GOAN SOCCER PRODIGY FELICITATED IN KUWAIT

KUWAIT CITY, May 30: The Kuwait-India Football Federation (KIFF) Thursday evening felicitated the Goan soccer prodigy Brandon Fernandes — the only Indian so far to have represented the country in U-13, U-14, U-16, U-17 and U-19 in various countries including Uzbekistan and Iran and has had a three-year stint in Cape Town, South Africa. Brandon is in Kuwait as a special invitee at the final of the 2013-2014 JP D’Mello soccer tournament played today at 18:30 hours at the Qadsiya Sports Club. The tournament is organized by the KIFF. KIFF President Fidelis Fernandes speaking during the event which was attended by clubs presidents and soccer players affiliated to KIFF and managing committee members wished Brandon success and thanked him for accepting the invitation to visit Kuwait and be an inspiration to football loving youth.

The Dinner attended by KIFF Managing Committee, Club representatives and special invitees

When asked how he got into soccer at such a young age, when most children of his age make a beeline to school, Brandon told the Arab Times, “when I was four or five years old, my dad who is involved in soccer activities at the Goa Football Association encouraged me to play football.” “However, I began playing real football at the age of seven when my father bought me a pair boots. The first club I played was the Fransa-Pax Football Club owned by the Goa politician Micky Pacheco. I played for this club for four years; following which I spent four years with the Velsao Pale Club and also played for the Salgaokar Youth Team for nearly three years.”

Now 17 years old, Brandon says after my stint with football clubs in Goa I was invited to Cape Town, South Africa by a football enthusiast who had seen me play. In Cape Town I joined the African Soccer Development (ASD) Academy and played for three years in the Second Division of the South African Football Academy for the U-17 and U-19 League scoring seven goals. “Following the end of my contract with the ASD I went to Goa last December to take part in the Lusofonia Games 2014 and was on the winning side when India beat Mozambique 3-2 to win the gold.

KIFF President honoring Brandon with a memento from the Federation

“I was then selected for U-23 training camp where I got injured and since then has been recuperating from my injuries,” he said. About future plans, Brandon disclosed, “My club in South Africa is in touch with me for the renewal of the contract but right now I am eyeing the ISL (Indian Super League) which I feel is the best international platform to showcase my talent. However, I keep my fingers crossed and wait for an opportune time to make the next move. Speaking of his idol, Brandon says he has many, but Cristiano Ronaldo the Portuguese and Real Madrid forward stands tall among them — the footballer who lived in poverty, shared a room with his brother and sisters and went on to become one of the best soccer players the world has produced through sheer hard work, dedication and belief in God.

Brandon says what he is today is largely due to the dedication of his parents, particularly his father who has always been encouraging. When asked how he manages between soccer activities and school, he says, his teachers and the school had been very accommodative and kind enough to allow him to continue doing what he believes in. At times, he said, he answered only one exam during the entire scholastic year because he was either travelling with the Indian soccer team taking part in tournaments or attending coaching camps.

“I want continue my higher education although my aim in life is to reach the highest level of soccer and bring laurels for my State and country, encourage the youngsters and be a role model to them,” he added.
He said India does not lack soccer talent, but it is unfortunate the government has abandoned this sport. However, with the ISL a new hope has dawned on the horizon of a cricket-mad country. The Indian Super League is the name of a new, proposed football league in India by IMG-Reliance — a joint venture of IMG and Reliance Industries — and the All India Football Federation. It is set to kick-off in September 2014.

By Paul Francis X. Fernandes
Arab Times Staff

Pics: Julio Cardoso

DON BOSCO ORATORY CHAMPIONS

G.O.A ROLLING TROPHY

DON BOSCO ORATORY CHAMPIONS

Nikhil and Agnelo score hat-tricks

DBO Captain Godfrey  Aguiar receiving the winners trophy from chief guest Ajay Sinha - Country Manager of AIR INDIA - Kuwait 

Don Bosco Oratory were crowned proud champions of the  G.O.A. Rolling Trophy when they beat AVC Sports & Cultural Association 7-1 in a largely one sided match in the finals of this  prestigious tournament organized by Goan Overseas Association (Kuwait) and played at the MOH grounds under the auspices of KIFF.

 

Champions Don Bosco Oratory with guests

Don Bosco Oratory who had only the previous week lost narrowly to AVC in the semi finals of the KIFF League, showed just why they are one of the most feared teams among the Indian Community when they took complete control of the match right from the start.  Man of the match and the tournament’s highest scorer young Nikhil D’souza opened Don Bosco’s account when he found himself in the right place to slot home from close range in a goalmouth melee.  He soon added to his tally and Don Bosco Oratory went into the lemon break comfortably leading 2-0.

Hard working Sidney of AVC however gave a tiny glimmer of hope to his team and supporters when he scored off  a direct free kick from just outside the penalty area and it seemed that AVC could still make a game of it.  Nikhil however had other ideas and completed his hat-trick after going past two AVC defenders.  Agnelo another young and talented Don Bosco lad than took control and ably supported by Loyed, Michael and Steven scored three more past the hapless AVC defense.  Nikhil though had the final say when in the dying moments he scored his fourth to completely whitewash the opponents.  The match was ably officiated by IFRA officials Sarto Baptista in the centre with support of Jan Rodrigues and Pascoal Fernandes on the lines.

In his welcome address after the final whistle, G.O.A President Raymond D’Sa welcomed the chief guest Mr. Ajay Sinha the Country Manager of Air India in Kuwait and thanked Air-India for sponsoring a Kuwait-Goa return air ticket for the tournament.  He also thanked KIFF President Mr. Fidelis Fernandes and his Managing Committee, IFRA, and all the participating teams for their support in making the tournament a grand success.  He had a special word of appreciation for Mr. Gasper Almeida of Goa Word.com, IndiansinKuwait and the print media including Mr. Francis Fernandes of Arab Times for the press publicity.

Mr. Ajay Sinha in his brief speech thanked the organizers for inviting him and said he would always support the community in the best way he could.  A special service award was presented to Mr. Leo Fernandes, a long serving member of Goan Overseas Association for his contribution to the Association.

Leo Fernandes receives service award from GOA President Raymond Dsa

Jaime Figueira the treasurer of GOA gives away the referee awards

The referee awards were given away by James Figuera, and the runners trophies by Tony Correia.  Mrs. Zinia Cardoso gave away the Runners Up trophy to Kevin Vaz the captain of AVC, while Raymond D’Sa and Ajay Sinha gave the winners individual trophies and the winners’ cup to Godfrey Aguiar the captain of Don Bosco.   KIFF President Fidelis Fernandes gave away the Man of the Match award to Nikhil D’souza who also won the tournament’s highest scorer award which was handed over to him by Leo Fernandes.  Julio Cardoso who hosted the presentation ceremony proposed the vote of thanks.

Report by: Julio Cardoso
Pics : Sasha D'Souza / Julio Cardoso

Mrs. Zinia Cardoso giving away the Runners Up trophy to Kevin Vaz of AVC

Vice President of G.O.A giving away the runners up individual trophies

Man of the match - Nikhil D'Souza receives his award from KIFF president Fidelis Fernandes

AVC AND MALABAR TO CLASH FOR KIFF LEAGUE TITLE

MALABAR UNITED AND AVC – KUWAIT TO CLASH IN THE EPIC KIFF LEAGUE FINALS FOR THE J.P D’MELLO ROLLING TROPHY FOR 2013/2014

After a break of 5 months the penultimate knock out phase of the KIFF league for the J.P D’Mello Rolling Trophy commenced with the semi finals being played on 16^th May 2014 at the Sabah Hospital grounds in Kuwait. In the first semi final Malabar United triumphed 1-0 against rivals Kerala Challengers and AVC – Kuwait were victorious against Don Bosco Oratory by a solitary goal.

In a rare sight where passionate football fans thronged the stadium early morning Malabar United took on inform Kerala Challengers in the first semifinals in an all Kerala affair. Both the teams knowing each other’s game started on a cautious note. Malabar were quick off the blocks with their speedy wingers doing the early rounds. Kerala Challengers boosted by the return of their star striker Fajilu from injury relied on counter attacks mostly initiated through the wings, but Malabar defense held firm. In one solitary move Fajilu unleashed a superb volley from the left side of the pitch and just from the top of the box which ironically crashed against the bar and rebounded safely much to the relief of the Malabar defense and the chance went abegging. As the game progressed sedately it was mostly played in the midfield in the 1^st half. In the second half Malabar United had a golden chance to forge ahead when awarded a penalty when Kerala Challengers defender brought down Malabar striker Shafi in the box. But to the dismay of the Malabar supporters and players the weak shot was saved by Kerala Challengers keeper. Both the teams tried to unlock the defense which played a crucial role in keeping the slate clean during regulation time. Malabar had more chances to take the lead but their strikers could not find a rhythm. Kerala Challengers counter attacked but their strikers lacked the venom and did not dent the Malabar citadel and the regular time ended goalless. 

The match went into extra time and in the second half of the extra time Malabar forward Shafi took on the entire Kerala Challengers defense in his stride with deft body feints and showed superb control and poise to find the net and the eventual winner to put his team in the finals. The final whistle brought rapturous celebrations from the Malabar United fans as their team gained a maiden entry in the KIFF League finals. Man of the Match award was awarded to Shafi and given away by the most respected personality in Kuwait and in KIFF, the President of G.O.A (GOA Maroons) Mr. Raymond D’Sa. The match was supervised by the former professional Salgoancar defender and now experienced referee Sarto Baptista at the center with energetic Lloyd and new professional face Jen on the lines.

The second match was the most anticipated one between Don Bosco Oratory and newly crowned Seasons Champions AVC – Kuwait. DBO entered the fray with new reinforcements from India especially brought in for the semifinals in line to make their second appearance in the KIFF League finals after having won in 2012, whereas favorites AVC winners in 2005 were depleted with injuries and suspensions going into this match after having played and won 14 consecutive regular matches in this season. The first half was equal in terms of possession with AVC missing the first real chance on goal in the 5^th minute when Sydney and Agnel Martin failed to nod in from the corner kick. DBO relied on counter attacks and long ball tactics with Lloyd masterminding the attacks from the defense. Michael of DBO was the most attacking player on the field. AVC midfield worked in tandem with Ismael and Agnel Martin keeping DBO at bay and on a counter move Agnel missed a golden opportunity when found alone in the box to put AVC ahead as his shot kissed the post and went out. DBO piled up the pressure as AVC suffered a jolt due to injuries to striker Leslie and playmaker Agnel Martin in the first half which ended goalless. In the second half both the teams started cautiously but DBO went into ascendancy in possession with AVC suffering further setback through more injuries to star striker Anthony and defender Francis Jr. making it extremely difficult to play their customary free flowing game. Michael and young Nikhil of DBO started dictating terms and mounted pressure on AVC defense ably marshaled by Vincy, Braulio, Luciano and Peter. As the game was approaching towards the end with seven minutes remaining from the normal regulation time AVC’s midfielder Sydney in a moment of sheer brilliance unleashed an overhead volley which nestled in the far corner of the net to put AVC ahead and send their fans in frenzy. The goal brought memories of Wayne Rooney’s goal against Man City and is one of the rarest goal ever seen in KIFF football in recent times. DBO went all out for the equalizer but the experience of AVC in crunch situations helped them in seeing their team entering the finals for the third time and now going for the rare double. Though DBO did manage overall possession in the entire match, AVC’s experienced and professional goalkeeper Alvaro Dias was hardly tested. As per official reports this is AVC’s 15 consecutive win on the road this season. AVC – Kuwait are the defending Seasons Champions of 2013 and has retained the crown again this season for the record sixth time. Sydney Monteiro of AVC was awarded the Man of the Match for his classic goal and the award was given away by KIFF President Mr. Fidelis Fernandes. The match was supervised by former professional Salgoancar midfielder and now turned professional referee Tiago in the center with seasoned Pascoal and flamboyant ace goalkeeper Julio on the lines.

The entire season of KIFF is supervised by Indian Football Referees Association Kuwait, the only Indian professional referees association in the Middle East. In their ranks include former professional football players namely Sarto Baptista (ex Salgoancar FC) Tiago (ex Salgaoncar) Francis, IFRA President (ex Churchill Bros) Alvaro (ex Churchill Bros & Vasco S.C) etc.

As per KIFF communiqué the KIFF League finals for the J.P. D’Mello Rolling Trophy will be held on 30^th May 2014 at 6.30pm at the famous Al Qadisiya Stadium. Prior to the finals an exhibition match will held between Indian Central School, Abbaysiya and Indian Public School School Salmiya at 5.30pm followed by the grand KIFF League final opening ceremony. During the break a dance programe will be held which is being presented by Jhankaar Dance Academy Kuwait. Customary Housie snowball will be conducted at the interval with the prize of return air ticket Kuwait-Bombay-Kuwait sponsored by Al Qattan Travels

The Chief Guest for the finals will be Mr. J.S. Dhangi representating the Indian Ambassador in Kuwait. Guest of Honor is Mr. Nasser Omran Kanan of Gulf Cable & Electrical Industries Kuwait. Special Guests will be Mr. Asif Juzer, the Managing Director of Prosports and Mr. Abdulrahim Al Muraiki of Gulf Cable & Electrical Industries Co.

Special Invitee for the KIFF League finals is Mr. Brendon Fernandes from Benaulim Goa, India. Mr. Brendon is the only Indian player to have representated India in all age groups having played U-13, U-14, U-16, U-17 and U-19 levels. At 16 years of age he was selected among the best 20 young players chosen by the world famous soccer club Manchester United for further training which earned him the distinction to train at the Manchester United Academy and compete in the Manchester United ‘’ World Skills Final’’. He is the very first Asian player to earn an invitation from Cape United Soccer School for Excellence in South Africa. He is now currently plying his trade with ASD Club in South Africa which makes him the 6^th Indian player to make a mark of reaching the European League. Mr. Brendon Fernandes was recently felicitated by the Chief Minister of Goa, Mr. Manohar Parrikar for his outstanding performance in the Lusofania Games held in Goa in 2014. It is an honor for KIFF and the KIFF Managing Committee member in presenting Mr. Brendon Fernandes to the young and experience Indian footballers in Kuwait.

The KIFF Managing Committee invites all the affiliates and the football loving fans to mark the date 30^th May 2014 and attend in large in numbers to end the season in a grand style at the famous Al Qadisiya Stadium Kuwait from 5pm onwards.

For more and continuous coverage log on to KIFF blog and KIFF face book page hosted by Julio Cardozo. Arab Times, Kuwait Times and Indiansinkuwait are the media partners of KIFF providing unlimited coverage.

Report and photos from KIFF newsdesk.

AVC AND DON BOSCO ORATORY TO CLASH FOR TITLE

G.O.A ROLLING TROPHY

AVC AND DON BOSCO ORATORY TO CLASH FOR TITLE

In hard fought matches played last Friday, AVC Sports & Cultural Association who have made winning a habit won 3-1 against Santos United and a  youthful  Don Bosco Oratory edged United Friends Club 3-2 in the semi-finals of the  prestigious GOA Rolling Trophy organized by Goan Overseas Association (Kuwait) and played at the MOH grounds under the auspices of KIFF.

 

AVC in finals

Don Bosco Oratory will play AVC in finals

UFC lost 2-3

In the first semi final, AVC Sports & Cultural Association who have practically won everything on offer this season continued their winning streak when they beat Santos United 3-1.  Santos United who have performed their best this season, actually scored the first goal when AVC goalkeeper Alvaro failed to collect from a free kick and Anthony Rego was on hand to tap in.  Well into the second half however AVC equalized in the 23^rd minute when in one moment of sheer brilliance their hard working forward Anurag Thapa connected exquisitely from a low cross by Anthony to find the far corner of the Santos net.  Colaco made it 2-1 when his free kick from just outside the eighteen yard box went past the diving Santos keeper.  Anurag Thapa added a third in the 40^th minute to take the game beyond Santos United who tried their level best to equalize until the end.    IFRA official Julio Cardoso was the centre referee and supported by Sarto Baptista and Lloyd D’souza on the lines.

Santos United lost 1-3 to AVC

New IFRA official Jan Rodrigues (right)  with IFRA President Francis

In the second semi final, Don Bosco Oratory with the arrival of reinforcement from India in the form of Michael Lobo and Agnelo were clear favorites against United Friends Club who took the field without regular keeper Britto who is on vacation in India and Nikhil D’souza hardly wasted any time to put DBO in the lead in the very 4^th minute of the game.  UFC however had other ideas and stuck to their game plan of defending and making sporadic counter attacks led by Duarte, Prince and Shehin and one such attack resulted with Abdul Muneer delightfully chipping one over Aledio in the DBO goal from the defense splitting pass by Prince in the 38^th minute of the first half.  Nikhil had a hand in increasing DBO’s lead in the second half when his feeble shot on goal was helped in by the UFC defenders and although Nofal equalized soon afterward, it was Michael Dias who ensured DBO were through to the finals when he tapped in a neat cross from Agnelo.  The match was officiated by Pascoal and he was assisted by Jose and Jan Rodrigues on the lines.

 

The final between AVC Sports & Cultural Association and Don Bosco will be played on 23^rd May 2014 at 8:00am at the MOH grounds.

Report & Pics by Julio Cardoso

AVC, DBO, UFC AND SANTOS UNITED IN SEMIS

G.O.A ROLLING TROPHY

AVC, DBO, UFC AND SANTOS UNITED IN SEMIS

In quarter final matches played last Friday, Don Bosco Oratory, AVC and UFC booked their places in the semi finals to join Santos United who had already qualified a week earlier in the prestigious GOA Rolling Trophy organized by Goan Overseas Association (Kuwait) and played at the MOH grounds under the auspices of KIFF.

Santos United in Semi after beating UGC in the quarters

In the first quarter final, United Friends Club (UFC) with a host of talented players finally came good when they beat Skynet Raiders 1-0.  The first half was evenly played with Joe Gomes of Skynet Raiders coming close to scoring in the 26^th minute when his goalmouth strike sailed just over the bar.  Duarte Ferrao of UFC however scored the all important goal in the 28^th minute when his neatly taken free kick sailed over the Skynet wall and into the goal.  Skynet Raiders made all efforts to equalize in the second half with the last fifteen minutes being completed dominated by them, but UFC held on,  with veteran Britto pulling of a brilliant save to deny Skynet Raiders the equalizer.  IFRA official Sarto Baptista was the centre referee and supported by Tiago and Pascoal on the lines.

UFC to play Don Bosco Oratory in the semis

In the second quarter final, Don Bosco Oratory easily defeated YRC Rising Stars 5-1 in a match they completely dominated right from the beginning.  Ronnie opened the flood gates when he tapped in a cross in the 11^th minute and Nikhil was in the right place to score in the 19^th and 22^nd minute of the first half.  Franky Oliveria’s long distance goal and Steven Correa’s goal n the dying minutes of the game ensured Don Bosco passage into the semis against United Friends Club as strong favorites.  Godwin Fernandes who came in as a super sub pulled one back for Rising Stars in the second half.  The match was officiated by Tiago Fernandes with support from Simon and Francis on the lines.

Favorites Don Bosco Oratory

In the last match of the day, Curtorcares who have played some exciting soccer this season were again unfortunate to lose to AVC the season’s champions 0-1.  The first half was evenly balanced with the ball mostly confined to midfield play.  Agnelo Martin of AVC who has been the player to watch this season however ensured his team qualified for the semis when he connected well from a cross and end the season’s campaign for Curtorcares.  Pascoal Fernandes was the centre referee and assisted by Simon and Tiago on the lines.

Season's Champions will play Santos United in the semi finals

Earlier last week, Santos United became the first team to qualify for the semi finals when they easily beat United Goans Centre 2-0, with both goals scored in the first half by Seby Fernandes and Anthony Rego.

Coming Friday, 9^th May 2014 AVC will play Santos United at 6:45am in the first semi final and Don Bosco Oratory will play United Friends Club at 8:45am in the second one.

Report & pics by Julio Cardoso

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