MARGAO: One of Goa’s brightest footballers, Brandon Fernandes yesterday left for South Africa for the Cape United Soccer Academy training. He was selected by the scouts of the famous coaching school for two-year training after Brandon had attended the trials in Cape Town last year.

It was a long process and finally, Brandon inked a two year deal to become the first Asian footballer to have a contract with the South African football coaching academy. Brandon was with the India U-19 football team for over a year and had improved massively under AIFF Technical Director Colin Toal.
It was a rather emotional departure for the 16-year-old who had an attachment with the coaching staff and the other players.
“He was so engrossed with the India U-19 team that it was a difficult moment for him to leave Goa. We’re all extremely grateful to the AIFF and the coaching team, especially for Colin Toal. This is a big moment for us, we’re thrilled on his start with coaching and we pray he realises his dream,” said Jaju Fernands the proud dad of Brandon who had celebrated his birthday just two days ago.
Brandon has a commitment with the Cape United Soccer Academy for two years but it has been found out that the talented footballer can be called to play for the India U-19 football team.