Shaji Prabhakaran, Secretary General AIFF along with Joseph (Jaju) Fernandes, on the right.
MARGAO
Goa Football Association executive member and former Assistant Secretary of GFA, Joaquim (Jaju) Fernandes passed away at the South Goa District Hospital on Tuesday. He was admitted to the hospital after experiencing breathing problems.
Jaju was actively involved in the functioning of GFA leagues across several age group tournaments.
He is survived by his wife, three sons and a daughter. The funeral will be held on Thursday.
GFA President Dr Caitano Fernandes has condoled the death of Jaju Fernandes saying, “I would like to express my sincerest and heartfelt condolences on the passing of Jaju Fernandes. Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel for this loss.”
“On behalf of the GFA, I wish to extend our deepest sympathy to Jaju's family, friends and loved ones,” added Fernandes.
"It is a big loss to Goan football. He made big contributions to football in Goa. May his soul rest in peace," said Dr Shaji Prabhakaran, Secretary General of All India Football Federation (AIFF).
"Saddened by the sudden and untimely death of Jaju Fernandes. He was a passionate and committed football official and promoter. Goan football fraternity will miss him," said Alberto Colaco, ex-General Secretary of AIFF.
"Deeply saddened by his death. Working together in GFA was a pleasure. Heartfelt condolences to Brandon and family. May his soul rest in peace," said Anil Kamat, Assistant Secretary, AIFF.
"Jaju’s death has sent shock waves among Goans. His on-stage roles as a cop, villain, hero, father made him one of the best versatile actors on the Konkani stage. He was a personal friend since my GFA days. He also carried the mantle of being footballer Brendon’s father. He will be missed by many," said Elvis Gomes, ex-president of GFA.
"I am saddened by Jaju's sudden passing away, my very long association with him was all due to football promotion, a personal friend too," stated Padmashree Brahmanand Sankhwalkar and former India captain.
"Being my first time in GFA Women’s Committee, Jaju was extremely supportive, especially during the AFC Women’s Day Celebrations and made it a point to attend the U14 girls' tournament to encourage them. He took keen interest to see to the needs and arrangements of the senior women’s team while practising at Benaulim Ground. GFA Women’s Football & Competitions Committee deeply mourns the loss of Jaju Fernandes," said Royala Fernandes, vice chairperson, GFA Women's Football Committee.
"Very shocking and sad news, we lost a friend, great actor and football lover. Will miss him," said Derrick Pereira, former India defender.
"He will be a great loss in the field of Sports and Drama (Tiatrs). I offer my condolence to his bereaved family and pray that the Almighty grant them the courage to bear thy loss," said Welvino Menezes, former Secretary of GFA.
"Jaju will be remembered for having contributed immensely to Goan football with his club Young Strikers and also his contribution to GFA as an Executive Committee member," said Jonathan D'Souza, vice president of GFA North Goa.
"Jaju Fernades was a helpful man and was considered as one of the pillars for the development of football," said Alvito D'Cunha former India midfielder.
“It is difficult to believe that Jaju has passed away. I still remember his smiling face. He always played an active role to ensure the local league was efficient," said Denzil Ferrao, manager of Churchill Brothers FC.
"Great football lover and his contribution to GFA and Goan football is unmeasurable. He was heard through his announcements during National Football League. I have seen him as a multi-talented personality being Goan tiatrist and promoter of Goan culture and ready to walk a mile for sports," said Walter Pereira ex-FIFA Assistant Referee.
"My heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family and the entire GFA family for having lost one of their beloved colleagues. May his soul rest in eternal bliss," said FIFA Assessor, Maria Rebello.
