Chennaiyin FC starts their Hero Indian Super League campaign against FC Goa at the Nehru Stadium in Fatorda, Margao on Wednesday and for two of their players – Jaison Vales and Anthony Barbosa - it is going to be extra special as they will be playing in their home state.Midfielders Vales and Barbosa have played all their professional football in Goa so this new venture with Chennaiyin FC in the Hero ISL is their first stint outside their home state. Both players are highly excited to be playing in the Hero ISL but there is an extra spring in their steps for the opener, which will be held in familiar surroundings.“We are both excited to be playing for Chennaiyin FC in the Hero ISL. It is a fantastic platform for us to improve our careers and we can’t have wished for a better venue to start the campaign. Hopefully we will get three points,” said Barbosa.His good friend and teammate Vales added, “Both me and Anthony have some great memories of playing at the Nehru Stadium so it feels great to come here in Goa for the start of this historical campaign for us.”It’s not easy for the players to be away from their families during the ISL so this trip to Goa gave the duo a chance to spend some time with their closed ones but the two insisted that they have been made to feel at home by the Chennai-based franchise.“Being a professional footballer you have to be away from your relatives so that is not something new for us. But it was good to catch up with our families again. However I must stay we have been very comfortable during our stay in Chennai. The franchise is providing the best facilities possible and that gives you a further motivation to perform,” Barbosa stated.Although it’s an away game, being local lads, the two players will have plenty of well-wishers in the stands on Wednesday.“Many members of my family and friends will be coming to watch our team in action. It is going to be a great occasion,” Vales said.And Barbosa confirmed that their closed ones will be rooting for Chennaiyin FC throughout the tournament.“They are all from Goa but they will be supporting Chennaiyin FC not just in this game but the entire competition,” he revealed.The duo will now be aiming for a victory on their homecoming.
