Jose Fernandes

Dempo’s memorable victory over Mohun Bagan in the final of the 1986 Rovers Cup is best remembered for Baptist Fernandes’ brace; but it was Jose Fernandes who set the ball rolling in the tournament. In great form during that period, Fernandes scored the match-winner against East Bengal in the semi-finals. The diminutive player had such a great leap that the tallest of defenders would be left embarrassed by his exploits. On the touchline, he would glide past opponents effortlessly and his disciplined approach to life and his ability to combine well with his colleagues, whether it was with Raphael and Dominic earlier at Vasco, or with Camilo Gonsalves and DionisioTrindade at Dempo, made him a valuable asset.