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In a strongly worded three-page reply to the AIFF’s showcause for not releasing Mahesh Gawli and Sameeer Naik, Dempo secretary-cum-coach Armando Colaco pointed at instances in the past when the AIFF had left his players to fend for themselves.
Colaco cited example of how Anthony Pereira, a promising player, was left to fend for himself after he got injured during the tour of Portugal.
“None of the AIFF officials showed any concern nor did they care for him. He was so disgusted that he didn’t want to play for India again but we encouraged him,” said Colaco.
“Dempo were also surprised at the inclusion of Mahesh and Sameer in the national camp at a time when neither of them had trained with the club or played competitive matches for their clubs.”
Gawli has a serious knee problem and has not played a single I-League match while Naik has a serious hamstring injury sustained in a match against Mahindra United.
It was a surprise how they have been summoned for national duty inspite of their injuries, Colaco said. Dempo have attached medical certificates for both the players advising at least a month’s rest.