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You can take a Goan out of #Goa, but you can’t take Goa out of a #Goan - no matter where he lives and what he does.
There was a time when Goa used to be one of the epicentres of Indian football. In its glory days, the likes of Salgaocars, Dempos, Sesas, Vasco Club, Churchill Brothers, etc, have produced a steady supply of footballers.
However, most football players from Goa have made a life for themselves in outposts all over the world now.
Among some of the popular names of the 90’s, the name of Navelim-born goalkeeper ππππππ πππΏππππππ remains notable and impressive till date.
Liston is popularly known among friends as Boxer, and was well-known for his goalkeeping exploits during his days with Salcete FC and Salgoacars.
He was called BOXER because he was named after the great World
heavyweight champion of 1962, Sonny Liston.
He holds his time with Salgaocar as the best time of his life, it is his presence at Salgaocars that makes him much known among footballers.
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Liston emerged as a well-built young goalkeeper, dazzling in inter-village tournaments for Sirvodem SC, Navelim Sporting, Enfermos SC, etc. He was a kind of specialist in tie-breakers and won many matches single-handedly.
In senior football, Liston played 3 seasons for Salgaocars starting from ’91. However, it was Liston’s display and exploits in the Goan League and Rovers Cup earlier in the season that brought him much limelight.
Liston helped Salcete FC reach the semi-final of Rovers Cup, and later the finals of Bandodkar Gold Cup losing out to a star-studded Dempo.
During his time at Salgaocars, Liston was great competition for Bharat Morje and Domnic D’Souza. He garnered great respect from colleagues and rival teams alike, and keeps in contact with all his friends.
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Hailing from Navelim’s most popular area – Sinquetim, Liston was inspired to take up football by his brother Costancio Paul Rodrigues, presently the President of Goa Football Referees Association (GFRA).
Apart from football, Liston is well-known for his knack of telling stories and jokes; and he doesn’t mind retelling the stories over and over again. He brings glow and laughter with his lively wit wherever he is.
Being from the same village, Liston and me had great time together going for practices (during our time at Salgaocars), staying together on tours, etc.
Liston will not shy away in wearing the boots for any game, practice or competition.
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After football, Liston was quick to opt for green pastures in UK and is well-set in Southall, London with his family.
Energetic and a livewire, Liston is heavily involved with Goan community activities in London, and keeps himself busy on weekends in organizing dramas and musical shows, charity for churches, repatriation, and helping out less-fortunate Goans.
Having a tour of Salgaocar Legends to London is one of his long-cherished dreams.
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Liston celebrates his birthday on 3rd July 2020.
Navelkars and football friends across the globe wish the former star goalkeeper a great day, and God’s abundant blessings!