by
It has been learned that Velho was representing Margao XI in a practice match against the India under-19 team at the Chowgule ground on Saturday. The match ended on a 2-1 note in India U-19’s favour, returning home he had his dinner and shower, and started experiencing severe pain in his chest.
His wife with help of few others rushed him to the nearest BMC Hospital in Bambolim but before he could be admitted (around 10 pm) he was declared dead. There would be autopsy done on him on Sunday and the funeral is expected to take place on Monday at Nuvem Durga, Margao.
His death comes under the radar among the many footballers that fall prey to cardiac arrest at a very young age. His death is mourned by entire Indian Football community as he was seen as studious, jolly and a hard working footballer.
Soccer Velho’s career started with a local club in Goa called Cabral till 2003-2005, soon he moved to Mumbai and started playing for Golden Gunners in MDFA. Air India’s Bimal Ghosh saw his potential and brought him on a loan for a season in 2006, where he performed very well. Soon he got a better offer from Central Railway and played them for a season, where he lifted the prestigious Nadkarni Cup.
In 2007, Bimal Ghosh once again influenced him to join Air India this time with a job offer to become as a permanent employee. Velho didn’t think twice and took the offer with both hands with posting at the Goa Airport. Since then every season he has been donning Air India colours in the I-League.
The experienced player was often used a right winger or a striker by his coaches. Current Mumbai Tigers’ coach Bimal Ghosh described him as a crafty player. “He was very agile player and very handful on the right wing. His speed was commendable and would be uncatchable on the right hand side. I also played him as a striker and he would create many chances for other players,” said Ghosh describing Velho.
Air India’s physiotherapist Sandeep Kurale, who worked closely with him for three seasons, described him as a hard working footballer. “The news comes as a shock to me as he was very different from other footballers. He never had bad habits of drinking or smoking and was always seen as a studious footballer. The autopsy is being conducted on Monday it needs to be seen what is said in the report. But his demise would be a big loss for Indian Football,” said Kurale.
Source – kickoffindia.com
