Hailing from Goa’s commercial village Navelim, Orlando Viegas is one of Goa’s iconic footballers of yesteryears!
Known during his time as one of the best and complete footballers Goa ever produced, Orlando, currently working in Dubai, played for India’s famed Dempo Sports Club for most of his playing career.
His footballing skills and technique made him one of the most pleasing-to-watch and attacking midfielders. His ball control, body-shielding, shooting with both feet was amazing; he scored plenty of goals, won matches single-handedly, and dazzled spectators with his aristocratic style of play.
Orlando’s career started as a young and budding player playing for Navelim Soccerites, then champions of All-Goa sub-junior championship. He later captained Goa at Jammu & Kashmir in the All India Sub-junior Championship in 1986.
Orlando also played at the Assam Sub-Junior Games in 1987.
FOOTBALL CAREER
One of the most respected footballers of Goa, Orlando started his senior career with Salcette Football Club in 1987 and played professionally for Dempo from 1988 to 1995. Later he joined Churchill Brothers for 2 years and was with Vasco Sports Club till 2000 before moving to U.A.E for greener pastures.
Orlando represented Goa in the Santosh Trophy till 1995 and was on the winners pedestal in the 1989 championship held in Goa, and Runners-up in 1992 and 1993.
For a short stint in 2017, Orlando spearheaded Forca Goa grassroots development programme with a dozen coaches reporting to him on the progress.
An alumni of Don Bosco Panjim, apart from football Orlando excelled in basketball and cricket and was very popular among friends for carom and rummy cards.
For intervillage tournaments, Orlando (Olu for friends) played much for Navelim Sporting. He never missed a chance of playing for other teams in inter-village, interward, or any other tournaments including tie-breakers.
ROLE MODEL FOR YOUNGSTERS
A role model to youngsters, Orlando was often seen playing or practicing on the Navelim grounds, or the Rosary college basketball court. He was never known to have suffered injuries except for an occasional muscle pull.
Recently, Orlando was listed as one the best players of Goa, in a list released by dynamic writer/player/dramatist Irineu Gonsalves.
Orlando is happily married to Hylette and has 2 children. He remains one of the most popular legends from Navelim Village which has produced class footballers.
Best wishes and Happy Birthday Orlando! Stay evergreen, stay young. God bless you!
FACTFILE
Name: Orlando Elvis Viegas
Residence: Navelim, Goa, India
Clubs played for: Salcete FC (1987’-88); Dempo SC (1988-1995); Churchill Brothers (1996-’97);
Dempo SC (1997-’99); Vasco SC (1999-2000)
Goa: Sub-juniors (1984-’85); Juniors (1986-’89); Seniors (1989-1995)
Achievements: Santosh Trophy Champions (1989); Santosh Trophy Runners-up (1992 and 1995)