SKYNET RAIDERS, GOA MAROONS WIN. MALABAR UNITED, INDIAN STRIKERS, UNITED FRIENDS AND DON BOSCO ORATORY SHARE SPOILS IN KIFF LEAGUE FOR 2012-2013

Day 3 of the KIFF league for the Late JP D’Mello Rolling Trophy kicked off in humid conditions on 19^th October 2012 at the MOH Sabah grounds in Kuwait with four matches.

In the first match of Group A, two strong teams from South India, Malabar United and Indian Strikers locked horns. Malabar United after losing the first match started strongly, but Indian Strikers held firm. Indian Strikers went ahead early through Haris Kunnammal. Malabar United equalized through Jibhu after a spot kick was awarded. In the second half Dunston put Indian Striker ahead. As the match was heading towards a draw, Malabar United equalized through Jayan to share the spoils. Man of the Match was awarded to Jagadeesh of Malabar United. The match was supervised by Christopher and assisted by Mubarak and Simon.

The second match in Group B was between Skynet Raiders and YRC Rising Stars. Skynet after the setback in the 1^st round started positively and were awarded a penalty which Tiago converted. Five minutes later Skynet increased their lead through Sunny. In the second half Manuel scored a brace to end a comfortable win for Skynet and keep alive their hopes for qualification. YRC Rising Stars did make forays into Skynet to reduce the deficit, but could not breach the tight Skynet defense. Man of the Match was awarded to Manuel of Skynet Raiders. The proceedings were conducted by Mubarak at the center with Simon and Sharma on the lines.

3^rd match of the day in Group D, GOA Maroons took on CRC Chinchinim. GOA Maroons kicked off in style with their midfield toying with CRC. Joe opened the scoring for GOA Maroons and Zelito rounded to make it 2-0 at half time. In the second half GOA Maroons were all over CRC who did not have any answer to the onslaught. Zelito continued his fine form and scored the brace and third for GOA Maroons. The rout was completed by Joe who scored from a penalty spot to complete his brace and lead the final tally in favor of GOA Maroons 4-0. The score line would have been much worse for CRC Chinchinim if not for their goalkeeper Anthony who saved admirably in the final stages of the game. Man of Match was bagged by Zelito. The match was refereed by Francis in the center and Sharma and Christopher on the lines.

The final match of the day in Group C saw Don Bosco Oratory taking on United Friends Club. DBO attacked the rivals from the opening, but UFC as usual soaked in the initial pressure and counter attacked. Sustained pressure from DBO earned them a penalty which Lloyd converted in the 1^st half. UFC retaliated and equalized in a brilliant fashion with their diminutive medio Xavier scoring a gem of a goal sending his well directed kick from the top of the box into the roof of DBO goal. The second half started on frantic pace with DBO dominating initially, but Martin under the under UFC was once again at his superlative best. UFC counter attacked with Xavier again with his fleet footed runs unleashed a scorcher which beat the DBO goalkeeper, but hit the bar and came out. DBO pressurized UFC for the winner but Martin did not allow his goal to be breached and the game ended in a 1-1 draw. Man of the Match was awarded to Xavier of UFC. The match was supervised by Philip at the center with Francis and Vincy on the lines.

The Man of the Match awards are sponsored by Integrated Logistics Company. Housie snowball (bingo) prize is sponsored by Al Qatan Travels.

On 26/10/2012 Kuwait Goan Association is conducting its 4^th Edition of Eslinda Alemao Memorial 7 a side Football tournament which is open to only KIFF affiliates starting at 6.30am at the MOH Grounds.

The schedule of matches on 02/11/2012 for the ongoing KIFF League:

1^st Match at 6.30am                  Navelim Youth Center v/s Santos United

2^nd Match at 8 am                      CRC Chinchinim v/s FC Sparks

3^rd Match at 9.15am                  DHL FC v/s Kuwait Goan Association

4^th Match at 10.30am                Curtorcares United v/s Real Betalbatim FC

INDIAN STRIKERS, KERALA CHALLENGERS WIN. AVC, GOA MAROONS SHARE SPOILS IN KIFF LEAGUE 2012-13

Four matches were held for the KIFF league for the Late JP D’Mello Rolling Trophy on 12^th October 2012 at the MOH Sabah grounds in Shuwaikh, Kuwait.

In the first match of Group D, AVC-Kuwait took on GOA Maroons. AVC started on a positive note and scored the opener very early when Maroons keeper spilled Braulio’s scorcher in the path of Anthony who made no mistake to put AVC ahead. The first half was dominated by AVC and Braulio had the misfortune in seeing his two well placed shots hit the crossbar and coming out of play. The second half saw Maroons with renewed vigor and equalized through Zelito when AVC defense failed to clear their lines from a set piece. The equalizer goaded Maroons who attacked AVC and Joe brought an excellent save from Alvaro. Maroons went ahead through Albert once again from a set piece. The setback stung AVC who threw everything in their might at GOA Maroons and finally equalized through Sidney of a clever pass from Anthony. In the final moments AVC peppered GOA Maroons citadel but the agile Glen under the GOA Maroons bar saved the day and was deservingly awarded the Man of the Match. The match was supervised by David at the center with Sarto Baptista and Chistopher Fernandes on the lines.

The second match in Group C was between United Friends Club (UFC) and Kuwait Goan Association (KGA). Both the teams knowing that an outright win will brighten up their qualification chances went berserk for the goal. It was KGA who were more clinical in their midfield play went for the kill, but UFC defense led by Teotonio and Martin under the bar nullified their efforts. KGA were more on attacking their rivals and UFC were comfortable in soaking the pressure and relied on counter attacks as both the teams trooped in goalless at the lemon break. The second half proceedings were similar to the first with neither side sounding the scoreboard. UFC goalkeeper Martin was at his superlative best with his timely aerial interventions which kept the KGA forwards at bay. After an uneventful second half without breaking the deadlock both the teams settled for a draw. Man of the Match was awarded to UFC goalkeeper Martin for his fine performance. The proceedings were conducted by Francis Fernandes at the center with Liston and David on the lines.

In the 3^rd match of the day in Group A, United Goan Centre (UG) took on Indian Strikers Sports Club. Both the teams matched each other in all departments of the game. Indian strikers were more lethal and hit the cross bar three times in the first half and were unlucky not to forge ahead. UG with their more youthful setup were mostly consigned in the midfield rather than attacking the final third. After a barren first half, Indian strikers took the lead through their hardworking striker Jagadeesh who had the hit the cross bar in the first session this time carefully guiding his shot passed the UG goalkeeper. UG tried in vain to equalize but Indian strikers defense held firm to earn full points. Man of Match went to Jagadeesh. The match was refereed by Nicholas in the center and Liston and Jose on the lines.

The final match of the day saw YRC Rising Stars taking on Kerala Challengers in Group B. This match saw the two powerhouses of south Indian football in KIFF. Kerala Challengers had a slight edge in the first half, but failed in the box to convert with a barren first half.

The second half Kerala Challengers upped the tempo, but Rising Stars goalkeeper was at his best thwarting numerous goal bound shots. As the match petered towards a draw, Kerala Challengers scored the all important winner in the dying minutes of the game to emerge victorious through Jamal. Man of the Match was awarded to Louisano of Rising Stars for his performance under the bar. The match was supervised by Philip at the center with Sharma and Michael on the lines.

A minute silence was observed before the start of the matches as a mark of respect for the departed soul of Mr. Santana Cardoso, father of KIFF P.R.O. MJulio Cardoso. The Man of the Match awards are sponsored by Integrated Logistics Company. Housie snowball (bingo) prize is sponsored by Al Qatan Travels.

The schedule of matches on 19/10/2012 for the ongoing KIFF League:

1^st Match at 6.30am Malabar United v/s Indian Strikers

2^nd Match at 8 am SkyNet v/s Rising Stars

3^rd Match at 9.15am GOA Maroons v/s CRC Chinchinim

4^th Match at 10.30am Don Bosco Oratory v/s United Friends Club.

- Report and pictures as forwarded by Xavier Furtado (on behalf of KIFF)

KIFF SEASON 2012 - 2013 STARTS WITH IMPRESSIVE OPENING CEREMONY

KIFF SEASON 2012 - 2013

DHL KUWAIT, NAVELIM Y.C & CURTORCARES COLLECT FULL POINTS

The much awaited Indian expatriate soccer season was officially declared open by Kuwait Indian Football Federation (KIFF) on 5^th October 2012 at the MOH ground in Shuwaikh. The opening ceremony started at 7.20 am with former Presidents of KIFF and Presidents of all 18 affiliates being led by  KIFF’s Gen. Secretary Praveen Kumar to the middle of the pitch. KIFF President Mr. Fidelis Fernandes accompanied the Guest of Honor Michael D’Cunha and special invitee Tony D’Costa who is an IFRA referee and a well known personality of Indian Expatriate soccer in Kuwait. Fidelis Fernandes in his eloquent speech thanked all 18 affiliates for their support and the MOH authorities for providing the ground to the federation to conduct its activities. He also welcomed the Indian Football Referees Association ( IFRA ) back to the fold for this season and hoped for a fruitful and long relationship in the years to come. 

All 18 Affiliated Clubs presidents, ex-presidents and special invitees pose for a picture

Mr. Fernandes announced and reminded all the affiliates about the Fair Play Trophy rules which were discussed and cleared at the EGM for trial on the opening day proceedings. National anthems of Kuwait and India were played followed by release of balloons depicting the national colors of Kuwait, India and KIFF. A celebratory cake was cut by all the dignitaries and KIFF President declared the season 2012-2013 open starting with the KIFF league for the Late JP D’Mello Rolling Trophy. KIFF’s young and flamboyant Sports Secretary Mr. Kevin Vaz conducted the proceedings. A Housie (Bingo) round was conducted with snow ball prize of air ticket Kwt-Mumbai-Kwt sponsored by Al Qatan Travels during the break. 

Sports Secretary Kevin Vaz hosted the program

Releasing of balloons before the start of the first match

KIFF President honouring Anthony D'Costa

With favorable climatic conditions and a green turf beckoning the action got underway with defending champions Don Bosco Oratory (DBO) taking on the DHL Football Club. DBO were quick out of the blocks while DHL were comfortable to soak in the initial pressure and relied on counter attacks.  After a barren 1^st half DHL stunned DBO by scoring against the run of play when a teasing cross from Anthony was met by Binoj to score a beautifully headed goal. DBO mounted pressure and were awarded a penalty which Michael to the dismay of his colleagues shot wide and all hopes of a comeback were extinguished. The match ended with DHL being victorious 1-0 and DBO ruing the missed opportunities. Man of the Match was awarded to Roland of DHL. The match was refereed by CO John along with Sarto Baptista and David.

IFRA Officials at the start of the match between DHL Kuwait and  Don Bosco Oratory

Roland of DHL Kuwait receiving the man of the match award from  chief guest Michael D'Cunha

The second match pitted Curtorcares United against Malabar United. The young and energetic Curtorcares United dominated the proceedings with their speedy play, but the goal eluded them in the first half. In the second half Curtorcares United scored the match winner with Martin scoring a gem of a goal when his classic swirling shot entered the far post giving no chance to the Malabar United keeper. Man of Match award went to Martino Gomes of Curtorcares United. The match was supervised by Sarto Baptista along with Sharma and David.

Martino Gomes of Curtorcares United receiving the man of the match award from  Anthony D'Costa

The final match saw Navelim Youth Center overcoming Skynet Raiders 3-2 .  Both teams started on a frantic pace with Skynet scoring the fastest goal of the day when Macleston gave his team the lead with leaden footed NYC defense and goalkeeper frozen in their tracks. Stung with the early goal NYC attacked with vigor and equalized through their hard working medio Bernardo Pires. Skynet went into the lead again when a Skynet striker was brought down in the NYC penalty box, and the referee rightly pointed to the spot. Veteran medio Tiago placed the ball calmly to go ahead into the lemon break. NYC equalized in the second half when Arif guided his header in the far corner of Skynet goal. NYC scored the winner, when Skynet goalkeeper misread the flight of the ball which struck the upright and gifted NYC striker Cruzeido who darted in and scored.. Man of the Match went to Tiago of Skynet Raiders for his overall performance. The proceedings were manned expertly by Francis at the center and Chris and Sharma on the lines.

Joint Highest Scorer of last season Cruzedio of Navelim Y.C receiving a gold coin from V. K. Vohra

Tiago of Skynet Raiders receiving the man of the match award from ex-president B. M. Viegas

While all the matches were played in the spirit of the game, more effort is solicited from all the affiliates towards the Fair Play rules for the Fair Play trophy to make the game more palatable to the fans as it creates a soothing environment on and off the field of play. Finally, KIFF has to be commended for their community service as they approved the launch of a Konkani VCD titled ‘’Tin Rukh’’ by well known Konkani stage artiste Querobina Carvalho during the day’s proceedings. Man of Match awards for KIFF League are sponsored by Integrated Logistics Company.

KIFF President releasing Querobina Carvalho's Konkani VCD .   Querobina (centre) and Gracy Morais (right)

The schedule of matches on 12/10/2012 for the ongoing KIFF League:

1^st Match at 6.30am                 GOA Maroons v/s AVC – Kuwait

2^nd Match at 8 am                     United Friends Club v/s Kuwait Goan Association.

3^rd Match at 9.15am                 United Goans Club v/s Indian Strikers

4^th Match at 10.30am               YRC Rising Stars v/s Kerala Challengers

Xavier Furtado

Kuwait

KIFF LEAGUE STANDINGS 2012 - 2013

KIFF LEAGUE SEASON 2012 - 2013 STANDINGS AS ON 30/11/2012 GROUP A NO TEAM PLAYED WON DREW LOST GOALS FOR GOALS AGAINST DIFF POINTS 1 INDIAN STRIKERS FC 4 2 2 0 6 3 3 8 2 REAL BETALBATIM FC 4 2 2 0 4 2 2 8 3 CURTORCARES UNITED 4 2 1 1 4 2 2 7 4 UNITED GOANS CENTRE 4 1 0 3 2 6 -4 3 5 MALABAR UNITED FC 4 0 1 4 2 5 -3 1 GROUP B NO TEAM PLAYED WON DREW LOST GOALS FOR GOALS AGAINST DIFF POINTS 1 NAVELIM YOUTH CENTRE 4 3 0 1 14 6 8 9 2 KERALA CHALLENGERS 3 3 0 0 6 1 5 9 3 SKYNET RAIDERS SC 3 1 1 1 8 5 3 4 4 SANTOS UNITED 4 0 2 2 5 11 -6 2 5 YRC RISING STARS 4 0 1 3 1 11 -10 1 GROUP C NO TEAM PLAYED WON DREW LOST GOALS FOR GOALS AGAINST DIFF POINTS 1 UNITED FRIENDS CLUB 3 1 2 0 3 1 2 5 2 KUWAIT GOAN ASS. 3 1 2 0 2 1 1 5 3 DHL FOOTBALL CLUB 3 1 0 2 1 4 -3 3 4 DON BOSCO ORATORY 3 0 2 1 1 2 -1 2 GROUP D NO TEAM PLAYED WON DREW LOST GOALS FOR GOALS AGAINST DIFF POINTS 1 AVC SPORTS & CULT. ASS 3 2 1 0 13 2 11 7 2 GOA MAROONS 3 2 1 0 7 2 5 7 3 CRC CHINCHINIM 2 1 0 1 3 6 -3 3 4 FC SPARX 3 0 0 3 2 9 -7 0