This I-League CEO believes in the beautiful game. Valanka Alemao, daughter of South Goa former MP Churchill Alemao is a lawyer, budding politician but football rules her heart. She wants to see India rise from the miserable 145th place in world rankings. And is adamant that the Indian Super League is JUST not the way forward. Arguably, because it is at cross purposes with the I-League and threatens it. Her vociferous stance is also to see football grow, before the fanfare hits it slam dunk. “The ISL is a lesson on how big names without any foundation and understanding of the sport can ruin it,” she asserts. The outspoken and determined young woman is the CEO of Churchill Brothers Sport Club which won the league title in 2012-13 and the Federation Cup this year.
Livid about the ISL, she even goes on to call it the “Indian Superficial League — I call a spade a spade.” Watching from the stands of Churchill Brothers SC as a little girl, she dabbled in football as a child (as striker), and her football ideology seems unadulterated by passing fancies. “You don’t get eyeballs by getting Bollywood celebs dancing at matches. Celebrities might be great, but football needs focus and dedication. They (ISL) fail to understand that to have a league, one has to understand where India languishes when it comes to the game… literally nowhere! In a country where cricket and Bollywood sell, football is in dire need of grass root level impetus, not some aged footballers playing.
I question Sachin Tendulkar and Ganguly, Have they ever watched a Nehru Cup?
I question Sachin Tendulkar and Ganguly, Have they ever watched a Nehru Cup? They might watch European leagues, but do they know the state of football? A Sachin Tendulkar might get a crowd, but do you really see India going to the World Cup based on this? And it is not a serious format -22 players with 10 foreigners and 12 Indians, it lasts one-and-a-half months, that’s not a league. They want to jump the gun, for the money making racket it is. If you do an RTI, you’ll find out that most of the AIFF members have a cricket background. How can you run a sport when you don’t understand it? A CEO recently told me that it’s akin to a 2G or 3G spectrum. I told him, please don’t rate football in such terms,” Valanka says. While everyone wants to wear a Man U or Barca jersey, she asks, “Why not a Dempo, Mohun Bagan or Churchill Bros one?”
“The ISL will be detrimental declares the girl who is arguably taking on a Goliath in terms of the ISL that has Atheletico Madrid partnering with Sourav Ganguly and Goan teams of Dempo and Salgaokar. It must be noted that Churchill Brothers are a football club that has without much funds, achieved success, and her loyalties lie there.
The 32-year old’s career started as a lawyer, “I remember when I was eight, I met Mr Ram Jethmalani and was in awe. I decided then that I would be a lawyer. I am a straight forward person and have no hidden agenda… I am also determined,” she adds. As a lawyer, she worked tirelessly in Delhi at Fox, Mandal and Little, “I wanted to make it on my own away from my father’s influence. I am a senior consultant in civil and corporate law. The law makes one very responsible,” she adds.
Valanka also followed her dad’s footsteps into politics, and is now the Goa Pradesh Youth Congress President. And while the recent past has seen many controversies, she has been working quietly across Goan villages, and in Delhi. Undaunted, she adds, “There were many twists and turns. The good thing about these elections is the high turnout — people have reached a saturation point. Which is probably why out of nowhere, an AAP came about. When they won, came into power, they floundered. It’s one thing to do dharnas quite another to rule and be accountable,” she adds.
Valanka was also instrumental in a Muslim girl becoming the NSUI Goa wing president in the past. This time, it’s a youth from the Bhandari Samaj who got a chance. “It is a great honour to empower the youth. We work at panchayat levels and understand issues ailing them. In Curchorim, it’s garbage, in Sanguem, it’s mining — It’s about how we can make a difference,” she reveals.
Her favourite Goan footballer is Lenny Rodrigues, (Churchill Brothers) who her father scouted from a paddy field. For four decades, her family has been running the football club. “I grew up with football as a part of life, so I understand the game,” she adds. In this male-dominated world, she holds her own and feels it’s not the measure but the motivation that matters, “There is also a lot of speculation, and so much written. The people who know me know better than to believe everything.”
Holding the reins of Churchill Brothers, was due to her father’s faith and trust in her. “Our club is like a family. A year ago, I was in London at Lester and someone shouted, ‘Oye Gaonkar’. Surprised, I looked up to see our striker of years ago, with his family waving frantically. The love and care was apparent. I was in school when he used to play and still remembered me. Such is the connect,” she says. This die-hard Messi fan likes Christiano Ronaldo too, who she calls a one- man army. For FIFA 2014, her heart is set on Portugal of course, thanks to the indelible Goan connection, Brazil for its beautiful game and Spain, who are fast and furious. She loves cooking for her nieces and nephews and hopes to do so this Easter. This straight talker is very spiritual. “I love sitting at church, doing the rosary and reading the Bible,” she concludes.
