Panaji: Prachit Gaonkar is the first player to rise through the ranks from FC Goa’s junior-most level at under-13s to the first team and make his debut in the Indian Super League (ISL).If it was ISL last season, this year the youngster made an appearance in the Super Cup and AFC Champions League Two, Asian football’s second-tier club competition. The move to the top, however, isn’t without its set of challenges.“In the senior team, you are introduced to a new level with faster pace, a more physical game, and experienced players everywhere,” said Prachit. “It’s a bit tough sometimes in training. At FC Goa, there are experienced players, many of whom play for the national team. It was a bit difficult, but the players helped me a lot, which made me comfortable.”Interestingly, Prachit was coach Manolo Marquez’s first-choice midfielder alongside Ayush for the ISL opener against Inter Kashi at Fatorda. Since then, with competition stiffer, the youngster has had limited time and was then asked to help the reserves in the Reliance Foundation Development League (RFDL).Goa made it to the RFDL final for the second successive year, and although they lost narrowly against Bengaluru FC at home, Prachit enjoyed his role as a senior in the team.“When you come from the senior team and play in RFDL, you have an added responsibility, but on the field, your role remains the same. I was familiar with the team because I was with them last season. RFDL helped me since I wanted game time.“At FC Goa, I am happy that I can be a reference for youngsters since they now know there is a clear path (from the U-13 to the seniors). Hopefully, there will be more who will make it to the senior team,” said Prachit.Prachit had to contend with foreign midfielders for his seven ISL appearances last season, but even though there are no internationals in the team now in his position, the 19-year-old has to jostle with the likes of Raynier Fernandes, Ayush Chhetri, Sahil Tavora and Harsh Patre.“There are challenges,” said Prachit. “There is competition between us and nobody is sure of a starting place. Whoever does well (in training), gets to play. Every time you do well in training, there’s a chance that you will play.”
