Panaji: Bob Jackson Raj has many admirers within FC Goa and it starts at the top, with coach Manolo Marquez.“When I arrived here, in my first season, I had heard of Bob even though he was out (for a long time) with injury,” Manolo told reporters on Thursday. “He was the hero towards the end of the season, saving two penalties to win the (Bhausaheb) Bandodkar Memorial Trophy. I was told of his potential, so he was fast-tracked into the senior team. He’s progressing fast, training better and he will surely have chances to play (in the Indian Super League) for the remaining six games.”That chance for the 22-year-old goalkeeper could come on Friday as Manolo contemplates changes to his starting 11 for the home clash against Odisha FC. Should Bob get the nod, it will be another significant step in his promising career.“As a young player, whenever you see the team play, you want to play all the time. If you don’t get a chance, you get demotivated. But as you turn professional, you learn that the training sessions are more important than the match. And that’s what I’m doing nowadays. I’m trying to give my best during training and I’m waiting patiently for my opportunity,” said Bob.The goalkeeper started his journey with the under-10s of the Goa Football Development Centre (GFDC) in Shiroda. He then donned the colours of Salgaocar FC junior team before joining FC Goa in 2021.After an impressive showing with the reserves in the Goa Professional League (GPL) and Reliance Foundation Development League, Bob was on trials with the seniors, where he caught Manolo’s attention.“It’s difficult for the goalkeepers because there’s only one specific position. My opinion is that young players need to play maximum minutes as possible. Bob played five games this season with the development team in Goa Pro League, even with RFDL,” said Manolo.Now, he waits for his biggest chance to prove that he belongs to the big league.
