored on a
number of occasions. He was an opportunistic forward. Rosemond asserted himself
when he started playing as a half and had the honour of leading Goa in the
National Football Championship that Goa hosted in 1972. He was an indefatigable
linkman who roved all over the field and controlled the proceedings admirably.
Rosemond played in the Nationals from 1966 to 1972. Vasco won the Sait Nagjee
trophy, the Stafford Cup and the Police Cup under his captainship in 1969.
JOAO DE MELO : Joao played as a half along with Levino
for several years. They played together for Academica, St. Inez and Panvel. Joao
played for Vasco, Shantilal and Dempo on the tours and he always played the game
in a gentlemanly manner. He had the interests of the game at heart and after
retirement served as a coach for Panvel, Salgaocar and Sesa Goa.
VALLABH MAHAMBREY : The tall and talented half played for
Vasco Sports club, from 1969 to 1972, after making a fine showing for Mapusa
Youth. Vallabh also played for Salgaocar. He combined well with George Rosemond
to help Vasco gain command in the midfield. He had speed and good stamina, which
helped him to give a good account of himself against any opponent. He was a
member of Vasco Sports Club which won the Police Cup, the Stafford Cup and the
KFA Shield. He scored in the Stafford final. Vallabh is the brother of Ramesh,
Ashok and Dilip, who all played in the Senior Division league. Ramesh played as
a forward for Benfica. Ashok (a fine table tennis player) kept goal for Mapusa
Youth and Dilip played as a half for Sesa Goa. Ashok had accompanied the state
team as coach cum manager for the 1974 Junior Nationals at Coimbatore.
 
ANDREW FERNANDES : The cool and talented medio caught the
eye of the connoisseurs when he was with Panvel Sports Club. He rendered good
service for Vasco Sports Club and had the privilege of leading Goa in the 1977
National at Calcutta. Andrew played consistently well and never got involved in
rough play. He made his debut in the 1974 Nationals at Jalandhar.
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