Liston Colaco speaks about the start of his football career, his time at Hyderabad FC and more…

Panaji, Goa: Now a household name in the Indian football circuit, Hyderabad FC winger Liston Colaco is fast growing into one of the most exciting youngsters on show in the Indian Super League season. His match-winning performance against SC East Bengal recently, coming off the bench, showed his importance to Manuel Marquez’s side. Here he is, answering a few questions to help India know more about him.

On the start of his football career…

I am from Dabolim, a village in Goa. Most of my family is into sports, and have helped me in every way possible, teaching me to stay focused on my aim of becoming a professional football player.

I gave my trials for Salgaocar U14s and getting selected there was the turning point in my life. That is when I decided what I want to be and that is to be the best at what I do.

On lack of game time as a youngster…

At Goa, not being named in the team always used to demotivate me. Sometimes, I even used to cry, but sometimes, I used to hit the gym for a vigorous session, as it was clear that hard work is the only way forward for me.

On his time at Hyderabad FC…

After more than a year of waiting for my chances at Goa, I moved to Hyderabad in January last season and so far, I couldn’t have been happier with my new club. Now that I am getting chances, it is important for me to stay grounded, and work as hard as I can to help my team win.

On the squad and coaches at Hyderabad FC…

The overseas players in our squad are really strong and helpful. We see them working hard in training and do everything they can to help the team and that is what motivates the youngsters like me in the team as well.

The coaches constantly correct our mistakes, motivate us to better ourselves and that helps us put in the hard work in training and apply that in crucial games. But not just the coaching staff, the entire management here at Hyderabad FC are helping me improve as a player and I think I am at the right club for me.

At HFC, every player wants to improve, wants to prove himself but more importantly, we play as a team, we play for each other and that is how we plan to do it, the rest of the season as well.

On the aim for the season…

Till now, the season is going pretty well for everyone involved with the club. But we need to keep this effort up and know there is room for a lot of improvement. We want to make it to the top-4 and will work as hard as we till the end of the season.