Cafu promises to make up for Ronaldinho’s absence in Premier Futsal

Mapusa: Just hours after landing in Goa to replace Ronaldinho as the marquee player for Goa 5’s, Cafu put his best foot forward.
Ronaldinho’s unexpected departure for Brazil after just four days and two matches in Premier Futsal left Goan football fans high and dry. The departure came a day after he had stunned the world with five goals in a 7-2 victory over Bangalore 5’s but it’s not without a reason that the organizers decided that Cafu, the rampaging right-sided defender who led Brazil to a World Cup triumph in 2002, was the best bet to fill the void.
The Brazilian legend touched down on Wednesday morning ahead of the last round group matches in which Goa will face Bangalore. But despite the long-haul flight, there was no sign of red-eye; instead Cafu looked in fine fettle at the Peddem sports complex in Mapusa, waving at fans, signing autographs, completing a customary photo-shoot for the organizers and then taking time off to speak exclusively to TOI.
“I know it’s a long trip but the thought of going to India was a good motivation. It’s a pleasure to come to India,” said Cafu, who accepted an invitation from his friend and Chennai 5’s marquee player Falcao and took the first available flight to Goa.
Despite the long-flight from Brazil, Cafu is in danger of getting only a game in Premier Futsal. Goa are drawn to play Bangalore in a crucial last round league encounter and need at least a point to qualify for the semifinals. When the two teams met in the first leg, Goa were runaway victors, thanks to Ronaldinho’s magic that saw him score five fascinating goals and Goa register a memorable 7-2 victory.
Will Cafu, at 46, be up for the challenge?
“It’s not a problem replacing Ronaldinho. Ronaldinho is a phenomenon, and so is Cafu. I am twice World champion and led Brazil to a World Cup triumph in 2002. May be I will not score five goals in a match like Ronaldinho but for sure there will be a big barrier in front of our goalkeeper and our rivals will find it difficult to score,” said Cafu.
Cafu last played professional football with AC Milan in 2008 but for the past eight years has maintained his fitness.
“Every day I train at the gym and one day each week, I play futsal at home with friends. Not ordinary friends, but friends like Ronaldo and Falcao,” laughed Cafu.
Those lessons should help Cafu, Goa and even the organizers.