G.O.A ROLLING TROPHY - WEEK 2

SKYNET RAIDERS, DBO AND YRC RISING STARS WIN

Skynet Raiders, Don Bosco Oratory and YRC Rising Stars were through to the next round after squeezing in wins in the first round of the GOA Rolling Trophy organized by Goan Overseas Association on Friday at MOH grounds under the auspices of KIFF.

In easily the match of the day, Goa Maroons woeful season continued when they were beaten by a youthful Don Bosco Oratory (DBO) in a five goal thriller.  Maroons started the match positively when   Steven Rodrigues easily one of the best players on the field scored in the 14^th minute of the first half from a free kick taken by Edward.  Godfrey equalized in the second half for DBO when the Maroons defense failed to clear from a corner kick.  Extra time witnessed high drama as Nikhil D’Souza slit one past Anton in the Maroons goal and Steven Rodrigues equalized immediately after that with an exquisite free kick from the edge of the penalty area giving DBO goalkeeper Alidio absolutely no chance.  Aston Fernandes who came in as a super sub however broke the hearts of Goa Maroons supporters when he was in the right spot in the dying moments of extra time to jab in from close range in a goalmouth melee, giving his team a well deserved 3-2 victory.   IFRA referee Francis Fernandes did an excellent job in the center and he was assisted by Sarto Baptista and Tiago Fernandes on the lines.

DON BOSCO ORATORY

GOA MAROONS

 

Earlier, the fragile but artful striker of Skynet Raiders Joe Gomes who fashions himself like his  idol Nymar of Brazil, scored in the 10^th minute of the second half to give his team a hard fought 1-0 victory against unlucky FC Sparz.  The match was evenly played with Sparz creating some early chances, but the lack of attempts at goal and playing one pass too many was their undoing.  The centre referee was Pascoal Fernandes and he was assisted by Lloyd D’Souza and Sarto Baptista on the lines.

SKYNET RAIDERS

FC SPARZ

In the last match of the day YRC Rising Stars edged Real Betalbatim FC 1-0.  Ever dependable charismatic Bernardo Pires struck in the 15^th minute of the first half after dodging his way past two defenders and smashing one past the outstretched hands of the RBFC goalkeeper.  The match was officiated by Tiago Fernandes.

YRC RISING STARS

REAL BETALBATIM FC

There will be no matches played this coming Friday, and the tournament will continue on 25/4/2014 with AVC Sports & Cultural Association playing Kuwait Goan Association at 6:45am, followed by Kerala Challengers taking on Curtorcares United and 8:00am and the last match of the day will feature the first quarter final between Santos United and United Goans Centre.

Report & Pics by: Julio Cardoso (Kuwait)

G.O.A ROLLING TROPHY

G.O.A ROLLING TROPHY

UGC, SANTOS UNITED AND UFC WIN

United Goans Centre, Santos United and United Friends Club were through to the next round after winning hard fought encounters in the first round of the GOA Rolling Trophy organized by Goan Overseas Association on Friday at MOH grounds under the auspices of KIFF.

Goalkeeping errors were the talking point of the day and in the first match, Kuwait’s oldest Goan soccer club, United Goans Centre shocked Indian Strikers 2-1 when Dominic Fernandes headed home from close range from an exquisite cross by veteran Jerry Mello in the 18^th minute and Alfred’s feeble attempt on the Indian Strikers goal ended in the back of the net due to a communication error between the keeper and defenders of Indian Strikers.  Hard working Noushad Abu Baker reduced the margin for Indian Strikers in the 65^th minute, but United Goans defended well to absorb all the pressure in the dying minutes from Indian Strikers and emerge victorious.  The match was officiated by IFRA official Julio Cardoso with assistance from Christopher and Simon.

United Goans Centre won 2-1

Santos United who have played some exciting soccer towards the end of this season, were down a goal against DHL FC in the 24^th minute when Cruz Silva’s smashing drive found the back of the net and it seemed like DHL would cause a major upset.  However, super sub, James Rebello equalized for Santos United in the 64^th minutes when the UFC goalkeeper fumbled and dropped the ball and Anthony Rego scored from an acute angle in the dying minutes of extra time to earn Santos United a hard fought victory.  Pascoal was the centre referee and assisted by Sharma and Christopher on the lines.

Santos United won 2-1 in extra time

In the day’s last match of this prestigious tournament now in it’s 20^th edition, United Friends Club (UFC) finally played to their potential when they edged Malabar United 1-0.  Duarte Ferrao, Prince and Shehin were the stars for UFC, but it was Mauricio Simoes who turned hero of the day when he scored the all important goal for his team in the 22^nd minute.   The Malabar boys had their chances but were unfortunate not to convert.  The match was officiated by Sarto Baptista with Francis and Simon on the lines.

United Friends Club winners 1-0

Next week will see some exciting matches with  FC Sparx taking on Skynet Raiders at 6:45am, Don Bosco Oratory play Goa Maroons at 8:00am and Real Betalbatim FC play YRC Rising Stars at 9:15am.  All teams are requested to report on time.

Report & pics  by: Julio Cardoso

AVC – KUWAIT CHAMPIONS OF KIFF PRESIDENTS’ CUP 2014. RETAINS KIFF SEASONS CHAMPIONSHIP 2014

AVC – Kuwait won the inaugural edition of the ‘’KIFF PRESIDENTS’ CUP 2014’’ defeating Santos United 2-1 in a pulsating final held on 28^th March 2014 at the Al Sabah Hospital grounds in Kuwait.

The opening ceremony of the finals was at its grandest best with the presence of ex KIFF Presidents as Guests of Honor and the Presidents of all the affiliates as Special Invitees. The Chief Guest Mr. Fidelis Fernandes the incumbent KIFF President and the guests were introduced to both the teams. The Chief Guest and KIFF President Mr. Fidelis Fernandes in his speech thanked all the past Presidents of KIFF for promoting football for the last three decades among the Indian diaspora in the State of Kuwait. The national anthems of Kuwait and India were relayed to inspire devotion and patriotism among those present in the stadium before the start of the match. The ex KIFF Presidents attending the ceremony were Mr. V.K. Vohra, Mr. Lawrence Pinto, Mr. Victor Mesquita, Mr. Tony Dias, Mr. Tony Correia, Mr. Manuel D’Costa and Mr. B.M. Viegas. Chief Sports Editor of Arab Times Mr. Francis Fernandes was among the guests for the finals.

As the opening programme settled down AVC – Kuwait and Santos United began their duel to claim the honors for the coveted trophy. Santos United, in their best form of their lives and playing in the their first ever finals were out to prove themselves. AVC Kuwait, the most consistent team so far were targeting the inaugural edition as well as season’s championship in their ever bulging kitty. The initial period was dominated by AVC and they took the lead in the 4^th minute when defender Joseph connected a perfect corner from Braulio into the net. Santos came back in to the game with their Captain and experienced former Salgaocar medio Tiago dominating the midfield. He fed his strikers with precision and in one move AVC were lucky not to concede when a powerful shot from John Costa hit the post and came back in to play. By now Santos were in complete dominance putting AVC on back foot with John, Tiago and Honda in cruise control. Santos equalized midway in the second half when a free kick from Tiago was guided in by Anthony Rego. In the second half AVC introduced their former Western Railways medio Luciano to strengthen the midfield and this masterstroke helped AVC to gain dominance with Savio, Luciano, Ismael and Agnel Martin in the midfield dictating. AVC took the lead again from a set piece when Agnel Martin’s shot hit the bar and came back to Captain Savio whose volley again hit the horizontal and the rebound fell to AVC’s star striker Anthony who expertly sent it back in to the net to make it 2-1. With this goal AVC were in ascendancy and attacked the opposition, but could not increase the lead further. Santos tried their best to equalize and almost did when a miss pass caught AVC’s defense off guard and a lurking Santos striker hit the post. The last few minutes of the game were controlled by AVC to see the match off and came out as winners. It is to be noted that both the teams along with their officials showed good camaraderie on and off the play during the finals. The match proceedings were conducted by Mubarak with Julio and Sarto on the lines.

Indian strikers were awarded the Fair play Trophy. The trophies and mementos were handed over by Mr. V.K Vohra, Mr. Victor Mesquita, Mr. Shyam Kumar, Mr. Dominick Pereira, Mr. Agnelo D’Cunha, Mr. Derrick Gomendis and Mr. Fidelis Fernandes.

It has been later announced that with this win AVC – Kuwait have been declared KIFF Season’s Champions for 2014. This is the 6^th time AVC – Kuwait has bagged this championship, the last was in 2013.

Earlier before the finals, KIFF conducted 3 a side open tie-breaker tournament in which 32 teams participated. The finals were won by Livrament Boys defeating Santos Football Club.

Winners and Runners Up, Fair Play and Man of the Match trophies for the tournament were sponsored by KIFF President Mr. Fidelis Fernandes. Winners individual mementos were sponsored by United Logistics Co. Runners Up individual mementos were sponsored by Real Betalbatim Football Club. Mr. Bernard Fernandes, Kevin Vaz and Julio Cardozo conducted the day’s proceedings. KIFF would like to thank the sponsors, guests, affiliates, Arab Times, Indiansinkuwait for making this tournament a great success. All the matches were supervised by IFRA.

Goan Overseas Association (GOA Maroons) will be conducting their 11 a side tournament under the auspices of KIFF starting on 4^th April 2014. The schedule is at 6.45 am Indian Strikers v/s United Goans Club. At 8am DHL v/s Santos United and at 9.15 and United Friends v/s Malabar United.

Report by: Xavier Furtado
Pics by: Revon Gomes / Julio Cardoso

“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