MUMBAI, December 10: Nicknamed Paklo (in Kokani known as the white skinned man) but called Alvit by friends, the 5-foot 7-inch tall Alvito D'Cunha, a Sesa powerhouse, promises to be another star on the lines of Brunho Coutinho.

D'Cunha was born on July 12, 1978 at Sanvordem in Curchorem district. Taking football as his first game at his school Guardian Angel High School, he got a lot of encouragement and support from his family and uncle Tito D'Cunha to take up soccer seriously.

D'Cunha has already appeared in under-17 school nationals, senior nationals '96 and National Games. His first big break came with the school nationals where Felix Barreto, coach Salcette Football Club, offered him a place in the team. Unfortunately, luck struck late for D'Cunha as he had to wait on the bench for almost one year before getting an opportunity to exhibit his skills in a small tournament called Siolim Cup. He grabbed the chance and won three prizes -- best player, highest scorer and player of the final. That was a turning point in Paklo's career. From the next year, he was in the starting line-up for Salcette under coach Jeromino Dias.

Last season, he was approached by Sesa officials and offered a place in the club. Egged on by his parents and uncle Tito, D'Cunha accepted the offer. Sesa were third with 15 points in the Goan Senior League this year. Coach Vishwas Gaonkar is helping him polish and hone his skills. He has scored three goals for his club in the League and Vishwas rates him next to former India captain Coutinho in the Gaon forward line.

D'Cunha's practice starts early in the morning as everyday he has to travel 70 kilometers to attend practice with the team at Panjim. D'Cunha is very aggressive but plays according to the strategy and planning of his coach. Chased by most defenders, he plays a passive role in attack and acts more as a creator of goals than as a scorer.

With his speedy runs through the middle during the Federation Cup qualifying round, he scored a brace against local League Champions Air India, which A-I lost 1-2.

Paklo is fond of Salgaokar's Coutinho and Baichung Bhutia's silky touch game and is a fan of Brazilian star forward Ronaldo. He likes the hardworking and position play of Brazilian soccer. In a short span of time, this young footballer has created a strong fan circle who come specially to see his performance. Three years after turning professional, D'Cunha has a strong urge to represent country at international level and wants to see India back as a soccer giant in Asia.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.