ISL: FC Goa to start pre-season training on Thursday

FC Goa will start their pre-season on Thursday for the upcoming Indian Super League, a statement said.

This is the first time since the inaugural season that the Gaurs will get into gear on home turf.

After winning the Super Cup last season and coming within minutes of landing their first-ever ISL title, Sergio Lobera's men will look to launch another successful campaign. The two-time ISL finalists have continued with a majority of the squad that finished the last campaign with six members of the foreign contingent retained.

Ferran Corominas, after winning his second straight ISL Golden Boot trophy, will aim to finish as the top scorer in the league for the third consecutive time. He will be joined by compatriots Edu Bedia and Carlos Peña. Hugo Boumous, Ahmed Jahouh and central defender Mourtada Fall have also been retained for another year.

The Gaurs' highest-appearance maker Mandar Rao Dessai will be one of the Goans in the squad apart from Brandon Fernandes, Lenny Rodrigues, Seriton Fernandes and others. Last season's young break-out stars Mohammad Nawaz, Princeton Rebello, Saviour Gama and Liston Colaco will once again be part of the first team.

Shubham Dhas has been promoted from the Developmental team while Aibanbha Dohling, Seiminlen Doungel and Amey Ranawade are new additions to the squad.

Director of Football Ravi Puskur stressed on the need for continuity in the squad. He said, "We have opted for consistency in our squad selection after reaching the ISL final last time around. We hope that the same core group of players will perform well for us this season and expect that our new signings will bolster our push for a title win."

( With inputs from IANS )