UFC, AVC AND KERALA CHALLENGERS IN LAST FOUR

G.O.A ROLLING TROPHY

UFC, AVC AND KERALA CHALLENGERS IN LAST FOUR

Don Bosco Oratory, KGA and Santos United make exit

United Friends Club (UFC) came one step closer to finally grabbing the prestigious GOA Rolling Trophy when they subdued a strong Kuwait Goan Association (KGA) 2-0, while AVC Cultural & Sports Association, and Kerala Challengers also joined them in the semi finals of the 19th edition of the ongoing G.O.A Rolling Trophy organized by Goan Overseas Association (Goa Maroons) and played at the MOH Grounds in Shuwaikh on 15^th February 2013 under the auspices of Kuwait Indian Football Federation.  

United Friends Club in Semis

Although it was KGA who started well with a couple of good moves initiated by Vitorin Mendes and Agnelo Martins, it was once again goalkeeper Martin Dias who kept UFC in the game with a penalty save in the 25^th minute of the first half.  Mathew Fernandes made it 1-0 for UFC in the 40^th minute when he scored from a cross and Remedio put the game beyond KGA when the referee awarded a penalty in the 57^th minute. The match was officiated by David of IFRA and assisted by Mubarak Yousuf and Nikush.

AVC Won 3-0 and qualified for the semi-finals

In the second quarter final, although Santos United put up a spirited fight, they were no match for title favourites AVC and went down fighting 0-3.  Anthony Rodrigues of AVC scored the first goal in the  5^th minute of the second half and was on the score sheet again in the 17^th minute.  The very talented Savio Fernandes added a third in the dying minutes of the game to set up a mouth watering semi-final clash with Kerala Challengers next week. The match was officiated by Mubarak Yousuf and he was assisted by Pascoal and David in the lines.

Kerala Challengers in yet another semi-final

Stamina and strength was the backbone of Kerala Challengers 1-0 victory over a youthful Don Bosco Oratory in the last match of the day.  In some rousing end to end action, Kerala Challengers scored in the 8^th minute of the first half when Jinesh scored from the penalty spot after a Don Bosco player handled the ball inside the penatly area.  Don Bosco Oratory came back strongly with Ashton, Loyed, Alexandro and Michael playing some delightful soccer, but the equalizer eluded them.  A penalty in the 18^th minute when a Kerala Challengers defender handled the ball was shot wide by the usually dependable Loyed drawing groans by the DBO supporters.  Both teams missed a number of chances in the second half, with Michael of Don Bosco coming closest to scoring, and the game ended 1-0 in favour of Kerala Challengers.  The match was officiated by Philip and assisted by Pascoal and Julio Cardoso.

The Semi Finals on 22/2/2013 will feature AVC & Cultural Association taking on high flying Kerala Challengers at 6:45am followed by Real Betalbatim versus United Friends Club at 8:30am.  Teams are requested to report on time  

Julio Cardoso

Kuwait

G.O.A ROLLING TROPHY

REAL BETALBATIM IN SEMIS

Former champions Goa Maroons & Navelim Y.C knocked out

Defending champions Navelim Youth Centre and former champions and hosts Goa Maroons were knocked out in the pre-quarter final stages, while Real Betalbatim scraped through to their first semi-final in the 19th edition of the ongoing G.O.A Rolling Trophy organized by Goan Overseas Association (Goa Maroons) and played at the MOH Grounds in Shuwaikh on 8^th February 2013 under the auspices of Kuwait Indian Football Federation.  

In the day’s first match, Don Bosco Oratory subdued mighty Goa Maroons 2-0 in an end to end action encounter.  Both the goals were scored in the second half when Loyed Mascarenhas outran James in the Goa Maroons defence to slot home from an acute angle.  Few minutes later, classy Michael Dias made it 2-0 when he latched on to a defence splitting pass from Vicky to score past the diving Maroons keeper to ensure their progress into the quarters.  Goa Maroons who started the game very well and had the better chances in the first fifteen minutes could not keep the tempo in the second half.  Any chance of equalizing faded when Sandy’s fierce volley in the second half was well blocked by DBO keeper Alido.  The match was ably handled by Francis, John and Sharma.

Goa Maroons went down fighting 0-2

Don Bosco Oratory winners

A hugely improved Real Betalbatim defended well and missed several chances themselves to   hold favorites DHL Football Club to a goalless draw.   DHL FC missing their star central midfielder Vico made a few good moves but were goal shy and the Real Betalbatim defence led by Theodore Pinto stood firm.  In the ensuing tie-breaker Terrence DÇosta missed his penalty for DHL FC to give Real Betalbatim their first semi-final slot in this prestigious tournament.  The match was officiated by Nicholas, Sharma and Sarto.

Real Betalbatim moved into semi-finals

Lost in pre-quarters

In the last match of the day, United Friends Club held their nerves in a heart stopping penalty shootout to win 3-2 (normal time score 1-1) against Navelim Youth Centre.  The match was played at a blistering pace and UFC were the first to score when Jamnas’s header bounced its way to the goal beating the Navelim defence and goalkeeper Britto.  Navelim however led by Cruzedio and Duarte Ferrao fought back strongly and go the equalizer in the second half when Ivo Rodrigues managed to squeeze on past goalkeeper Martin Dias in a goalmouth melee.  Navelim brought in their super sub, Gasper Crasto in the last fifteen minutes of the game hoping to use his experience to find the winner, but to no avail and the match ended in a draw.  In the tie-breaker, Martin Dias of UFC was the hero when he saved the sixth penalty to move his team to the quarter finals.  The match was officiated by Pascoal, Francis and Alvaro of IFRA.

UFC in quarters

Navelim Youth Centre lost in tie breaker

Santos United in Quarters

 The quarter final matches of this prestigious tournament continue on 15^th February 2013,  as Kuwait Goan Association take of United Friends Club at 6:45am, followed by AVC playing Santos United at 8:15am.  The last match of the day will feature Kerala Challengers versus Don Bosco Oratory at 9:45am

Julio Cardoso

Kuwait

KIFF SEVEN-A-SIDE SOCCER TOURNAMENT FOR VETERANS

Dear All,

KIFF is pleased to invite you and your families to witness the draw of the upcoming Veteran's Tournament.

The Tournament draw will be held at the MOH Ground (Shuwaikh) on the 15th of February after the completion of the second match of the GOA Maroons tournament .The Veteran's Tournament is to be held on the 1st of March as per the KIFF 2012-2013 Season schedule. We look forward to your support and cooperation.


KIFF SEVEN-A-SIDE SOCCER TOURNAMENT
FOR VETERANS
ORGANISED BY KUWAIT INDIAN FOOTBALL FEDERATION
AT MINISTRY OF HEALTH GROUND ON 1ST MARCH, 2013

Participating teams

1. AVC Overseas Sports & C. Association.
2. Santos United
3. C.R.C. Chinchinim
4. Sky Net Raiders
5. Curtorcares United
6. Santos Football Club
7. Don Bosco Oratory
8. United Goans Centre
9. D.H.L. Football Club
10. United Friend Club
11. Indian Strikers
12. Y.R.C. Rising Stars
13. Kuwait Goan Association
14. Malabar United
15. Kuwait Goan Asssociation (Red)
16. Kerala Challengers

G.O.A ROLLING TROPHY

G.O.A ROLLING TROPHY

DHL FC, AVC, KGA & Santos United in Quarters

Curtorcares United and Malabar United go down fighting

DHL FC, AVC Sports & Cultural Association and Kuwait Goan Association marched to the quarter finals in first round clashes in the 19^th edition of the ongoing G.O.A Rolling Trophy organized by Goan Overseas Association (Goa Maroons) and played at the MOH Grounds in Shuwaikh on 1^th February 2013 under the auspices of Kuwait Indian Football Federation.

In the day’s first match, DHL FC easily defeated CRC Chinchinim 3-0 in a largely one sided match.  The match which was reduced by 20 minutes as both teams reported late was easily won by DHL with goals from Seby Barbosa, Vico D’souza and Joyvin Pires.  The match was officiated by IFRA officials Sharma, Nicholas and Michael.

DHL FC won 3-0 against CRC Chinchinim

Referee Dayananda Sharma escorted by assistants Nicholas and Michael

In the second match, a youthful Curtorcares United went down fighting 0-1 to AVC Sports & Cultural Association in a match where both teams had their chances. After the match had ended goalless, AVC  got the all important goal in the dying minutes of extra time when hard working Savio Fernandes was on hand to slot home in a goalmouth melee.  The match was officiated by Julio Cardoso along with Michael Dias and Sarto Baptista

IFRA officials: (L to R : Michael Dias, Julio Cardoso, Sarto Baptista)

AVC Sports & Cultural Association won 1-0

Curtorcares United lost to AVC 0-1

Malabar United FC missed numerous chances including hitting the crossbar and finally went down 6-5 in the tie-breaker to Kuwait Goan Association (1-1 in normal time).  Although KGA were strong on the counter attacks and opened the scoring in the very 3^rd minute of the game through a goal by Anthony Rego, Malabar United FC fought back strongly and finally scored through the ever dependable Mohamed Shafi.  In the tie breaker Agnello, Anthony, Savio, John and Christeo scored for KGA while Sufi,Jubu, Sharafudeen and Shafi scored for Malabar.  The matches were officiated by Francis, Pascoal and Sharma.

IFRA OFFICIALS: Pascoal escorted by Sharma (left) and Francis (right)

KGA won 6-5 in the tie breaker (normal time 1-1)

Malabar United, unfortunate to lose

The tournament continues on 8^th February 2013, as Goa Maroons play Don Bosco Oratory at 6:45am followed by DHL FC versus Real Betalbatim FC at 8:15am.  The final match of the day will feature United Friends Club versus Navelim Youth Center at 9:45am.

Santos United in Quarters

Into its 19^th edition, the prestigious G.O.A Rolling Trophy organized by Goan Overseas Association, began on the 11^th of January 2013 with the inaugural match between Santos United and Rising Stars.  However, due to the failure of Rising Stars to turn up for the match, the game was awarded to Santos United, who will now play AVC in the quarterfinals.

Julio Cardoso
Kuwait

GOA ROLLING TROPHY 2013 - 19TH EDITION

G.O.A ROLLING TROPHY

Real Betalbatim, UFC, Kerala Challengers and Don Bosco win

In interesting first round clashes in the 19^th edition of the prestigious G.O.A Rolling trophy organized by Goan Overseas Association (Goa Maroons) and played at the MOH Grounds in Shuwaikh on 18^thJanuary 2012 under the auspices of Kuwait Indian Football Federation, Real Betalbatim, United Friends Club (UFC) and Don Bosco Oratory (DBO) qualified for the next round.

Goa Tournament - Real Betalbatim

Goa Tournament - Sparx

In the first match of the day, Real Betalbatim overcame a youthful Sparx 2-1 and are through to the quarterfinals.  Real Betalbatim had several opportunities in the first half to score, but erratic shooting by their forwards ensured a barren first half.  Denzil of Real Betalbatim finally broke the deadlock when he scored the first goal of the game in the third minute of the second half, and although Sparks did put a lot of pressure for the equaliser, the Real defence led by Teddy Pinto stood firm.  Elvis added a second when he headed neatly from a free kick taken by Bradley.  Although Sparks pulled one back, it was a little too late.

Goa Tournament - Skynet Raiders

Goa Tournament - UFC

In the second match of the day, United Friends Club won 2-1 against Skynet Raiders in a sea-saw battle which saw both sides missing opportunities.  However it was UFC who took the lead at the stroke of half time when Teotonio their dependable defender headed home from a free kick.  Jamnas added a second in the 25^th minute of the second half, while Skynet Raiders who tried their level best to find the equalizers were able to score one through Ismail in the dying minutes of the game.

Goa Tournament - Don Bosco Oratory

Goa Tournament - United Goans Centre

Strong title contenders Don Bosco Oratory got the better of United Goans Centre 1-0 in a game mostly confined to midfield with few chances in between.  Although Don Bosco Oratory had the edge and the UGC keeper had to make a couple of good saves, UGC too missed a good chance towards the end,  when their forward missed the target.

Goa Tournament - Kerala Challengers

Goa Tournament - Indian Strikers

On 25^th January Kerala Challengers got the better of Indian Strikers 4-0 with Shabbir Ali scoring a fine hat-trick to ensure his team’s progress into the second round.  Rafeeq opened the scoring for Kerala Challengers in the 24^th minute of the first half while Shabbir Ali socred in the 5^th, 12^th and 25^th minute of the second half.

Coming Friday 01/2/2013, CRC Chinchinim will play DHL at 6;45am, followed by AVC v/s Curtorcares United at 8:15am and the last match will feature KGA v/s Malabar at 9:45am.

Julio Cardoso

Kuwait

SEASON'S GREETINGS FROM KIFF

Winning is important...but it's not everything. Please take time to read the below quote:-

Spirit of the Game ultimately relies upon a spirit of sportsmanship that places the responsibility for fair play on the player. Highly competitive play is encouraged, but never at the expense of mutual respect among competitors, adherence to the agreed upon rules, or the basic joy of play. Protection of these vital elements serves to eliminate unsportsmanlike conduct from the Ultimate field. Such actions as blaming officials, taunting opposing players, dangerous aggression, belligerent intimidation, intentional infractions, or other 'win-at-all-costs' behavior are contrary to the Spirit of the Game and must be avoided by all players."

Julio Cardoso
Kuwait

PS:  will be on vacation from 21st Dec. until 21st Jan...will try and update as and when possible (being in Goa, that would be asking too much I guess)

KIFF LEAGUE COMPLETES FIRST PHASE

KIFF LEAGUE COMPLETES 1^ST PHASE FOR LATE JP D’MELLO ROLLING TROPHY FOR SEASON 2012-2013. 8 TEAMS QUALIFY FOR QUATERFINALS.

After grueling 2 months of intense action sometimes amidst unforgivable climatic conditions, Kuwait Indian Football Federation completed the 1^st phase of its prestigious League for the Late JP D’Mello Rolling Trophy for season 2012-2013 held at the MOH Sabah grounds in Shuwaikh, Kuwait.

The League phase took off on 5^th October 2012 and culminated on 7^th December 2012. 18 clubs affiliated to KIFF for season 2012-2013 displayed their grit and determination continuously for two long months in the round robin league format to qualify for the quarterfinal knockout stage wherein only 8 teams came out trumps. 33 matches were played and 86 goals scored. 33 Man of the Match awards sponsored by Integrated Logistics were presented by different prominent personalities to the players who performed their best on the day. Housie Snowball (bingo) with a special prize of an air ticket on sector Kwt-Mum-Kwt on Jet Airways sponsored by Al Qatan Travels is carried forward to the final stage.

Indian Strikers

Real Betalbatim

The following clubs have qualified to the quarterfinal stage. Group A Indian Strikers & Real Betalbatim, Group B Navelim Youth Center and Kerala Challengers, Group C United Friends & Kuwait Goan Association, Group D AVC- Kuwait & GOA Maroons. The matches were supervised expertly by Indian Football Referees Association-Kuwait (IFRA) and most noteworthy that all matches were conducted with utmost refereeing precision applying the latest FIFA approved laws of the game. IFRA is an Indian professional refereeing body in the State of Kuwait and once of its kind in the entire Gulf region.

It may be noted that Kuwait Indian Football Federation is the only professional Indian expatriate federation in the entire Middle East conducting football activities with registered players on their rooster and also supported by GFA and AIFF. More than 300 players spanning the entire country of India ply their trade with KIFF in the current season. Elections are held every year at the AGM to elect a new managing committee which oversees the footballing activities and the current season 2012-2013 is led by Mr. Fidelis Fernandes as its President.

The second and final knockout stage will begin in May 2013 before the season ends in June 2013. KIFF introduced the fair play rules for the Fair Play Trophy to make the game more palatable to the fans and the clubs and the final results will be declared at the culmination stage in June 2013. All the matches held as of todate have been played in a true sportsmanship spirit by all the affiliates.

Navelim Youth Centre

Kuwait Goan Association

The KIFF Managing Committee for season 2012-2013 is headed by the Hon. President Mr. Fidelis Fernandes (KGA) along with Hon. Vice President Mr. Derrick Gomedes (RBFC) Hon. Gen. Secretary Mr. Praveen Kumar (Sparx) Hon. Sports Secretary Mr. Kevin Vaz (AVC) Hon. Treasurer Mr. Adly D’Lima (UG) Hon. Registrar Mr. Stevin Fernandes (DBO) Hon. P.R.O Mr. Julio Cardozo (GOA) Hon. Asst. Sports Secretary Joseph Gomes (DHL) and Hon. Reliever Mr. Seby Dias (Curtocares United)

Goa Maroons

The 18 affiliates comprises of Goan Overseas Association, United Goans Centre, YRC Rising Stars, Navelim Youth Center, CRC Chinchinim, Curtorcares United, United Friends Club, Kuwait Goans Association, FC Sparx, Indian Strikers FC,DHL Football Club, AVC Overseas Sports and Cultural Association, Skynet Raiders Soccer Club, Santos United, Don Bosco Oratory, Malabar United FC, Real Betalbatim Football Club and Kerala Challengers.

As KIFF league takes a breather till May 2013, three 11 a side tournaments, three non regular tournaments organized by different affiliates and Veterans tournament organized by KIFF and all affiliated to the Federation  will be held during this period and all the matches will take place at the MOH Al Sabah grounds.

Report by: Xavier Furtado