12th December 2025
“SFA Qualifying for Indian Women’s League is an important step for women’s football in Goa” -Dr Pramod Sawant, Hon’ble CM, Goa
The SFA women’s team received encouragement from Dr Pramod Sawant, Hon’ble CM, Goa, during the ‘Jersey Unveiling Ceremony’ for the team’s participation at the Indian Women’s League 2025-26. The event was held at the Amona Panchayat Ground at Amona, Goa. This is the maiden qualification earned by SFA for the prestigious top tier 16-team IWL.
The Jersey Unveiling Ceremony was graced by Dr Pramod Sawant, Hon’ble CM, Goa as Chief Guest along with along with Padmashri Brahmanand Shankhwalkar, Mr Navin Jaju, CEO, Vedanta Sesa Goa, Dr Caitano Fernandes, President, Goa Football Association (GFA), Mr Laxman Hadfadkar, Executive Member GFA, Mr Kennedy Dsilva, Mr Marcos Merghulhao, Mr Swapnesh Bansal, CFO, Vedanta Sesa Goa, Mr Saptesh Saresai, CEO-VAB and other company executives. The jerseys were unveiled in the presence of the SFA women’s team, coaching & support staff along with community members , and students from Sesa Technical School.
Dr Pramod Sawant, Hon’ble CM, Goa encouraged the SFA team and said “Sesa Football Academy’s qualification for the Indian Women’s League marks an important step for women’s football in Goa. It is encouraging to see a team from the Vedanta Women’s League progress to the national stage, reflecting the commitment shown by the Academy and its partners in building competitive playing structures in the state. I appreciate the efforts that have enabled Goan players to reach this level and I look forward to seeing SFA represent Goa with determination and discipline in the forthcoming season.”
Expressing his thoughts on the occasion, Mr. Navin Jaju, CEO, Vedanta Sesa Goa, said “It is a proud moment for Sesa Football Academy to secure qualification for the Indian Women’s League. Over the years, Vedanta Sesa Goa has worked closely with the Goa Football Association to strengthen the Vedanta Women’s League, which has become an important platform for women footballers in the state. Since 2023, SFA has also fielded its own team in the league, and their consistent performance has led to their well-deserved progression to the national stage. This achievement reflects the steady advancement of our football initiatives and reinforces our commitment to supporting structured player development in Goa.”
Dr Caitano Fernandes, President, GFA, speaking on the occasion said “Sesa Football Academy’s qualification for the Indian Women’s League is an inspiring milestone for women’s football in Goa. The team has shown conviction, discipline and the ability to compete at higher levels, and their journey sends a strong message to young players across the state that such achievements are within reach. The Goa Football Association recognises the hard work behind this progression and stands firmly behind SFA as they step onto the national stage. We believe they will represent Goa with confidence and set new benchmarks in the season ahead.”
The SFA women’s team was set up in 2023 when the team made their debut in the Vedanta Women’s League (VWL), and finished third in their opening foray in Goa’s premier women’s league. In only their second season at the VWL, the Team showed remarkable development to be crowned ‘Champion’ in 2025 and followed this up with a credible 3rd place finish at the IWL-2. SFA is also now the fifth-ever team from Goa to participate in the IWL. The team will be proceeding to Kolkata for the first phase of the IWL and will meet Garhwal FC in the opening match on 20th Dec 2025.