01/08/2014 …. “The 5 players currently in the Czech Republic is proof that we are moving in the right direction and we must continue to work hard as a group to achieve more goals,” remarked Sporting Clube de Goa Head Coach Oscar Bruzon addressing his players at the end of the second week of pre-season, at Duler Stadium, Mapusa on Saturday.
Oscar was referring to the 5 SCG players, namely Keenan Almeida, Joyner Lourenco, Rowlin Borges, Ravi Kumar and Kamaljeet Singh, who are currently doing duty for the India U-23 national team on an exposure trip in the Czech Republic, which is the largest representation selected from any of the I-League clubs.
With a clenched fist, Coach Oscar has plenty to smile about as he repeats the word “Power”, after witnessing a high intensity circuit training workout which focused on plyometric power and resistance.
Although this was the second week back, Oscar believes it to be the first week of pre-season training as the initial days is about team building and assessing his player’s level of fitness after the break.
“The first few days are all about affinity, making sure the new signings and young players are welcomed by the established players in the group,” stated Oscar.
“After carrying out the aerobic and anaerobic tests I was pleased that all the players were around the same level,” added Oscar.
As Oscar starts his second full season in the hot seat, he is content that his philosophy is starting to rub off on the players. For example the after practice habit of aerated drinks by some, has been replaced by protein shakes, as the players become more and more professional in their thinking.
In the last year, the club has lifted the Goa Super Cup and are the current Goa Pro league champs and Gfa knock out winners. Oscar now feels the club can slowly scale bigger heights.
“We are always looking to improve season upon season, making sure that the curve on the graph is pointing in the right direction. We have made some great signings in the summer and I can assure the fans that we will be very competitive,” signed off Oscar.
