MARGAO
Former Goa and Dempo footballer Felix Barreto breathed his last Sunday morning after a brief illness.
One of Goa’s best defenders, Felix was the mainstay of Dempo SC’s defensive quartet, comprising of Socorro Coutinho, Nicholas Pereira and Rosario Rodrigues. Felix was among the four shortlisted players for the Indian camp in 1976 but did not make the final team.
Having offers from various top clubs in India, Felix stayed loyal to Dempo for 12 years, until his retirement in 1980. During this period, he helped Dempo win the Rovers Cup, Stafford Cup, Nizam Trophy, the Bandodkar Gold Trophy, the Goa League and many other local and national tournaments.
Starting his football career in his village Chinchinim, Felix was groomed by Goa’s first NIS-qualified coach, Cyril Ferrao. Before joining Dempo, Felix played for Shantilal Sports Club.
After retiring as an active player, Felix took up coaching. He was the coach of Salcete Football Club for over six years during the 1990s. Under his guidance Salcete FC achieved great success, winning the Mini Rovers Cup, the West Zone Federation Cup and many other trophies. Salcete FC were runners-up in the Bandodkar Gold Trophy in 1991 and the Goa League in the same year. He groomed many players who went on to play for top clubs as well as the national team.
After retiring as the manager of the Dempo Store in Margao, Felix continued with his association with the game. He was a committee member of CRC Chinchinim and the coach of the Chinchinim U-14 team and an active member of Salcete FC and Association for the Wellbeing of Elder Sportspersons (AWES). He was a regular at the CRC ground where he used to go for walks every evening.
Felix never forgot his old colleagues. Along with other members of AWES, he visited them regularly, especially to wish them on their birthdays or when they were unwell. Humble, unassuming but with tremendous knowledge of the game, Felix was happy to share his vast experience and advise other coaches and young players.
He will be missed, not only by his sons Rivelino and Platino and their families but also by his vast circle of friends and his colleagues in CRC Chinchinim, Salcete FC and AWES.
Many big names in Goan and Indian football paid tribute to Barreto, including former India and Dempo coach Armando Colaco. “A football legend and a great human being... He always encouraged and motivated me at Dempo. Felix was a great friend too,” Colaco said.
Shabir Ali, former India striker and coach of Salgoocar and ITI, said “We played against Dempo in the Rovers Cup for Mafatlal Mills and Tatas. He was a tough defender. Barreto's death is a big loss to Goan football. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. May his soul rest in peace.”
“I've known Felix well. He was a lively and kind-hearted person. He served Dempo with great dedication and sincerity. He will be missed,” said Anil Kamat, Director of Competitions, All India Football Federation.
“Felix Barreto's demise is a big loss to Chinchinim and Goan football. We worked together for the refurbishment of CRC Ground. He gave everything to the club. We will miss him,” said Cyril Leitao, president of CRC Chinchinim.
Mauricio Afonso, former India captain and Dempo midfielder, said “I met him many times during his playing days. He was a perfect gentleman. I saw him play when I was young. He was a great footballer.”
Alvito D'Cunha, former East Bengal star, stated, “Felix Barreto's demise is a big loss to Goa and Chinchinim. He was my first coach at Salcete Football Club. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.”
