Roberto Fernandes (footballer, born 1971)
Indian footballer (born 1971)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Roberto Fernandes (born 2 November 1971) is an Indian former professional footballer who played as a defender.[1][2] He appeared in 29 international matches for India national team. Fernandes spent his majority of career by playing for Goan club Salgaocar FC.[3]
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | 2 November 1971 | ||
| Place of birth | Goa, India | ||
| Height | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) | ||
| Position | Defender | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 1991–1993 | Salcete | ||
| 1993–1995 | Churchill Brothers | ||
| 1995–1997 | Salgaocar | 58 | (1) |
| 1997–1998 | Atlético Morelia | ||
| 1998 | Monterrey | ||
| 1997–2000 | Salgaocar | ||
| 2000–2001 | San Pedro Seahawks | ||
| 2001–2006 | Salgaocar | ||
| 2006–2007 | Vasco | ||
| International career | |||
| 1996–2003 | India | 29 | (0) |
| * Club domestic league appearances and goals | |||
He has also played for other Goan clubs such as Churchill Brothers S.C. and Vasco SC.[4] Fernandes has represented India in tournaments like 1998 Asian Games.[5]
Club career
Early years
Fernandes began his professional club career in 1991, at Salcete FC, that participated in the Goa First Division. He later moved to Goan giants Churchill Brothers and Salgaocar, with whom he spent most of his times.
Churchill Brothers
On 1 July 1993, he signed with Churchill Brothers and appeared in the Goa Professional League.
Salgaocar
In July 1995, he moved to Salgaocar and played under managers like Shabbir Ali, Leopold Fernandez.[6]
Clubs in Mexico
On 1 July 1997, Fernandes moved abroad and signed with Mexican Primera División club Atlético Morelia.[citation needed] He later joined C.F. Monterrey in January 1998.[citation needed]
Back in Salgaocar
After rejoining Salgaocar, Fernandes was part of the team that emerged as one of the strongest sides in India as they clinched 1998–99 National Football League,[7][8] 1997 Indian Federation Cup,[9] 1998 and 1999 editions of Indian Super Cup.[10][11]
San Pedro Seahawks
In 2000, he again moved abroad and appeared with the Belize Premier Football League side San Pedro Seahawks,[4][12] on loan transfer from Salgaocar.
International career
Fernandes debuted for India national team on 21 September 1996 against Philippines in a 1998 FIFA World Cup qualification match, that ended as 2–0 win for them.[13] He later appeared in SAFF Gold Cup and helped the team winning trophies in 1997 and 1999.[14][15] He was also in the national squad and played in 2000 AFC Asian Cup qualification matches but did not move on to final round.
Fernandes was included in the squad of Syed Nayeemuddin managed national team that participated in 1998 Asian Games in Bangkok.[citation needed] Their journey ended after finishing bottom of the second round.[16] In July 2000, Fernandes was included in Sukhwinder Singh managed India national squad for their historic England-tour, where they played three matches against English Premier League sides Fulham, West Bromwich Albion, and arch-rival Bangladesh.[17][18]
With India, he appeared in the 2002 World Cup Qualifiers, where they defeated teams like United Arab Emirates, Brunei and Yemen. India secured 11 points from 6 matches, same as Yemen, but finished behind them due to an inferior goal difference.[19] In that year, Fernandes was part of Bhaichung Bhutia led Indian team that lifted the LG Cup, in which they defeated host nation Vietnam 3–2.[20] In August 2002, he was called up to the national squad for 2003 Afro-Asian Games,[21] and appeared in the tournament, in which India finished as runners-up behind Uzbekistan.[22]
Managerial career
Honours
Salgaocar
- National Football League: 1998–99[24]
- Goa Professional League: 1998, 2002, 2003, 2004
- Federation Cup: 1997
- Indian Super Cup: 1998, 1999
India
- SAFF Gold Cup: 1997,[25] 1999; third place: 2003
- South Asian Games Bronze medal: 1999[26]
- LG Cup: 2002[27]
Goa
- Santosh Trophy runner-up: 1998–99[28]
