Galgamuwa aiming for double promotion in 2026 season

After a 6-month sabbatical in Madagascar, I sat down with club captain, Vidanda Galgamuwa who is fresh off his recent Hall of Fame inclusion to discuss the season ahead and his targets for the club.

Stephen Poopenshaft (SP): What are your ambitions for the 2026 season?

Vidanda Galgamuwa (VG): My ambitions for the new season are pretty simple. We as a team want to achieve the double, i.e. promotion on Saturday and Sunday. I'd like every member of the team to aim to have their best season in at least one aspect of their game.

SP: It was a disappointing finish to the 2025 Herts League Campaign but a brilliant Chess Valley League season. What do you think went wrong on Saturday and what went so right on the Sundays?

VG: I think we were unlucky in a couple of very close games last year in the Saturday league, which ultimately put a bit of a dampener on the end of season view. What we need to do this year is to have a bit more intent when trying to finish off games and I don't want to give the opposition a sniff when we are on top. Last year, we let a few teams back in and then couldn't quite pull off the win. On Sunday however, we had a brilliant season with a couple of standout performers, you could see our batting on Sunday was simply incredible. We just need to do more of the same this year.

SP: How do you think you've developed personally as a Captain throughout 2025 and what do you think you'll bring to the team in 2026?

VG: I believe as a captain, I have developed my tactical ability throughout the 2025 season and also learned that there is a fine balance between going for the win but maintaining enjoyment for the game. In 2025 we sometimes let our emotions get the better of us and I want this year to be all about controlled aggression and intentionality.

SP: The winter nets are in full flow and coming to an end soon. Who has impressed you so far? Is there any new talent to keep an eye on?

VG: This winter net season has got off to a great start with some individuals showing early signs of form such as Sagar, Ash, Alpesh, Rahul, JP, Tush, Kabeer, Jeet and Prash. We also have a few key players like Dean returning from injury which should make a difference. And we have a new contingent in Riten, Harsh and Arun that are set to have strong debut seasons.

SP: Lastly. The club is set to tour Ibiza in September '26. It will be the club's fourth overseas tour and first since Menorca in 2024. You came away with a tour draw last time, are you excited to take on Ibiza?

VG: It's personally one of the tours that I'm looking forward to the most, it will be a great end to a succesful season. Ibiza as a team also looking strong with ex international players on the roster but we will bring our best to secure another tour win.

Vidanda's first competitive game takes place on Sunday 19th April against Watford Town.