FC Goa skipper Brandon Fernandes wants to fulfil his father’s dream of winning the ISL trophy

FC Goa captain Brandon Fernandes’ life was turned upside down when he got the news of his father’s demise. Brandon was with FC Goa in Kerala playing in the Super Cup when the incident happened.

It changed him completely as he took a long break from football and stayed with his family to recover. He did not even feature for the national team as he found it extremely difficult to return.

His father, Joaquim Joao Fernandes, popularly known as Jaju Fernandes played a pivotal role in shaping up Brandon’s career. He was also a member of the Goa Football Association.

On Tuesday, Brandon stepped on the field as FC Goa’s captain when the Gaurs went up against Shillong Lajong FC in their Durand Cup opening clash.

“My father played different roles in my life; he was a friend to me, my guide, like a good father always available whenever we needed him. His loss is heartbreaking. I know he will watch me from up there,” Brandon said in an interaction with TOI.

Jaju was a great admirer of football and made a lot of sacrifices in his life to help his son grow into a footballer. He noticed the talent that Brandon possess and sent him to South Africa’s ADS Football Academy when he was only 16 years old. Brandon went onto impress European scouts as teams like Leicester City, Sunderland and Reading were interested in him.

“He has played a lovely role in my life. He always told me, no matter what, you have to give your best (on the field). I have to do everything in my power to achieve more things till the end of my career,” he said.

Speaking of his father’s dream, Brandon revealed that Jaju always wanted him to win the ISL trophy, something that has eluded Goa for many seasons now. Therefore Brandon is determined to lift the trophy and dedicate it to his father.

“My father always wanted me to win the ISL trophy. Even individual prizes he appreciated, but most important for him was winning the ISL trophy. Being captain of FC Goa last year, he told me ‘Win the ISL for Goa, Goa has not won the trophy’. I want to do it for my father. This season is dedicated to him. He is the reason I am where I am,” he revealed.

The Gaurs have seen a new dawn with the arrival of Manolo Marquez as their new head coach. Manolo and Brandon are on the same page when it comes to rekindling the club’s best days and restoring their glory in years to come.

Brandon believes that Manolo is a very demanding coach and there are no easy way outs with the Spanish tactician. “He is a very demanding coach and I think all players have to stay focused under him. There are no easy options and you cannot take anything for granted. Everything has to be achieved with hard work. I am sure, with the team that we have, and the way we are progressing, we will have a good season,” Brandon highlighted.

The 28-year-old is one of the most consistent players in the ISL for some years now and with a busy season coming up with FC Goa, he will also look to win back national team coach Igor Stimac’s trust in the upcoming days.