“The Times” Cup Trophy

7 A side soccer festival - organized by Santos United 

Kuwait: AVC emerged champions of the premiere edition of  “The Times” Cup Trophy 7-aside football tournament trouncing  Indian Strikers in the finals by two goals to nil. The tournament organized Santos United and sponsored by The Times was held on 21^st March 2014 at the MOH Grounds under the auspices of Kuwait Indian Football Federation (K.I.F.F).  

A total of 17 clubs (19 teams participated) took part in this tournament.  Indian Football Referees Association (IFRA) professionally did a marvelous officiating task and it complimented to the young, enthusiastic and teamwork put in by the Santos United lads in the successful organization of the tournament.   Speaking  at the prize distribution ceremony, the chief guest, Raymond D’Sa, President of G.O.A. Maroons congratulated the winners and runners-up and applauded  the tournament organizers and the participating teams. The matches were played with great gusto and sporting spirit, discipline with are the hallmark of the tournament, Raymond D’Sa added.

The event’s comperes,  Julio Cardozo, Kevin Vaz and Bernard Fernandes kept the spectators entertained and informed on the turn of events during the tournament, with Ferns Caterers providing snacks, tea and coffee. Reaven D’Souza, The Times, Media Response & Events Co., Bhasin Co., Ms. Carol Chapman, Dana Optics, KIFF President Fidelis Fernandes  and KIFF Managing Committee, IFRA officials, Goan Cultural Centre, the English print and e-portals were all thanked by the organizers for the support and generous gifts. During the break in-between the matches, spectators were treated to refreshments, a game of housie and the hamper picks for which fabulous prizes including electronic and electrical gadgets were won. 

Winners and runners-up were given glittering trophies apart from gifts for winners, runners-up and referees. Glittering momentos were presented to the individuals:  James Figueira of Goa Maroons being the oldest player of the tournament and Joaquim Rodrigues of Santos United for his dedicated services.  The best disciplined team trophy was accorded to Real Betalbatim S.C., Indian Strikers’ Dixon Benedict and Anthony Vincent claimed the Best Defender and Best midfield player awards.  AVC’s Savio Fernandes and  Blesson D’Souza were presented the Man of the final match award and Best Goalkeeper award respectively.  However, AVC’s  Anthony Rodrigues took two individual awards, namely as the Best Striker, and also the First Goal scorer of the finals.  Mussolini Gomes, Carol Chapman, Liby Fernandes, Pascoal Alphonso, Glen D’souza, and Fidelis Fernandes and Raymond D’Sa were called on the dias to hand over the prizes.   

Santos United’s president, Carmo Santos, on behalf of the organizers and his team members thanked and appreciated the sponsorship and support for organizing the tournament  of Reaven D’Souza, The Times, Media Response & Events Co., Bhasin Co., Ms. Carol Chapman, Dana Optics, KIFF and IFRA officials, Goan Cultural Centre, the English print and e-portals, and Gaspar Almeida.

AVC – KUWAIT AND SANTOS UNITED STORM IN TO THE FINALS OF KIFF PRESIDENTS’ CUP 2014

AVC – KUWAIT AND SANTOS UNITED STORM IN TO THE FINALS OF KIFF PRESIDENTS’ CUP 2014

In perfect climatic conditions AVC – Kuwait and Santos United sailed into the finals of the inaugural edition of the ‘’KIFF PRESIDENTS’ CUP 2014’’ winning their semifinals matches with ease on match day 5 played at the Al Sabah Hospital grounds in Kuwait on 14^th March 2014.

AVC Sports & Cultural Association

 Agnelo Martin was rightly adjudged the Man of the Match for his hat trick which was given away by Mr. Francis Fernandes

The first semifinal saw tournament favorites AVC – Kuwait taking on inform Indian Strikers. AVC started the match with pace and scored the first goal through Agnel Martin in the 8 minute of the first half. Goaded by the lead they upped the tempo further and consolidated the lead when Agnelo Martin once again found the net to make it 2-0. Stung by the reverse Indian Strikers came back strongly in the game and reduced the margin beating AVC goalkeeper Blesson with a perfect finish. Searching for the  equalizer Indian Strikers further piled more pressure on AVC’s defense and missed easy opportunities. The second half started with AVC once again dominating the proceedings and further consolidated their lead when Agnelo Martin found the net from a corner and completed his hat trick. Anthony who had earlier missed scoring chances found the fourth for AVC with a superb finish. Indian Strikers never gave up and scored the second in the dying minutes of the game. The game finished 4-2 in favor of AVC which became the first team to enter the finals of the inaugural KIFF Presidents’ Cup 2014. Agnelo Martin was rightly adjudged the Man of the Match for his hat trick which was given away by Mr. Francis Fernandes, President of IFRA. The match proceedings were conducted by Sarto with Julio and Christopher on the lines.

The second semifinal match was between YRC Rising Stars and Santos United. The inform Santos United started the match with pace and took the lead when Rising Stars defender scored an own goal upon pressure from the opposition. This early goal put Rising Stars on the defensive and could not strike a rhythm. Santos consolidated the lead when Tiago’s perfect free kick was headed in by Alfred. The second half saw Rising Stars piling pressure on Santos but their defense held firm. Santos further consolidated their lead when Anthony Rego scored to put it beyond Rising Stars. The third goal woke Rising Stars who put immense pressure again on Santos defense and reduced the margin through Kenny. Any hopes of a comeback were extinguished when James of Santos scored a classic goal striking a powerful shot from the top of the box which flew in the top corner to make 4-1 for Santos and helped his team to march in the finals of the Presidents’ Cup 2014 to meet AVC – Kuwait in a mouth watering clash. Alfred of Santos United was declared the Man of the Match and the award was given away by Mr. Shyam Kumar, Hon. KIFF Treasurer and President of Kerala Challengers. The match was officiated by Nicholas with Alvaro and Sarto on the lines.

Santos United

Alfred of Santos United was declared the Man of the Match and the award was given away by Mr. Shyam Kumar

All the matches were supervised by IFRA. Man of the Match trophies for the tournament are sponsored by KIFF President Mr. Fidelis Fernandes. Mr. Bernard Fernandes conducted the day’s proceedings and the customary housie.

The final is scheduled on 28^th March 2014 with kick off at 8.30am sharp. At 6.45 am prior to the finals KIFF will conduct an open tie-breaker tournament and entries will be accepted on the spot.

On 21^st March 2014 Santos United will conduct the 7 a side football tournament starting at 6.45am. The draw was held on 14/03/2014.

Report by: Xavier Furtado

Pics by: Julio Cardoso

SANTOS UNITED, YRC RISING STARS AND AVC SAIL IN SEMIFINALS OF KIFF PRESIDENTS’ CUP 2014

In match day 4 of the ‘’KIFF PRESIDENTS’ CUP 2014’’ three matches were played which were stretched to the maximum time as Santos United beat FC Sparx 1-0, YRC Rising Stars downed Kerala Challengers and AVC Kuwait put it across  Real Betalbatim Football Club. All the matches were played at the Al Sabah Hospital grounds in Kuwait on 07^th March 2014.

In the first game of the day Santos United clashed with FC Sparx. As usual the young brigade of FC Sparx started the match with pace, but Santos with experience and skill held firm. Both the teams went for the attack after an early lull but could not score as their strikers fumbled at the goal mouth. As the match ended goalless during the regular time extra time was applied and Santos United took the lead when FC Sparx defender handled the ball in their penalty area and the resultant spot kick was taken by Tiago who made no mistake and took his team in the semifinals. Goalkeeper Francis of Santos United was declared the Man of the Match which was given away by Mr. Raymond D’Sa President of GOA Maroons. Francis officiated the proceedings.

Santos United FC

Goalkeeper Francis of Santos United was declared the Man of the Match which was given away by Mr. Raymond D’Sa President of GOA Maroons.

The second match saw YRC Rising Stars taking on Kerala Challengers. The match started on a sedate note with neither teams threatening the opposition defense. The best chance fell to Kerala Challengers Fajilu who found himself unmarked in the Rising Stars box, but shot wide. As both the teams could not score during the regular time and extra time the match was decided in the tie breaker. YRC Rising Stars came out winners and sailed in the semi finals as Kerala Challengers missed the crucial spot kicks. YRC Rising defender was adjudged the Man of the Match which was handed over by Mr. John Furtado, President of AVC – Kuwait. The match proceedings were conducted by Nicholas.

YRC Rising Stars

YRC Rising defender was adjudged the Man of the Match which was handed over by Mr. John Furtado, President of AVC – Kuwait.

The last match of the day was played between Real Betalbatim FC and AVC – Kuwait. AVC dominated the proceedings but could score as their strikers fumbled and at times RBFC defense held firm. In the second half AVC took the lead when Ismael scored when fed through from a cut back by Anthony. RBFC equalized when a superb strike from Denzil beat AVC goalkeeper. As the match ended one all in the regular time and extra time the fate was decided in the tiebreaker where AVC goalkeeper Martin saved from two spot kicks to ensure his team’s safe passage to the semifinals. Tiago officiated the match. Agnelo Martin bagged the Man of the Match which was given away by Mr. Fidelis Fernandes, President of KIFF.

AVC Sports & Cultural Association

Agnelo Martin bagged the Man of the Match which was given away by Mr. Fidelis Fernandes, President of KIFF.

All the matches were supervised by IFRA. Man of the Match trophies for the tournament are sponsored by KIFF President Mr. Fidelis Fernandes. Mr. Bernard Fernandes conducted the day’s proceedings and the customary housie.

The semifinal schedule on 14^th March 2014. At 6.45 am AVC-Kuwait v/s Indian Strikers. At 8.00 am YRC Rising Stars v/s Santos United.

Report by: Xavier Furtado

Pics by: Julio Cardoso

RISING STARS LIFT KIFF VETERANS CUP

YRC Rising Stars came from a goal down to beat FC Sparks 3-2 in an absorbing final of the ‘Veterans Cup’ organized by the Kuwait Indian Football Federation and played last Friday on the MOH ground in Shuwaikh.

Rising Stars captain receiving the trophy from KIFF president Fidelis

Eijaz of Rising Stars

FC Sparks lost in the final 2-3

Referee Simon collecting cheque on behalf of IFRA from Tony Dias

The runners up - Sparks FC

The annual veterans tournament organized for non registered players above the age of 35 featured a total of 16 teams including FC Sparks, DHL FC, Santos United, YRC Rising Stars, AVC sports & Cultural Association, Kerala Challengers, Skynet Raiders, Kuwait Goan Association, Indian Strikers A & B, Curtorcares, Malabar United FC, Real Betalbatim FC, United Goans Centre, Don Bosco Oratory and United Friends Club. 

The winners - Rising Stars

Rising Stars who have won this unique tournament more than any other team found themselves down by a goal in the very 4^th minute of the first half when prolific scorer Baheer scored directly from a free kick which eluded the outstretched hands of Ronnie in the Rising goal.  Eijaz of Rising Stars however equalized immediately afterwards when he wriggled his way past three defenders to slot home from close range.  Baheer scored again in the second half for FC Sparks, but Abdulla and Muneer found the net for Rising Stars as Rising Stars were all over a visibly tiring Sparks’s defense.

Man of the match Eijaz receiving has award from Lorry Pinto

Oldest Player Johnny receiving his award from Rev. Fr. Franco Pereira sdb

During the brief presentation ceremony, KIFF President thanked the participating teams and the sponsors for their usual support and IFRA for officiating the matches.  Fr. Franco Pereira sdb handed over the award to Johnny for being the oldest player on the field at 60, Amaldo handed over the best disciple team of the tournament to Santos United, Fr. Britto a visiting priest from India, Tony Correia, and Tony Dias handed over the various trophies, while Eijaz was rightfully declared the man of the match and received his award from Lorry Pinto.  The glittering winner’s trophy was handed over to the winners by KIFF President Fidelis Fernandes.

Benny of Santos United receiving the best disciplined team trophy from Amaldo 

During the tournament which was well attended, a bingo game was conducted by Bernard  on behalf of KIFF while Kevin Vaz compered the days proceedings.  The tournament was sponsored by Raymond D'Sa, Tony Correia, Xavier Furtado, Damien D'Cruz, Tony Dias, Agnelo Fernandes, Amaldo Fernandes, Pascoal Alphonso, Mrs. Virginia Pinto and B. M. Viegas

Report by: Julio Cardoso

Pic by: Julio Cardoso