Dempo SC’s Next Chapter Starts with Youth
While Dempo SC’s return to the I-League has been met with mixed reactions, their resurgence on the national stage is undeniable. A club with a storied history, Dempo’s comeback to the top flight hasn’t been as dominant as their five-title legacy might suggest. While they have struggled to fully click, they have also secured crucial results, positioning themselves respectably after a decade-long absence. However, beyond the immediate scrutiny of the senior squad’s performance, one aspect has stood out—the presence of young Goan talents who have seamlessly transitioned from the club’s youth system to the first team.
Names like Vieri Colaco, Saesh Bagkar, Laximanrao Rane, and Vinay Harji are now synonymous with Dempo’s resurgence, showcasing the club’s commitment to nurturing homegrown talent. These players, alongside many others, have risen through the ranks of Dempo’s formidable youth setup. While the senior team’s journey back to the top grabs headlines, Dempo SC’s development squad has been quietly building a legacy of its own. The famed Golden Eagles’ youth system remains a powerhouse of talent, shaping the future of Goan football. Under the guidance of head coach Remus Gomes, the squad has impressed since stepping into the Goa Professional League (GPL), following the senior team’s transition to the I-League. Their dominance has extended beyond state-level competitions, as they emerged regional champions in the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL), securing a place in the national final round.
This success highlights the club’s long-term vision of creating a seamless transition for young players into the senior setup. “The club’s development vision is to build a clear pathway for young players to progress, ensuring they receive the right support to unlock their full potential. We focus on individual development,” said head coach Remus Gomes in an exclusive interview with The Navhind Times.
A Methodical Approach to Player Growth
At the core of Dempo’s youth structure is the Long-Term Player Development (LTPD) model—a strategic approach to nurturing footballers over an extended period. Many of the current squad members have been training together for nearly eight years, fostering a deep understanding of each other’s game. “We focus on a game-based approach, ensuring all four performance factors are trained. This has been key in shaping our players technically and tactically,” Gomes explained.
The squad features some of Goa’s most promising, including Sairon Albuquerque, Mevan Dias, Myrick Hilario, and Arnold Oliviera—all of whom have played roles in the team’s performances. Some of these players have already trained with Dempo’s I-League squad.
Learning from Setbacks, Thriving on Hunger
Last season, Dempo SC finished as runners-up in the Goa region before falling short at the national group stage, a bitter yet valuable experience. Gomes noted that consistency, adaptability, and handling pressure were major takeaways from that campaign. “We had the talent and skill but needed to improve our ability to adjust to different opponents and situations,” he admitted.
This season, however, the team showed a renewed sense of determination. “Hunger made the difference,” Gomes asserted. “After finishing second last year, we knew we could reach the top. We worked on our weaknesses, particularly in the four key moments of the game. The boys executed it brilliantly, and the results are there for all to see.”
Dempo SC’s tactical approach this season has been far more dynamic. “Our tactics varied from match to match. We made adjustments based on our opponents, ensuring we were more organized in all four moments of play,” Gomes revealed. This adaptability was a significant factor in their rise to the top.
Balancing Development with Competitive Success
One of the biggest challenges in youth football is maintaining a balance between winning and player development. This is especially true in competitions like the RFDL, where matches are played every three days, making squad rotation essential. “If some players don’t get opportunities, they lose focus. We had to ensure every player got a chance to develop while also managing workload and injury risks,” Gomes said.
The biggest challenge was maintaining focus amidst a packed fixture list. With the team competing in both the Goa Professional League and the RFDL simultaneously, Gomes had to rely on effective squad management. “Giving everyone game time was crucial. It kept the players motivated and created a competitive environment where they pushed each other to perform,” he pointed out.
Rising Stars of the Squad
Several players have stood out this season, both for their performances and leadership qualities. Among them, Mevan finished as the highest goal scorer, Myrick clinched the Golden Glove, Arnold dominated the midfield, and Sairon led by example as captain and defender.
“These players know they are on the brink of making it to the I-League squad. Their performances in the development team will decide their future, and they are motivated to prove themselves,” said Gomes.
A Future Built on Promise
With a spot in the National Championship secured, the focus now shifts to refining tactical execution and ensuring peak performance in critical moments. “We are looking to fine-tune our gameplay and address key tactical areas before heading into the final round,”
Gomes signed off.
