Interview with Godwin Franco (Dempo SC)

Dempo SC midfielder Godwin Franco was back in Cologne, Germany in the summer over the season break to meet friends, train in the off-season and I spoke to him a couple of days ago before his return to Goa about his experiences, we took a look at the new season and more...


Good to see you back here in Germany! How were the experiences here in Cologne being back for a second time?

Germany is a very nice place and I've got many friends here, I visited them again and had a good time. Besides that I have been training here with a team (Borussia Lindenthal). What I love about the place is that Germany is a powerhouse of world football, their football is very organised, very efficient right from the grassroot levels and all their leagues - professional and amateur. It has been a fantastic experience!

This time I also visited Sweden (visiting Player of Indian Origin & former Sporting Clube de Goa player Nicolas Nath) and I also got to train there at IF Hammerby. Another great experience. Football in Europe is simply massive!


You not only trained here, but also saw Euro2012 action while being here in Germany. How was the experience to watch the matches in public viewing on the streets with so many people?

The people have absolute passion for football! They love the game, they love their country no matter what and even when they lost, they were disappointed but they were always positive about the future. Neither where they very critical about their country, the players, the coach Joachim Löw.

Knowing that Germany is a powerhouse of world football, a country that has won won the Euros a number of times and numerous World Cups, it has been an insane experience for me. Crazy atmosphere. Everyone just loves their football here!


You've now seen training here in Germany, last year and this year too; you now go back to Goa to the champions of India Dempo SC. What do you take back from what you have seen here?

It is a huge advantage to me when I train here because number one I am keeping myself fit in the off-season and secondly I am training with good clubs, good players. There are great facilities here and once I go back I am in a good condition to rejoin training. Dempo is one of the best teams in India which has good facilities and everything is upto the mark, so once I get back, I get back into the groove without any hassle.


You will have seen the new squad composition at Dempo's, not too many changes but you lose a striker of the quality of Ranty Martins Soleye, you have someone in like Ryuji Sueoka coming in, a lot of new youngsters coming from other clubs and the Dempo Under-20 team. How do you see Dempo's season ahead?

That's always a philosophy of Dempo's, always to keep the core of the team which is there this year as well. Ranty has gone, they got in Sueoka. Just like last year when Beto went and got Densill Theobald in. The coach (Armando Colaco) is very good at getting the best out of what he has and he has always succeeded in this over the years. Now we have a new foreign striker in Sueoka and Koko Sakibo stays back to partner him. Sueoka no doubt has won the I-league with Salgaocar, was one of their crucial players, he is an established player in India, so we are looking forward to having him in our team. I'm sure he is going to do well for us.

And the youngsters have come in because we are looking towards the future as a club and that is what they have done over the years. They have always maintained the core and from the time of Valeriano Rebello brought in youngsters. It is the same cycle that is being carried on.

We look forward to the new season with enthusiasm!


One last but somewhat critical question. 37 probables have been named for Team India ahead of the Nehru Cup. Though you had a very good season last year, your name does not figure in that 37. Disappointed?

It is not that I am not disappointed, but it is always what the coach wants. I will keep working hard, I will keep trying this season as well. And by the Grace of God definitely I will continue to try my best and get into the national team.

The coach (Wim Koevermans) is new and will surely have a look at I-League players in the new season, the door is always open at various points of the season. I am always optimistic and I have no hard feelings because at the end of the day it is the coaches choice.

I wish Team India all the best!


Thanks for talking to me and hope to see you back here in Germany soon!

Thank you too!


Here a video interview which I carried out with Godwin a few weeks ago: VIDEO: Interview with Godwin Franco (Dempo SC)

Scandal in Cologne: Substitute clears on the Goalline

The city of Cologne is a football crazy city here in Germany. The city's top club 1.FC Köln (FC Cologne) is fighting for survival in the Bundesliga but there are other clubs like Fortuna Köln (Regionalliga, fourth division) and FC Viktoria Köln 1904 (NRW-Liga, fifth division) who have their own fan following.

At FC Cologne the situation has been crazy for month's now to say the least, but on Wednesday evening during a NRW-Liga match between Viktoria Köln and KFC Uerdingen something unusual happened infront of 3,802 spectators in the Cologne World Cup stadium (Rhein-Energie Stadion) with even German international Lukas Podolski present.

It is the 84th minute when Köln's keeper Dominik Poremba is beaten by a Orhan Özkaya shot, but just before the ball crosses the line substitute Andreas Moog, who was warming-up behind the goal, jumps in and clears the ball. Uerdingen players charge at Moog for his unsporting behaviour with Moog given a red card by referee Thomas Menzen, which later turned out to be wrong then he should have only given a yellow card for coming onto the pitch.

But Moog's Viktoria Köln team mates knew about Fair Play and allowed the resultant Uerdingen indirectly free-kick to pass for the final 2-4 result. Viktoria lost the three points, but they remain top of the league and are set to gain promotion into the fourth division. But the story of this seasons NRW-Liga will be Andreas Moog and his goalline clearance even though he was not on the pitch.

Happy Durga Puja!!!

It is the festive season in India and for most Bengalis Durga Puja is the most important festivity of the year. And it starts tomorrow around the world. Born and brought-up in Germany to Bengali parents I have grown-up seeing and being part of our own Durga Puja in Cologne, which is now being organised for the 20th time at the Bezirksrathaus in Cologne-Chorweiler.

This anniversary means celebration time for our Durga Puja, it should be a special occasion which has been part of my life since the first time in 1992 and it is something which I look forward to every year. Be it the festivities, the work around the Puja, preparing and cooking the food, organising things, moderating and being part of the cultural program plus simply getting things done. There is loads to do and I shouldn't forget one thing, meeting up with friends, whom I these days often only see once a year and that during Durga Puja.

People living close-by or even a little further away are cordially invited to visit our Durga Puja in Cologne and you are welcome to be actively involved too!!!

With the Durga Puja happening from Sunday to Thursday it also means that as always I will be heavily involved in the organisation and running of the festivities, so my blog updates might be a little scarce or patchy in the coming days. Sorry for that in advance and I hope to be back to my usual self later in the week.


For more informations about our Durga Puja in Cologne go to our official website under www.durgapuja.de .

Meeting Dempo's Godwin Franco in Cologne

For me it is always good to meet Indian footballers here in Germany, but that sadly happens rarely. A few weeks ago Dempo midfielder Godwin Diogo Franco contacted me by saying he is Cologne and wanted to meet. I thought great and wanted to meet-up to speak football, especially Indian football. Sadly that is something I can't do too often...

Due to work commitments on my side we could only meet up last week and it was an interesting afternoon talking about Indian football and hearing of Godwin's experiences here in Germany. He was really excited and fascinated to have been here and witness the football culture, the love for the game and the infrastructure.


Godwin and I spoke at length. Also I did ask him about his time here in Germany, his impressions of the country and its football plus more. Here a very personal interview...

How was it to see the German football culture?

Very Impressive! A country that has always done well at the world stage; has the most competitive league in the world; their youth structure, one of the best in the world; that speaks volumes of footballs role in Germany. Here football is so methodical, right from your early days in your backyard to the world stage. Everyone gets a chance at it and is encouraged at every level be it school, college and so on. There are so many clubs with everyone having youth teams, where emphasis are laid on the most important aspects of the game. Radical and efficiency is the German code!

What impressed you the most?

The passion of the people towards the sport... I played this match where the players of the lower league clubs had a match amongst themselves for fun, in which I scored two goals and we won. After the match a guy who was watching the game came up to me, when I was leaving for home, and asked me what jersey I was wearing. I said Dempo SC from India, we have won the league the most number of times back in India and we play at continental Asian club level too. He was like 'wow' and wanted to know more about the club and Indian football which I eventually answered. And as you will know better then me, this has happened on several occasions when I was introduced as a footballer from India during my holidays. They all wanted to know more about football in India.


How was it to train with a lower division German club?

As I was on a holiday I wanted to maintain my fitness level so one of my German friends hooked me up to train with a lower division side as he knew a player from the team. I want to be ready for the coming season with Dempo SC. It was a great experience!
Everything is very efficient and methodical at training, right from the locker room to the pitch and back, the standard is very good at all the levels as the guys have got their basics intact. The coach was a former 1.FC Cologne youth coach and a scout, a spotter for Bayer 04 Leverkusen before and was very impressed by my style of play.
You were to speak to Robin Dutt so I could train with Bayer 04 Leverkusen, with Michael Ballack & co, but time did not permit as I had to leave for India as Dempo training was to commence.

Maybe next time around we'll organise that...


What do you hope and expect of the new season?

Well Dempo's did well last season, only the hectic schedule took a toll on the players where the I-League was concerned. I did well for myself last season, so I am looking forward for the new season. I want to give my best as always again this season for my club and get into the Indian team.

How was it to spend your holiday's in Europe?

I had a great holiday! Germany is an awesome place and so are the Netherlands and Belgium. I travelled around a lot of places and did many outdoor activities ice skiing, water skiing, super-bike riding, and a lot more.

4th International Goalkeeper Congress in Cologne

The fourth edition of the International GOALKEEPER CONGRESS was held over the weekend of July 9/10 at the German Sports University in the City of Cologne. The world's goalkeeping elite met under the patronage of the German national goalkeeping coach Andreas Koepke. Prominent speakers such as Jean-Marie Pfaff, Claus Reitmaier, Dimo Wache and Lutz Pfannenstiel passed on their knowledge and insights through lectures and practical workshops into current developments in world football.

It is often said that goalkeepers are a special bread and once more the Congress proved this point as goalkeepers are part of the team, but are in a special positions amongst the eleven playing members of a team. Goalkeepers can make tons of great saves, but one mistake can lose their team a match.

This year once more the focus was on the latest trends in goalkeeping and what methods high profile goalkeeping coaches like Andreas Koepke apply in their training. Koepke focuses in his training on being capable to play with both feet, anticipating long balls, taking charge of the 18 yard box, being charismatic in goal which can rub of onto the defenders and to guide the defence as a sort of libero.

Another goalkeeping coach in Lutz Pfannenstiel, the only goalkeeper to have professionally played on all continents, showed different ideas and approaches from around the world. One thing which I saw and liked were the elements from the Brazilian school of goalkeeping which look strange to European goalkeeper coaches, but are effective in their own way and something which Lutz has integrated into his training of goalkeepers.

An interesting element was the ball machine, which is similar to a ball machine in Tennis, which simply fires the ball at the keeper with such speed and precision that it makes the life of a keeper difficult; but it is an excellent tool in training to prepare keepers for matches.

One thing that most participants agree on is the lack in goalkeeping coaches education as there is no system of licences for goalkeeper coaches. This is something the German Football Association (DFB) is working on and which hopefully will be carried forward by UEFA and FIFA in the future.

On both days the first half of the day was spend in classrooms to listen to theory, while the second half of the day was spend on the field to see practical demonstrations.

4th International GOALKEEPER CONGRESS this weekend in Cologne

The fourth edition of the International GOALKEEPER CONGRESS will be held over the upcoming weekend of July 9/10, 2011 in the City of Cologne. The world's goalkeeping elite will be meeting under the patronage of the German national goalkeeping coach Andreas Koepke. Prominent speakers such as Jean-Marie Pfaff, Joerg Stiel, Claus Reitmaier and Lutz Pfannenstiel will pass on their knowledge and insights through lectures and practical workshops into current developments in world football.

Patron Andreas Koepke said, "I am glad to welcome goalkeepers and coaches from around the world at the 4th International GOALKEEPER CONGRESS in Cologne! The congress offers goalkeepers, goalkeeping coaches and interested participants the opportunity to inform and educate themselves about current trends in modern goalkeeping."

This years edition of the International GOALKEEPER CONGRESS will be held at the campus of the German Sport University in Cologne (Deutsche Sporthochschule, Köln) and I look forward in moderating a number of panels over those two days.

Here the video from last years International GOALKEEPER CONGRESS in Zurich




The proceeds from the International GOALKEEPER CONGRESS will be given to the GERMAN GOALKEEPER SCHOOL and the non-profit organization "Kids are our No.1" to dedicate sport, child and youth development.

From July 11 to 13 there will be an International GOALKEEPER CAMP. The high intensity camp with daily training sessions and workshops will be led by current and former coaches of professional clubs and coaches of the GERMAN GOALKEEPER SCHOOL.

More infos on the upcoming 4th International GOALKEEPER CONGRESS under www.goalkeepercongress.com .

4th International GOALKEEPER CONGRESS in Cologne in July

The fourth edition of the International GOALKEEPER CONGRESS will be held over the weekend of July 9/10, 2011 in the City of Cologne. The world's goalkeeping elite will be meeting under the patronage of the German national goalkeeping coach Andreas Koepke. Prominent speakers such as Jean-Marie Pfaff, Joerg Stiel and Claus Reitmaier will pass on their knowledge and insights through lectures and practical workshops into current developments in world football.

Following the success of the International GOALKEEPER CONGRESS in Nuremberg (2008), Munich (2009) and Zurich (2010) the organizers of the event SSC SPORTS & SALES CONSULTING GmbH along with its partners polytan and the City of Cologne welcome this years participants to the cathedral city and expect many international delegates and media representatives to attend the congress. Scientific partner and host is the German Sport University (DSHS) Cologne.

Andreas Koepke, winner of both the World Cup and European Championship, a former world goalkeeper and now assistant and goalkeeping coach of the German national football team will guide through the program which will also see lots of experts, coaches and former No.1 legends will pass on their knowledge and insights to the delegates during the two day congress.

Jean-Marie Pfaff, Joerg Stiel, Claus Reitmaier or Lutz Pfannenstiel will be amongst the list of lectures and VIPs. They will present the latest news on developments in goalkeeping such as video evidence, goal-line technology, floating balls, training, tactics and other special topics. In addition to that there will be 15 speakers reflecting on modern goalkeeper training plus provide playing and training opportunities.

Rounding up the program, the practical lessons and workshops will be held on the DSHS campus, the practice courts at the World Cup stadium in Cologne and Bayer 04 Leverkusen Training Centre. The participants in the women's goalkeeper training workshops await a special highlight: They have the opportunity to visit the Saturday Evening quarterfinals of the FIFA Women's World Cup(TM) 2011 in the BayArena in Leverkusen live.

"Top level football has a long tradition at the German Sports University in Cologne. Since 1947 the German Football Federation is carrying out its coaching courses in cooperation with the university. DSHS football experts have made a name for themselves in the field of football research and are sought after experts by the media. For this reason, the International GOALKEEPER CONGRESS fits perfectly into the profile of our university and I look forward to two exciting days on campus," said Univ.-Prof. mult. Dr. Walter Tokarski, principle of the DSHS.

The benefits of the International GOALKEEPER CONGRESS will be given to the GERMAN GOALKEEPER SCHOOL and the non-profit organization "Kids are our No.1" to dedicate sport, child and youth development.

From July 11 to 13 there will be an International GOALKEEPER CAMP. The high intensity camp with daily training sessions and workshops will be led by current and former coaches of professional clubs and coaches of the GERMAN GOALKEEPER SCHOOL.

More infos on the upcoming 4th International GOALKEEPER CONGRESS under www.goalkeepercongress.com .


Here the video from last years International GOALKEEPER CONGRESS in Zurich

Happy Durga Puja!

It is the festive season in India and for most Bengalis Durga Puja is the most important festivity of the year. And it starts today around the world. Born and brought-up in Germany to Bengali parents I have grown-up seeing and being part of our own Durga Puja in Cologne, which is now being organised for the 19th year at the Bezirksrathaus in Cologne-Chorweiler.

And it is something which I look forward to every year. Be it the festivities, the work around the Puja, preparing and cooking the food, organising things, moderating and being part of the cultural program plus simply getting things done. There is loads to do and I shouldn't forget one thing, meeting up with friends, whom I these days often only see once a year and that during Durga Puja.

People living close-by or even a little further away are cordially invited to visit our Durga Puja in Cologne and if you wish you can be actively involved too!

With the Durga Puja happening from Wednesday to Sunday it also means that I will be heavily involved in the organisation and running of the festivities, so my blog updates might be a little scarce in the coming days. Sorry for that in advance and I hope to be back to my usual self next week.


For more informations about our Durga Puja in Cologne go to the website at www.durgapuja.de .