KIFF VETERANS 7 A SIDE TOURNAMENT

KIFF VETERANS 7 A SIDE TOURNAMENT

INDIAN STRIKERS LIFT KIFF TROPHY

A large weekend crowd witnessed Indian Strikers edge AVC Sports & Cultural Association in the tie breaker 3-2  after normal time had ended goalless,  to win the annual Veterans 7-A-Side soccer tournament organized by Kuwait Indian Football Federation and played at the MOH Grounds (Shuwaikh) on 1^st March 2013.

Soccer stars of yesteryears

The hosts Kevin Vaz and Julio Cardoso

This popular tournament conducted annually for players above the age of 35, who are not registered with affiliated clubs, featured 16 teams and was played on a knock out basis.  Pool A  had Santos Football Club, DHL, United Friends Club, Kuwait Goan Association, Indian Strikers, Santos United, Malabar United and CRC Chinchinim, while Pool B was made up of Curtorcares United, Kerala Challengers, United Goans Centre, Skynet Raiders, KGA Red, AVC, Youth Recreation Centre and Don Bosco Oratory. Indian Strikers led by the charismatic senior veteran Robert  got the better of Santos FC, Malabar and KGA on their way to the final while AVC fielding the likes of Romel, Damian  and Milagres had to beat KGA, Don Bosco Oratory and Kerala Challengers to reach the final.

IFRA Officials

Before the start of the final, KIFF President Fidelis Fernandes appreciated the participation of the veteran players in this unique tournament, saying ‘Sports keep the mind and body active’.  He thanked the sponsors and various other  people who supported the tournament and then led the guests made up of  his managing committee, ex-presidents, club presidents, sponsors, and IFRA President to be  introduced to the two finalist.    

During the prize distribution ceremony, gifts were given to IFRA referees by Fidelis Fernandes.  Cosme Viegas who played at the age of 67 was awarded the oldest player by Seby Dias the KIFF Reliever, Fair Play trophy was won by Kerala Challengers and given by Francis Fernandes, IFRA President.  Man of the Match was won by Latif, the goalkeeper of Indian Strikers and given by Kevin Vaz the sport secretary, and Adly D’Lima KIFF treasurer gave away the runners up individual trophies to AVC Sports & Cultural Association.  The runner up trophy was given by Derick Gomindes, V. President of KIFF.  Individual winner trophies were given by Praveen Kumar, Gen. Secretary while the winner’s trophy was given by Fidelis Fernandes, KIFF President.

Indian Strikers - Winners

Man of the Match Latif - receiving his award from Kevin Vaz

Fair Play trophy to Kerala Challengers - Given by Francis Fernandes President of IFRA

Runners Up AVC Trophy - Given by Derrick Gomendes KIFF V. President

Fidelis Fernandes KIFF President giving away the Winners trophy to captain of Indian Strikers

Winners - Indian Strikers

AVC - Lost in the final

Teams with guests and IFRA officials

The tournament was sponsored by Xavier Furtado, Clifford Pinto, Tony Dias, V.K. Vohra, Bosco Leitao, Tony Correia, Vinay Kumar, B. M . Viegas, Agnelo Fernandes, Pascoal Afonso, Damian DÇruz and Fidelis Fernandes.  All the matches were officiated by Indian Football Referees Association (IFRA) and the entire event was compered by Kevin Vaz and Julio Cardoso.

Julio Cardoso

Kuwait