In the annals of the I-League, Roberto Mendes Silva, popularly called ‘Beto’, is regarded as one of the finest players. The Brazilian playmaker is a three-time I-League champion — twice with Goan club Dempo for whom he played for from 2005 to 2011 and once with Churchill Brothers during his two-year stay from 2011.
But, when the Indian Super League (ISL) came calling, the focus shifted from the I-league and its players towards more marketable foreign players and coaches. Yet Beto has managed to leave his imprint.
Getting ZicoThrough his player agency Get Pro Sports Management, he has roped in the Brazilian trio of legendary Zico, FC Goa manager and the biggest name in the ISL, Elano, Chennaiyin FC’s marquee player and the league’s best player so far, and Andre Santos, the FC Goa defender who has played for Arsenal in the past.
“Players should first trust [you],” says Beto on how he convinced these big names to come to India. “That was the biggest challenge. But I believed that India had a lot to offer. I explained that and all the players trusted me.”
There were indeed hiccups. Some contractual specifics had to be negotiated with Zico and some payment-related issues with the others. But they were ironed out in time for them to liven up the Indian football scene. “There were issues. It wasn’t simple. We had to work a lot. But they are not in it for money. The players, in turn, will add a lot (to Indian football).”
For someone who has played in India for over a decade, Beto knows how professional football has struggled from both official and spectator apathy. In that sense he feels the initial steps the ISL has taken have been positive.
“I have never seen the kind of vibe that the ISL is creating. It’s a big plus. Top names want to come. Promotion and publicity have been a success. I believe ISL will come good. It can’t possibly compare with Brazil and Europe (in infrastructure and facilities). But, the players have accepted it. And going forward things will definitely improve.”
While the ISL has seen an impressive start, what it means vis-à-vis I-League has remained ambiguous. Some clubs like Mohun Bagan and East Bengal have loaned players to the ISL, but reigning champion Bengaluru FC hasn’t. It has unfortunately led to situation where players like the current National team captain and one of the most popular faces Sunil Chhetri have missed out.
“It’s important to fit everybody in,” Beto says. “The ISL is for the country and we can’t forget the I-league clubs. But we will have to leave it to the organisers and I hope the decision is best for everyone.”
On his own playing career, the 35-year-old, who returned to Dempo last year, said he won’t be playing this year. “Next year will be my last. May be the I-League or ISL. I don’t want people to tell me when to go. I will go out on my own.”
