FC Goa sign goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani on a one-year deal
FC Goa is pleased to announce the return of experienced goalkeeper Laxmikant Kattimani, who has signed a one-year contract with the Club. Kattimani’s inclusion provides the Club with the opportunity to benefit from his wealth of experience, as well as offering flexibility for future development with promising goalkeepers such as Arshdeep Singh, Lara Sharma, and Bob Jackson also part of the goalkeeping department.
Hailing from Goa, Kattimani began his senior professional career with Vasco SC during their inaugural I-League season in 2008-09 before joining Dempo SC the following year. During his seven seasons with Dempo SC, Kattimani achieved success by winning the I-League twice in 2009-10 and 2011-12.
Kattimani’s impressive performances led to his signing with FC Goa for the inaugural Indian Super League (ISL) season in 2014. In the 2015 ISL season, Kattimani played a pivotal role in helping the team secure the top spot in the league standings and reach the ISL final.
Following a brief stint with Dempo SC, during which he helped the team secure promotion to the I-League, Kattimani returned to FC Goa for the 2016 ISL season. He then spent time on loan with Mumbai FC before signing a multi-year contract with FC Goa for the 2017-18 season. In 2019, Kattimani made the move to Hyderabad FC, where he had a successful five-year tenure.
One of Kattimani’s most memorable achievements with Hyderabad FC occurred in the 2021-22 season when he played a crucial role in their ISL Cup victory under the leadership of head coach Manolo Marquez. It was during this season that Kattimani showcased his skills and made significant saves in the final match, held at FC Goa’s home ground in Fatorda. His standout performance included three crucial saves in the penalty shootout, ultimately leading to the team’s championship win. Kattimani will now have the opportunity to reunite with Coach Marquez at FC Goa.
In total, the 35-year-old has played in more than 175 matches for clubs, achieving 55 clean sheets. He has also showcased his talent on the international stage, representing India at various youth levels and contributing to the India U23 team’s victory at the SAFF Championship in Bangladesh in 2009.
FC Goa Head Coach Manolo Marquez shared his thoughts on the 35-year-old’s addition to the team, stating, “Kattimani brings a wealth of experience and a composed demeanor that is essential for any squad. His exceptional performance under pressure, notably during Hyderabad’s ISL Cup triumph, underscores his abilities.
“In addition to his goalkeeping skills, he serves as a role model for younger players by providing guidance and working closely with them,” the Spaniard emphasized.
Upon his return to FC Goa, Laxmikant Kattimani expressed his sentiment, stating, “It feels like a homecoming. FC Goa has always had a special place in my heart, and I am thrilled to be back. I am eager to dedicate myself to the team and contribute to our success this season.”
About FC Goa
FC Goa is a professional football club located in Goa, competing in the Indian Super League (ISL). Known as the Gaurs, FC Goa has been consistently successful in the ISL, with 5 semi-final appearances and 2 final appearances in 10 seasons.
FC Goa holds various records in the ISL, including the most goals scored, joint-most golden boots awarded, and the highest number of playoff appearances (7 in total) throughout the league’s history.
In 2020, FC Goa made history by becoming the first Indian team to secure a spot in the league stages of the AFC Champions League. They achieved this milestone by winning the inaugural ISL League Winners Shield during the 2019-20 season.
The team’s impressive collection of trophies includes the 2019 Super Cup, the 2018-19 Goa Professional League, the 2020 Goa Police Cup, and the 2021 Durand Cup.
FC Goa, co-owned by Mr. Jaydev Mody, Mr. Akshay Tandon, and Mr. Virat Kohli, stands out as one of the select few Indian clubs with a comprehensive youth development program. Their U13, U15, U17, U19, and Developmental Teams consistently compete at the top levels in Goa and across India.
