She becomes the first woman president of the Goa Football Association
Dona Paula: Valanka Alemao made history on Tuesday, becoming the first woman president of the Goa Football Association (GFA) after defeating incumbent Caitano Fernandes in a closely contested election.
Alemao secured 83 votes against Fernandes’ 67, while 10 votes were declared invalid from the 160 votes cast.
The victory puts Valanka at the helm of Goan football administration.
“I always looked at it that it shouldn’t be about gender equality,” Valanka said. “It shouldn’t just be about the women. It should be about your capability.”
She credited her father for instilling the belief that she could succeed regardless of gender.
“Thanks to my father, who’s made me believe that you can do something, trust yourself. It’s not about the gender, it’s about your capability, your willpower, your dedication and your hard work,” she said. Valanka described the victory as one centred on accountability, while also thanking those who rallied behind her.
“This victory is for transparency, this victory is for accountability, this victory is of the Goan people,” she said. “This victory is to revive Goan football all over again.”
Reflecting on the campaign, Valanka said the support she received in the final days had been crucial.
“This victory wasn’t possible if not the way everybody worked in the last three days. I’m lost for words,” she said.
“I do not have any words. Thank you Jesus and Mother Velankanni for making this possible,” she added.
Valanka also secured a place among the three elected vice-presidents, polling 83 votes, alongside Andrew Ferrao and Antonio Pango.
Schubert Furtado won the treasurer’s post with 86 votes, defeating Ravindra Cabral, who polled 66. The executive committee will comprise Costancio Rodrigues, Anthony Fernandes, Laxman Hadfadkar, Manjitha Mathkar, Levino Pereira and Cosme Oliveira.
The Alemao legacy continues
Dona Paula: Valanka Alemao’s historic elevation as the first woman president of the Goa Football Association has continued the Alemao family’s association with the top post in Goan football.
Her victory brought the presidency back into the Alemao household after her father, Churchill Alemao, who served as GFA president before his tenure ended in 2022.
Churchill welcomed his daughter’s victory and believes the full term ahead will give her the opportunity to accomplish what he could not during his time in office.
“For me, when I was president, I didn’t get much time,” Churchill said. “But today she has won the elections and she has a full term of years, and I believe in her.”
He was confident that Valanka could deliver on the ambitions he had been unable to complete.
“I know more than 102 per cent that what I haven’t done, she will do it and get it done,” he added.
Churchill thanked Jesus and Mother Velankanni for the victory and described it as their blessings. “I thank Jesus for this victory and Mother Velankanni. It is through her blessings we have achieved this,” he said.
