Brazilian maestro takes over captaincy; Laxmikant Kattimani, Bart Ogbeche to be deputies 

Goa: Hyderabad FC have announced midfielder Joao Victor as the club’s captain for the upcoming 2021-22 Indian Super League season. Joao, who served as one of the vice-captains in the previous season, will be joined by goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani and striker Bartholomew Ogbeche who form the leadership group at the club. The duo will be the second and third captains respectively.

“We had a really good captain in Aridane Santana last season and it is now my turn. But this will not change who I am and I will still be the same teammate,” said the 33-year-old.

Joao joined Hyderabad FC in the club’s second season in the Indian Super League and was a vital cog in Manolo Marquez’s side who finished 5^th in the previous ISL campaign. The midfielder signed a two-year extension till 2023 back in July this year.

🙌 With us through every hurdle, leading from the front! Your favourite 🇧🇷 midfielder is here to stay!

Get ready for two more years of the 𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐑, @JOAOVICTORBRUNO. 😍#Joao2023 #HyderabadFC 💛🖤 @RanaDaggubati

🎶: @adityamusic pic.twitter.com/yBclUvoVnL

— Hyderabad FC (@HydFCOfficial) July 16, 2021

The Brazilian star also added that the work of a captain is a lot more than wearing the armband on the field. “Taking this role is about being a leader every day. It is all about how you respect players and how they respect you. They should feel that there is someone to help them no matter what,” Joao said.

“Even last season, I think I was there supporting the youngsters and the whole team. This season as well, I will try my best to make them comfortable, to give them confidence but also push them when needed”
– Joao Victor

On the field, the leadership group will follow the sequence, wherein the absence of the first captain from action, the armband will be worn by the next captain in order.

Hyderabad FC kick-off their 2021-22 Indian Super League campaign with a clash against southern neighbours Chennaiyin FC on November 23 at the Bambolim Stadium.