Dubai, Sep 14 (IANS) Indian Super League (ISL) outfit FC Goa’s right back Leonardo da Silva Moura believes pre-season friendlies against Dubai-based sides will help the franchise get a good start in the tournament.
Goa are currently undergoing their pre-tournament training at Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). ISL starts on October 3.
“The trainings are turning out to be very good for our team. Preparing at this time is important for our debut in the league (ISL). These games here in Dubai will help us to condition for the start of the season,” Moura said in a FC Goa release on Monday.
The Goan team played the first of their five friendlies against Al Khaleej in Dubai on Friday, which resulted in a 2-2 draw with Spaniard Jofre Mateu Gonzalez and Brazilian Reinaldo da Cruz Oliveira finding the back of the net.
They are set to take on Al Shabab FC next on September 15, at the Al Shabab Stadium in Dubai.
Goa will play the rest of the matches against Ajmal FC, Al Jazeera Club and Hatta Club on September 16, 19 and 20 respectively, will kick off at 7 pm local time.
“For me, it has been wonderful. It will help me get better for the ISL,” added the Brazilian defender who played in Friday’s tie.
FC Goa will be up against Delhi Dynamos in a home game on October 4 in ISL at Fatorda stadium in Margao.