Panaji: It is not without a reason that FC Goa’s only two domestic signings for the season so far have been young players with promise.The club, according to sources, has decided to move away from experienced domestic signings and will instead count on their promising players to deliver on the big stages.The first signing for the season is local lad Harsh Patre, a player they have tracked since his early days with the Goa Football Development Council (GFDC) academy. He came under Goa’s radar first in the 2018-19 season during the AIFF Junior League, while ironically, playing against Goa.“Having been witness to Harsh’s growth and development over the years, we believe he is someone who fits into our playing style,” said Lokesh Bherwani, director of football at the club. “We are confident that Harsh is at a stage in his career where he can become a very important part of the team and contribute towards the team’s success.”Harsh joins Goa from Bengaluru FC, while previously donning colours for the now defunct Indian Arrows.Goa have also announced the signing of defender Ronney Wilson from Shillong Lajong FC.Despite a disappointing I-League campaign for Lajong, Ronney’s performance was clearly a cut above the others, and it surprised nobody that he attracted attention from several clubs.The 22-year-old centre-back from Meghalaya previously featured for clubs like Langsning FC and the Sports Authority of India, Guwahati.Given that last season the likes of Brison Fernandes, Ayush Chhetri and Hrithik Tiwari all delivered impressive performances, Goa are confident that Ronney will be an important addition at the back.With coach Manolo Marquez on board and all foreign players already arriving in the state for pre-season training, Goa are getting ready for the crucial AFC Champions League Two playoff against Al Seeb at Fatorda on August 13.Should Goa cross the preliminary hurdle against the Oman champions, they will move to the group stage where Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr FC will be one of the participants.The ACL Two is Asian football’s second-tier club competition behind the high-profile AFC Champions League Elite.
