FC Goa have been a club that has almost always gotten across their footballing philosophy clear from the very beginning. More than just their attractive attacking brand of football, the Gaurs are known to be a nest of developing young talents that have gone on to achieve great successes. 

From Liston Colaco to Sahil Tavora, the club has been a major part in the nurturement and development of these players. While now they are no longer a part of the club, the Gaurs haven't stopped with their recruitment of talented young players within the local community.  

Former player, now turned head coach, Carlos Pena has taken the same road when it comes to placing the club's faith in young players. Although developing talent takes time, the Gaurs may have found a promising player in their rising midfielder Brison Fernandes.

The 21-year-old made his first appearance under then head coach Derrick Pereira last season and followed it up with quality performances in the RFDL (Reliance Foundation Developmental League) as he netted thrice in six appearances for the Gaurs.

“I started my career at Salgaocar FC when I was maybe 12 or 13 years old. I played U14 football there for two years, and then for a year I was without a club. I was only playing local tournaments. Then coach Deggie (Cardozo) brought me over here (at FC Goa), and I'm very thankful to him. From then onwards, I'm chasing my dreams,” Fernandes told Sportskeeda.com

FC Goa has been a cradle for midfielders to flourish, ranging from Jofre Mateu to Hugo Boumous. With the likes of Edu Bedia still at the club, the midfielder draws inspiration from the Spaniard and former player Ahmed Jahouh. 

“I used to love watching (Edu) Bedia and (Ahmed) Jahouh when I was on the FC Goa development team. I like their playing style a lot and have learned a lot from them too. Edu is a great player and a great person, and he helps me a lot. Not only that, he is the engine of our team. Given the experience he has in the ISL, he guides us a lot,” he said.

Fernandes also mentioned how last season was a breakthrough year for him, when he got his first start and scored his first goal in the league. He spoke about his involvement in the Reliance Football Development League and how the games helped in shaping up for his future, Fernandes had already appeared twice for FC Goa in the Hero ISL. The performances helped in motivating him to perform even better and earn more opportunities in the Hero ISL itself.

“Last season was a very good one for me. We didn't win much, but personally, it was a season of improvement. We have played in many tournaments like the Goan Professional League and the Reliance Football Development League, which have helped me a lot,” Fernandes added.

Being a former player at the club, Pena is aware of what the club desires when it comes to the profile of finding players that will align with his blueprint and the club's philosophy of football. 

“He (Carlos Pena) was a very good player himself and now he is a very good coach too. He helps me a lot, and even the other players. He talks to each individual, and I'm very happy to be working with him,” he said.

“This club is like family to me. They've given me everything I wanted. I am very thankful to the club and all the coaches as well,” he added.

FC Goa are currently in the sixth spot, having secured 20 points from 14 games, and have managed to stay in the playoff spot. Fernandes believes he needs to get in the right rhythm in order to qualify for the knockouts and wants to work hard even though the results aren’t favouring them.

“Yes, of course, we're trying our best, and we're working well. But the results aren't going our way. We'll move forward with the same rhythm, and whatever it is, we'll make it to the playoffs,” said the 21-year-old.

Fernandes who has often been used off the bench has scored two goals so far in the Hero ISL 2022-23 season for FC Goa. He wants to work as hard as he can to become a better person, a better player to help the Gaurs achieve the objectives they have set for the season.

“I want to be a better player and a better person. Work hard and have a part in the starting lineup. Hopefully, I can score more goals and get more assists, whatever the team needs,” he concluded.

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Brison Fernandes2022-2023FC Goa