Valanka Created History, Committed for Goa's Comeback in Football

"I want to bring back the golden era of Goan football ". Valanka Natasha Alemao promissed her goal at the very moment of being elected as the president of Goa Football Association.

No doubt,it was a historical moment for Goan football.

Like father like daughter, Valanka inherits the rich football tradition of Alemao family,particularly her father Churchil Alemao. Churchil, former Goa Chief Minister and M. P was GFA president from 2018 to 2022.His brother Joaquim also led the State Association. Valanka became the first woman to head a state Football Association in India.Elected to AIFF executive committee in 2022,she also serves as the chairperson of the AIFF Women’s Committee.

On October 2, 2025 she was appointed as the first Indian woman to FIFA's Women’s Football Development Committee for 2025 to 2029. Giving credit to Volanko's belief it must be Mother Mary's, Jesus' and Mother Vailankanni's blessing. In November 2017 Valanko shared a photo with Fatma Samoura, FIFA's first ever female Secretary General.She might not have even dreamt a berth in FIFA then, but it happened.

Valanko with her father Churchil Alemao

She says her father taught her gender equality and her lone brother Savio paved the way that she became the CEO of Churchil Brothers FC and now GFA president. Fortunately Churchil acquired the franchise playing rights of Jamshedpur FC before the 2026-27 ISL season. Valanko dreams high.She wants to unlock nearly 180 stadiums in Goa,strengthing grass roots programmes,restoring the state's golden era of clubs like Salgaocar,Churchil Bros,Dempo,Vasco,Sporting Club de Goa,Sesa etc.

Advocate by profession,Valanko promises transparency in accounts and accountability. Every three months she would share account details with the clubs.
A football loving woman with a vision, football enthusiasts expect a lot from Volanko. I have interviewed both Churchil and Joyaquim in late 1990s,visited their house and had dinner with them .I strongly experienced their love for football.For them,football is everything.And,from that family Valanko dreams football culture,the real Goan culture.Let her dreams come true.Let Goa cherish yet another golden era in football.All the best dear Valanko.