By Gasper Crasto
Some people leave Goa in search of greener pastures.
Others leave Goa only to spend the rest of their lives talking
about Goa, eating Goan food, watching football, and convincing everyone around
them that nowhere on Earth can beat a proper Goan feast and a village football
final.
Navelim-born goalkeeper LISTON RODRIGUES, fondly known
as ‘Boxer,’ belongs firmly to that second category.
There was a time when Goa was one of the undisputed capitals of
Indian football. The glory years saw legendary clubs like Salgaocar, Dempo,
Sesa Goa, Vasco and Churchill Brothers producing footballers who carried the
Goan flag with pride across the country.
Among the memorable names of the 1990s, Liston Rodrigues
remains one of those footballers whose reputation has stood the test of time.
And before anyone asks - no, he wasn't called Boxer because he
picked fights. He earned the nickname because he was named after the legendary
world heavyweight boxing champion Sonny Liston.
Thankfully for opposition strikers, he chose goalkeeping
instead of boxing. Although many forwards probably felt they had entered a
boxing ring whenever they faced him between the posts!
.jpeg)
CAREER IN FOOTBALL
A strongly built and fearless goalkeeper, Liston first made a
name for himself in the fiercely competitive inter-village tournaments while
representing Sirvodem SC, Enfermos SC and Navelim Sporting.
If a match went into a tie-breaker, supporters could almost
start celebrating before the first penalty was taken. Liston had a ‘name’ for
turning penalty shootouts into his personal entertainment show, often winning
games almost single-handedly.
His performances soon caught the attention of bigger clubs.
Before joining Salgaocar in 1991, his heroics for Salcete FC in the Goan League
and the prestigious Rovers Cup earned him widespread recognition.
One of his finest achievements came when he helped Salcete FC
reach the semi-finals of the Rovers Cup and later the finals of the Bandodkar
Gold Cup, where they eventually lost to a star-studded Dempo side.
At Salgaocar, he found himself competing with accomplished
goalkeepers like Bharat Morje and Dominic D’Souza.
Competition was intense, but so was the friendship. Liston
earned immense respect from teammates, opponents and football lovers alike - -
friendships he continues to cherish even today.
ROOTS AND BOOTS
Born and raised in Sinquetim, one of Navelim’s most vibrant
localities, Liston’s football journey was inspired by his elder brother, Constancio
Paul Rodrigues.
But football is only half the story.
Among friends, Liston enjoys another legendary status - - as a humorous storyteller.
His stories are famous. His jokes are famous. His ability to
tell the same story ten times with the same enthusiasm is even more famous.
Yet nobody complains.
Whether at a football reunion, family gathering or community
event, Liston has a unique gift for filling a room with laughter, warmth and
endless conversations. He is the type of friend every group needs - the one who
keeps spirits high long after the final whistle has blown.
Having biked together for training sessions, tours and
countless football memories with him during our Salgaocar days, I can
personally say that spending time with Boxer was one of the ‘best days of my
life.’
And even today, if there is a exhibition football match, or a friendly
kickabout happening somewhere nearby, don’t be surprised if Liston is the first
person searching for his boots.
LIFE IN LONDON
After hanging up his gloves professionally, Liston moved to the
London and built a successful life with his family in Southall, London.
But true to his Goan roots, football wasn't the only thing he
carried with him across continents.
An energetic livewire and passionate community worker, Liston
has become a familiar and respected figure among Goans in London.
Among tiatrists, Liston is practically a landmark. Not a single
Goan actor has escaped crossing his path at least once!
His weekends are often spent organizing dramas, musical events,
charity initiatives, church activities, repatriation assistance and helping
fellow Goans in need.
His calendar remains as busy as a World Cup fixture list.
One dream remains particularly close to his heart - bringing
the Salgaocar Legends to London for a memorable reunion tour. Knowing Boxer’s
determination, nobody would bet against him making it happen.
CELEBRATING A SPECIAL DAY
Today, as Liston celebrates another birthday, friends,
footballers and fellow Navelkars scattered across Goa and around the world
pause to celebrate not just a talented goalkeeper, but a wonderful human being.
A footballer who guarded goalposts with pride.
A friend who spreads laughter wherever he goes.
A proud Goan who proves every day that distance may separate a
person from Goa, but Goa never leaves the heart.
Happy Birthday, Boxer!
May God bless you with good health, happiness, endless
laughter, and many more years of inspiring everyone around you.
And may your stories continue forever - even the ones we've already heard twenty
times.