DHL FC, INDIAN STRIKERS AND YRC RISING STARS WIN IN KIFF PRESIDENTS’ CUP 2014

DHL FC, INDIAN STRIKERS AND YRC RISING STARS WIN IN KIFF PRESIDENTS’ CUP 2014

As announced earlier KIFF’s 11 a side knockout football tournament titled ‘’KIFF PRESIDENTS’ CUP 2014’’ got underway on 31^st January 2014 at the Al Sabah Hospital grounds in Kuwait. Three matches were played on the first day of play with DHL FC putting it across GOA Maroons 2-1, Indian Strikers overcame Skynet Raiders in the tie-breaker and YRC Rising Stars defeating Kuwait Goan Association 1-0.

Earlier, the tournament was inaugurated in attendance of past KIFF Presidents along with the affiliate Presidents and members of KIFF MC. Chief Guest Mr. V.K Vohra, the first elected KIFF President and one of the founder members of the Federation was introduced to the teams. Mr. Derrick Gomedes, KIFF’s Vice – President welcomed the guests and thanked all the former Presidents and the affiliates for the cooperation. Rev. Fr. Francisco Pereira, SDB prayed for the success and well being of all those associated with the Federation. Mr. V.K Vohra also spoke and declared the tournament open.

After the inaugural formalities the action got underway with GOA Maroons taking on DHL FC in the first match of the day. GOA Maroons started on a attacking note and opened the scoring through young Cleevan. DHL counter attacked and equalized when a goal bound shot from Seby of DHL had GOA Maroons keeper fumbling and allowing the ball to enter the net. DHL increased the tally once again through Xavier Dias and the teams went into lemon with DHL leading. The second half saw GOA Maroons increasing the tempo in search of an equalizer with sustained pressure, but DHL defense held firm. In the dying minutes of the game Stevin of GOA Maroons almost equalized when he rounded the keeper, but the ball trickled wide of an open goal and DHL emerged victorious with Seby Barbosa bagging the Man of the Match given away by Mr. V.K. Vohra.

Seby Barbosa bagging the Man of the Match given away by Mr. V.K. Vohra.

The second match was a hotly contested affair between Indian Strikers and Skynet Raiders. Indian Strikers were on the back foot in the initial stages but on a counter attack took the lead through Jagadeesh. Skynet Raiders hit back immediately to equalize through Ivo. In the second half both the teams tried their best to outwit each other but drew blank and went in to the tiebreaker where Indian Strikers emerged victorious. Joe of Skynet Raiders was awarded the Man of the Match and the award was handed over by Mr. Tony Dias, former President of KIFF.

Joe of Skynet Raiders was awarded the Man of the Match and the award was handed over by Mr. Tony Dias, former President of KIFF.

In the last match of the day KGA took on YRC Rising Stars. Both the teams matched each other on all fronts in the opening stages. The midfield and the defense of both the teams did not allow the strikers to have a go at each other. As the match was heading away to a goalless draw Rising Stars scored through Sylvester whose rasping shot gave no chance to KGA goalkeeper and it proved to be the match winner for YRC Rising Stars to march in the next round. Bernard Pires was adjudged the Man of the Match with Mr. Lawrence Pinto, former KIFF President presenting the award.

 Bernard Pires was adjudged the Man of the Match with Mr. Lawrence Pinto, former KIFF President presenting the award

All the matches were supervised by IFRA with Sarto Baptista, Francis Fernandes and Alvaro Dias doing the honors in the center and assisted by Pascoal, Nicholas and Chris on the lines.

Man of the Match trophies for the tournament are sponsored by KIFF President Mr. Fidelis Fernandes. KIFF’s Sport Secretary Kevin Vaz and Mr. Bernard Fernandes conducted the day’s proceedings and the customary housie.

A minute silence was observed in memory of Mr. Joywin Pires who passed away tragically in Goa while on vacation. Joywin has played for CRC Chinchinim, AVC – Kuwait and DHL FC in Kuwait and his tragic death at a young age sent a gloom on all the members of KIFF’s affiliates as well as the entire Indian football fraternity.

The 16 affiliates taking part are AVC Overseas Sports and Cultural Association Kuwait (AVC), Curtorcares United, DHL Football Club (DHL), Don Bosco Oratory (DBO), F.C Sparx, Goan Overseas Association Kuwait (Goa Maroons), Indian Strikers Football Club, Kerala Challengers, Kuwait Goan Association (KGA), Malabar United, Real Betalbatim Football Club (RBFC), Santos United, Skynet Raiders, United Friends Club (UFC), United Goan Center (UG), YRC Rising Stars.

The next round will be played on 14^th February 2014. At 6.45am Kerala Challengers v/s Malabar United. At 8.00am Santos United v/s Don Bosco Oratory. At 9.15am Curtorcares United v/s AVC Kuwait

Report by Xavier Furtado

Pics by: Julio Cardoso