MARGAO: One of Goa’s most talented footballer Brandon Fernandes has been invited by the Cape United Soccer School of Excellence, a renowned football academy from South Africa for selection trials.

The Cape United Soccer Schools’ spotters were very much impressed by the progress made by the precocious teenager. Having played for the India in the age category football tournaments the 15-year-old had also showcased his talent for the Manchester United Soccer Schools where he was selected amongst the best 20 players chosen by the wards of one of the world’s biggest and famous club from England. It was quite natural for dad Jaju Fernandes to get ecstatic on his son being chosen for the trials. “What can I say, when we got the feedback from Cape Town it was an unbelievable feeling. All of us were simply overjoyed, I can’t really express. It was fantastic for Brandon and I am sure he will come good there,” a joyful Jaju who was flanked by his wife Antoneta explained.
Brandon has been in football from a very tender age of 8 years and the fact that he has played, for the now defunct Fransa FC and Velsao Pale Sports Club for 3 years each in the U-14 tournament, is itself an unique achievement for the boy. Presently playing for Salgaocar Sports Club for the U-16 as well as U-18 teams, Brandon will be leaving for Cape Town on April 5 to be in time for the trials, which starts in the first week of April. During this time at Cape United he’ll be assessed both on and off the football pitch. Brandon who is the student of Loyola High School Margao shot to fame after winning many prizes for various tournaments he played in Goa and outside the state, but one memorable moment for the Benaulim-born footballer, however, remains is netting a brace inside 2 minutes against Maldives in Iran.