ISL 2020-21: Leander D’Cunha earns promotion to FC Goa first team

Indian Super League (ISL) outift FC Goa, on Monday, announced that Leander D’Cunha has signed a new contract with the club, earning a promotion up to the first team after making his way up the ranks at youth level. In doing so, he becomes the 7th footballer to be promoted from the Developmental Team and into the first team in the last three years.

The right-back has signed a first team contract with the club till 2023, and will join the squad for the pre-season when preparation begins for the new campaign.

“This is a great feeling,” exclaimed Leander after signing on the dotted lines.

“When I was told that I would be making it to the senior team, it felt like a dream come true.

“I have been working hard in the Developmental Team for the past three years and I’m really looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead for me.”

https://twitter.com/FCGoaOfficial/status/1272466215445753856

FC Goa Director of Football, Ravi Puskur was equally pleased at the development. Speaking on Leander’s new contract, he stated, “Leander was spotted when he was playing for the Goa Santosh Trophy team back in 2017 and he’s been on our books ever since.

“During this time, Leander’s shown an incredible amount of desire for self-improvement and has never shied away from doing the hard yards. He’s proven himself to be a versatile, selfless player who we’re sure will be an asset to the First Team. We’re delighted that he’s decided to extend his contract with us and will form a part of our long term plans.”

The 22-year-old emerged as one of the most important players for the FC Goa Developmental Team over the past few seasons, eventually taking over the captaincy of the side last season.

The Cuncolim native started his footballing career at the SESA Football Academy and joined Churchill Brothers before being signed by FC Goa three years ago.

Working his way up the ranks, the 22-year-old has proven instrumental in the Developmental Team, lifting the Goa Professional League in 2018/19 before leading the side to triumph in the Police Cup trophy at the beginning of the 2019/20 Season.

Leander follows in the footsteps of players like Mohammad Nawaz, Saviour Gama, Princeton Rebello, Liston Colaco, Kingslee Fernandes and Shubham Dhas – all of whom earned promotions to the first team through the FC Goa youth structure.