Indian National joint-coach Bernard Oparanozie was enjoying his cup of tea afresh from the ‘the match of the season’ during which, he hardly got any opportunity for that. Even though New Delhi Heroes’ 4-0 thrashing of Ahbab FC in the DSA super league was their first defending champions-like of the season, the clamour was more about the historic home debut of Itaue De Olivera Rosa.

Rosa happens to be the first Brazilian to take field in the Capital. It wasn’t just appearance that made the occasion special though. The striker meant business in the 25th and 60th minutes — first off a deflection from a team mate and then from about 35-yards away with a little dribble. The chance of making it more memorable — a hat-trick — also came from a Gagandeep cross, but Itaue headed it straight into opponent goalkeeper KC Joshi’s hands. “I didn’t have luck for the hat-trick. But two goals were good,” says Itaue.

Playing matches and scoring goals is natural to his brand of footballers, but what kept him out of action for most of the home season was his seemingly injury-prone pair of legs. “I played in the Federation Cup qualifiers and scored two goals. But I missed the rest of the season due to injuries. Then I was suffering from a right-hamstring injury and now I have pain in my left knee and ankle,” says Itaue.

The latest injury saw him sit out for the final 20-odd minutes of play.

Despite the odds, his affair with football hasn’t halted and the striker is looking ahead to a better atmosphere for the sport. “I’m looking forward to make a move, but for that I have to score more goals. Then only will the bigger clubs show interest. But to score goals I have to play more matches. Right now that’s what I need to focus on,” Itaue adds.