~ Focus on youth and philosophy made it an easy decision for Phrangki to join the Gaurs ~
Goa, Oct, 2020: Lack of suitors was never a problem for Phrangkie Buam. If turning heads was a trade, the teenager has become a master of it over the last few years.
After initially making a mark at the tender age of 12 in the U16 Meghalaya FA tournament, Buam has never let a chance of impressing escape his grasps. He caught the eye of all and sundry with not only his goals, but also his flair and ability on the ball.
The interest to sign him was soon to follow, but for Phrangki there was only one choice.
“I have to say that I was flattered by all the clubs that were linked with me and the multiple offers that I had. It was a sign that I was on the right track,” said Phrangki after signing a three-year contract.
“My agent would time and again inform me about the offers that were coming in. While they were tempting, I was not always convinced. Some had a great system in place, but the road to the senior team was not clear while others didn’t really show great potential for me to develop my game,” added the 19-year-old.
“However, when FC Goa came in for me, it was different. I had quietly become a fan of the club due to the playing style and the philosophy of the club. There is a great focus towards taking the initiative in games and that is in line with the mentality I go into games. If I look, it feels like it was the only choice I had.
“Besides all this, you can see how they have been working tirelessly with youngsters. Over the years I have seen Liston (Colaco), Princeton (Rebello), (Saviour) Gama and (Mohammad) Nawaz come through the ranks.
“And now this season Redeem (Tlang), (Makan) Chothe and Sanson (Pereira) came into the side. This seems to me to be the ideal project coming at the perfect time as I take the next step in my career.”
The next step
A fan of Brandon Fernandes, Phrangki Buam wants to emulate his idol and make a real impact in the days to come in the Orange of FC Goa. The midfielder though is not overawed by the step up to the ISL and the expectations that follow such a move.
“What FC Goa fans can expect is I, giving it all. This is just the beginning and I have a long way to go. There is a lot to learn and room for improvement in nearly all aspects of my game. I am not going to relax any time soon,” stated the youngster.
“I have long been admirers of Brandon Fernandes and Lenny Rodrigues and will now get a chance to play alongside them. These are big names in Indian football, and this is sort of a dream come true for me if I am honest.
“The next step in my career was always going to be crucial and I feel I made the best decision. I am looking forward to playing in the ISL and the AFC Champions League. There is going to be a huge competition for places, but I am really looking forward to it all.”
The last two seasons have seen the lad from Meghalaya collect 4 Golden Boots and whilst it would be foolhardy to expect a similar return from the teenager as he now rubs shoulders with the big boys, one can certainly say the future of the club looks to be in safe hands.
###
About FC Goa
FC Goa is a professional football club based out of Goa that competes in the Indian Super League (ISL) and is the current holder of the Super Cup. Nicknamed the Gaurs, FC Goa has been one of the most consistent teams in the ISL - reaching 3 semi-finals and 2 finals in 6 seasons.
In Season 2019/20, the club won the Hero ISL League Winners Shield, by finishing top of the table in the league stages and became the first-ever club from India to qualify for the group stages of the AFC Champions League. The Gaurs are also the only ISL side to win more than 50 games and score more than 200 goals.
Co-owned by Mr Jaydev Mody, Mr Akshay Tandon and Mr Virat Kohli, FC Goa is one of Indian few Clubs to have a complete youth development ecosystem. It’s U14, U16, U18 and Developmental Teams compete at the highest levels in Goa and nationally. The system has produced recognizable talents like Saviour Gama, Princeton Rebello and many more. The Gaurs are also the Champions of the GFA U20 & GFA U18 Leagues and the winners of the Goa Professional League in 2018/19.
