KIFF LEAGUE - FC SPARX ON A ROLL

KIFF LEAGUE 2013/2014. AVC SHUTS DHL, SKYNET BLANKS SANTOS UNITED, FC SPARX PIP MALABAR UNITED AND CURORCARES UNITED HOLD INDIAN STRIKERS ON MATCH DAY 5 AT MOH GROUNDS AT SABAH HOSPITAL ON 11^th OCTOBER 2013

The fifth round of the KIFF League matches got going on MOH grounds at Sabah Hospital on 11^th October 2013 for the J.P. D’Mello Rolling Trophy. Four matches were held with Skynet Raiders blanking high flying Santos United 2-0, Curtorcares United holding Indian Strikers 2-2, AVC shutting DHL FC 1-0 and FC Sparx piped Malabar United 1-0 in Group A encounter.

SKYNET RAIDERS - CAMPAIGN BACK ON TRACK

In the first match Skynet Raiders dominated the proceedings and took the lead through Arif Shaikh and increased their tally in the second half with a well placed volley again by Arif Shaikh. Santos United tried in vain to get into the match, but Skynet Raiders defense held firm and closed out the match to win 2-0. Arif Shaikh of Skynet Raiders was awarded the Man of the Match. The match was supervised by Sarto Baptista and assisted by Simon and Sharma.

In the second game Curtorcares United took an early lead, but Indian Strikers equalized and went on to take the lead. Martin of Curtocares equalized in the second half and held on the match which ended in a draw 2-2. Martin of Curtorcares was adjudged the Man of the Match. The match was officiated by Simon with assistance from Midas and Sharma.

INDIAN STRIKERS - DREW WITH CURTORCARES UNITED

CURTORCARES UNITED - DREW

The third encounter was between AVC-Kuwait and winless DHL FC. AVC dominated the entire proceedings, but could not find the target early on. AVC’s star striker Anthony scored in the second half to give his team the lead and the match by winning 1-0. Man of the match was Luciano of AVC – Kuwait. The match was supervised by Tiago with Liston and Christopher on the lines.

AVC - BACK TO WINNING WAYS

In the fourth match the fleet footed FC Sparx continued their good form and outperformed Malabar United with Hussain scoring the match winner and also bagging the Man of the Match award. The match was refereed by Nikush at the center with Christopher and Liston on the lines.

FC SPARX ON A WINNING SPREE

The matches were supervised by IFRA officials. Man of the Match awards for KIFF League season are sponsored by United Steel Industrial Company.

As per KIFF directive all the matches will be played on MOH grounds at Sabah Hospital for the remainder of the current season.

Report by: Xavier Furtado

More updates, news and photos can be viewed on KIFF blogspot and KIFF facebook page 

KIFF LEAGUE DON BOSCO PIP GOA MAROONS

KIFF LEAGUE DON BOSCO PIP GOA MAROONS

KIFF LEAGUE 2013/2014. YRC RISING STARS BLANK UNITED GOANS, KERALA CHALLENGERS ROUT UNITED FRIENDS CLUB, DON BOSCO PIP GOA MAROONS AND KGA HOLD RBFC ON MATCH DAY 4.

The fourth round of the KIFF League matches was held on 4^th October 2013 at the Al Kazema grounds in Adeliya on match day 4 for the J.P. D’Mello Rolling Trophy. Four matches were held with Kuwait Goan Association holding Real Betalbatim FC to a goalless draw, Don Bosco Oratory piping GOA Maroons 1-0, Kerala Challengers routing United Friends Club 4-2 and YRC Rising Stars blanking United Goans 3-0. In the first match on ground ‘A’ between KGA and RBFC, both the teams played cautious football and attacking at counters. RBFC kept the attacking KGA strikers at bay. RBFC tried to break the deadlock and as both the teams failed in finding the net the match ended in a tame draw. Cristovam Colaco of KGA was declared the Man of the Match and the award was present by Mr. Manuel D’Costa ex KIFF President. In the second match on ground ‘B’ DBO started the proceedings against GOA Maroons.

 Both teams fresh from their successful opening encounters started with intent. DBO took the lead when young Nikhil D’Souza scored the all important goal. GOA Maroons tried in vain to come back into the match, but their efforts went in vain as the match ended in favor of DBO 1-0. Nikhil of DBO was adjudged the Man of the Match for his brilliant display and the award was handed over by Mr. Vijay  the President of RBFC. The third match of the day was between YRC Rising Stars and United Goans on ground ‘A’. Rising Stars attacked from the start and Bernard gave the lead for Rising Stars and went on to complete his brace with Xavier scoring the third to give his side a comfortable win. UG forwards and midfield could not coordinate and their defense crumbled against the onslaught of Rising Stars. The match ended in favor of Rising stars 3-0 with Bernard  of Rising Stars bagging the Man of the Match award presented by Mr. Pascal the President of UG.

The fourth match saw Kerala Challengers locking horns with United Friends Club. Kerala Challengers found their rhythm from the start and Fajilu scored to give the lead and Rafeeq consolidated to make it 2-0 for Kerala Challengers. Fajilu completed his brace with Shaberali also scoring for Kerala Challengers. UFC did try best and scored two through Abdul Muneer, but it was not their day as Kerala Challengers won the match 4-2 and UFC losing their second on the run. Fajilu was rightly adjudged the Man of the Match was for his overall performance and the award was handed over by Mr. Bosco Leitao.

The matches were supervised by IFRA officials. Man of the Match awards for KIFF League season are sponsored by United Steel Industrial Company.

KIFF would like to inform all affiliates and football fans that the football action now shifts to MOH grounds near Sabah Hospital from 11^th October 2013. KIFF would like to thank the authorities of Al Kazema Stadium for their wholehearted support in providing the grounds to conduct its activities.

The match schedule for 11^th October 2013 to be played at MOH grounds at Sabah Hospital is as follows:

At 6.45 am Skynet Raiders v/s Santos United. At 7.45 am Curtorcares United v/s Indian Strikers. At 8.45 am AVC – Kuwait v/s DHL FC. At 9.45 Malabar United v/s FC Sparx

REPORT BY: XAVIER FURTADO

PICS BY: JULIO CARDOSO

CURTORCARES UNITED SHOCK SANTOS UNITED IN KIFF LEAGUE

KIFF LEAGUE 2013/2014. CURTOCARES UNITED, MALABAR UNITED, FC SPARX WIN. INDIAN STRIKERS HOLD AVC ON MATCH DAY 3.

The third round of KIFF League matches were held on 27^th September 2013 at the Al Kazema grounds in Adeliya amidst favorable climatic conditions. The early two matches saw Curtocares United clashing with Santos United on ground ‘A’ and AVC – Kuwait locking horns with Indian Strikers on ground ‘B’. Santos

FC Sparx

United buoyed by their first round win went on  immediate attack and took the lead through John Costa. Curtorcares regrouped themselves and equalized through Bonny Niasso. The match reached a frantic pace and Curtorcares scored again through Cleto who was instrumental throughout the match. The result was put to rest when Bonny Niasso scored his brace and earned his side a well deserved win. Santos United tried their best but could not penetrate the determined Curtorcares defense. Cleto of Curtorcares United was declared the Man of the Match and the award was handed over by Mr. Carmo Santos, President of Santos United.

Carmo Santos the president of Santos United giving away the MOM to Cleto of Curtorcares United 

On ground ‘B’ Indian Strikers and AVC – Kuwait started the match with vigor and both sides showed attacking intent.  AVC dominated the first half and took the lead through Savio. In the second half Indian Strikers came strongly and equalized through Harris.  AVC surged ahead through their star striker Anthony who unleashed a superb volley. Not to be outdone Indian strikers once again equalized through Sinesh Mohan, but Anthony scored his second goal to put AVC ahead. In the dying minutes of the match Indian Strikers scored the equalizer through Harris and the match ended in an exciting draw at 3-3. Joseph Quadros of AVC – Kuwait was awarded the Man of the match which was presented by Mr. Cajetan Pereira, President of United Friends Club.

Cajetan Pereira the president of United Friends Club giving away the MOM to Joseph Quadros of AV

Hussain Ali of FC Sparx receiving the MOM from Shyam Kumar the president of Kerala Challengers

The second 2 matches of the day saw FC Sparx taking DHL FC on ground ‘A’ and Malabar United and Skynet Raiders on ground ‘B’. FC Sparx who has impressed everybody this season took the lead through their hardworking Hussain Ali. DHL pressed hard for the equalizer, but the young brigade of FC Sparx would not let in their famed counterparts dominate them. They held on the lead till the final whistle and earned themselves an all important win and top the table in their group which itself is a major achievement for this dynamic club. Young Hussain Ali was unanimously adjudged the Man of the Match and the award was presented by Mr. Shyam Kumar President of Kerala Challengers.

In the other match Malabar United and Skynet Raiders started the proceedings with attacking intent and Malabar United took the lead through Jibu Varghese. As time came to a close Skynet tried hard for the equalizer but Malabar defense held firm and the match ended in favor of Malabar United who are now undefeated in their two league outings. Mostafa was declared the Man of the Match and Mr. Dominick Pereira, Asst Sports Secretary of KIFF gave away the award.

Mostafa of Malabar United receiving the man of the match award from Dominick Pereira, Asst. Sports Secretary

The matches were supervised by IFRA officials. Men of the Match awards for KIFF League season are sponsored by United Steel Industrial Company.

The match schedule for 4^th October 2013 to be played at Al Kazma Grounds is as follows:

At 6.45 am Real Betalbatim FC v/s Kuwait Goan Association on Ground ‘A’ and Don Bosco Oratory v/s GOA Maroons on Ground ‘B’

At 7.45 am United Goan Center v/s YRC Rising Stars on ground ‘A’ and Kerala Challengers v/s United Friends Club on Ground ‘B’

Report by: Xavier Furtado with inputs from KIFF

Pictures by: Julio Cardoso

KIFF SOCCER WEEK 2 RESULTS

KIFF LEAGUE 2013/2014. REAL BETALBATIM FC, DON BOSCO ORATORY, GOA MAROONS WIN. KUWAIT GOAN ASSOCIATION AND YRC RISING STARS SHARE SPOILS ON MATCH DAY 2

Don Bosco Oratory won 2-0

Goa Maroons won 5-0

Kerala Challengers lost 0-2

Cruzedio receiving memento from KIFF President Fidelis Fernandes

United Friends Club lost 0-5

The second round of KIFF League 2013/2014 once again saw goals galore with 12 goals being scored in 4 matches that were held on 20^th September 2013 at the Al Kazema grounds in Adeliya. The early two matches saw Don Bosco Oratory taking on Kerala Challengers on ground ‘A’ and Real Betalbatim FC clashing with United Goan Strikers on ground ‘B’. The youthful side of DBO dominated the proceedings and went ahead through Nikhil D’Souza whose first time strike gave Kerala Challengers keeper no chance. The second half started on the same note and DBO increased its tally through Lloyd. Kerala Challengers tried in vain to come into the game but DBO defense held firm and emerged victorious 2-0. Man of the match award was awarded to young Nikhil of DBO for his brilliant display and presented by Mr. Raymond D’Sa President of GOA Maroons. RBFC and UGC started on a cautious note and increased the tempo as the game progressed. The midfield dominated the game and defense held firm with goal scoring chances few in the first half. In the second half RBFC found their rhythm and dominated the proceedings. UGC defense absorbed the pressure as RBFC strike force upped the tempo and as the game petered towards a stalemate Lawrence Colaco of RBFC found the net to put his team ahead and finish the match 1-0. Lawrence of RBFC was adjudged the Man of the Match and handed over by Rev. Fr. Franco Pereira sdb, President of Don Bosco Oratory.

Real Betalbatim won 1-0

Kuwait Goan Association drew 1-1

The late 2 matches were between GOA Maroons and United Friends Club on ground ‘A’ and YRC Rising Stars and Kuwait Goan Association on ground ‘B’. GOA Maroons started the game on a positive note with an attacking intent and Steven found the net to put GOA Maroons ahead in the first half. In the second half GOA Maroons were all over UFC and scored at will with young Clevan D’Cunha scoring the first hat trick of the season. Ian made it 5-0 in favor of GOA Maroons . UFC had no answer to the marauding strike force complimented with a supporting midfield of GOA Maroons. Clevan of GOA Maroons was rightly bestowed with Man of the Match award for his classy and youthful exuberance and the award was given by Mr. M.M. Jacob of Kerala. The match between Rising Stars and KGA was a scrappy affair but attack minded intent on display by both sides. KGA went ahead through Clifton D’Cruz, but Rising Stars came strongly to equalize through Cheslee. Rising Stars went ahead when KGA defender Inacio misread the flight of the ball and headed backwards into his own net with his onrushing keeper beaten. KGA increased the pressure to equalize and found the net through Xavier whose powerful shot bulged the nets. Both the teams went for the winner towards the fag end of the game, but had to settle for a draw with the match ending 2-2. KGA goalkeeper Nelvy Rodrigues was awarded the Man of the Match for his brilliant performance and handed over by Mr. Lawrence Pinto President of YRC Rising Stars.

YRC Rising Stars drew 1-1

United Goans Centre lost 0-1

The matches were supervised by IFRA officials. In between the breaks KIFF felicitated Mr. Cruzedio Rodrigues for his contribution towards the game in KIFF for more than a decade. The fleet footed striker who played for UFC, Navelim Youth Center and now presently donning colors for DHL FC has the unique distinction of winning 8 highest goal scorer awards over a period of time he played his soccer in KIFF. Mr. Rodrigues is leaving the shores of Kuwait for good was presented with a memento by KIFF President Fidelis Fernandes. KIFF also welcomed Mr. M.M. Jacob from Kerala who is on a private visit to Kuwait. Mr. Jacob is a well known soccer personality in India and Kerala having represented the Kerala state team as a player for 8 years from 1974 and captaining the side in 1982 and was awarded G.V. Raja Gold Medal twice in 1979 & 1981 for being ‘The Best Footballer of Kerala’. He also coached the Kerala state team for Santosh Trophy for 8 years.  He represented Indian Soccer team for various international tournaments for 4 years in Seoul, Bangkok, Middle East, Russia and Hungary from 1976 to 1979. Represented the Central Excise and Customs soccer team for 16 years and also captaining the team for 12 years. Mr. Jacob was introduced to the players playing the second matches of the day.

Nikhil of DBO reciving the Man of the Match award from G.O.A President Raymond D'Sa

Man of the Match Cleevan receiving award from MM Jacob

Nelvy Rodrigues receiving the man of the match from Lawrence Pinto the president of Rising Stars

Lawrence Colaco of Real Betalbatim receiving the man of the match from Fr. Franco Pereira

Man of the Match awards for KIFF League season are sponsored by United Steel Industrial Company.

The match schedule for 27^th September 2013 to be played at Al Kazma Grounds is as follows:

At 6.45 am Cutorcares United v/s Santos United on Ground ‘A’ and AVC - Kuwait v/s Indian Strikers on Ground ‘B’

At 7.45 am DHL FC v/s FC Sparx on ground ‘A’ and Malabar United v/s Skynet Raiders v/s on Ground ‘B’

Report by: Xavier Furtado

Pics by: Julio Cardoso

KIFF SOCCER SEASON STARTS WITH A BANG

KIFF SEASON STARTS. SANTOS UNITED & SKYNET WIN. AVC, MALABAR, CURTORCARES AND SPARX SHARE SPOILS IN OPENING FIXTURES OF THE KIFF LEAGUE AT KAZEMA STADUIM IN ADELIYA

Opening Ceremony - teams entering the field

The eagerly anticipated and most watched Indian Expatriate soccer season 2013/2014 in Kuwait got underway on 13^th September 2013 at the Al Kazma grounds with the start of the KIFF League for the Late J.P. D’Mello Memorial Rolling trophy. 4 games were held on the 1^st day at the sprawling Al Kazema stadium in Adeliya. The proceedings started with the introduction of the teams with the KIFF President Mr. Fidelis Fernandes leading the Club Presidents, KIFF MC members and IFRA members on to the field of play. National anthems of Kuwait and India were played at the onset. Hon. Rev Father Franco Fernandes invoked the Blessings of The Almighty and advised the affiliates and KIFF MC to carry out the KIFF activities in a fair and responsible manner. KIFF President Mr. Fidelis Fernandes in his speech thanked IFRA for their support and the ground authorities for providing the grounds and also the affiliates and his managing committee members for working tirelessly to ensure the season start as per schedule. He also thanked the sponsors United Steel Industrial Company for the Man of the Match awards. A ceremonial cake was cut to mark the 30^th Anniversary of the Federation and the start of the new season.

Opening Ceremony

KIFF President Fidelis Fernandes along with other club presidents cutting the inaugural cake

IFRA Officials with Rev. Fr. Franco Fernandes who was on hand to give his blessings 

After the opening proceedings and amidst rising temps the real action got underway. AVC – Kuwait and Malabar United started the match on ground ‘A’ which was a hotly contested affair with Malabar dominating the opening proceedings. Malabar took the lead through Younus in the first half. AVC equalized through Anurag Thapa in the second half. In the dying minutes of the second half Malabar almost scored, but AVC’s coach and the most experienced goalkeeper Alvaro Dias made stirring saves to keep the score level at 1-1 and was rightly adjudged the Man of the Match and the award was handed over by John Furtado, President of AVC – Kuwait. On ground ‘B’ Santos United kicked off against DHL FC. Santos United took an early lead through Domnick, but DHL equalized through Aivey. Once again Santos United were put in front by Anthony and then went on a rampage to score another three goals through Manuel, Peter and Marcelino thus finishing the match 5-1. Veteran midfield maestro Tiago of Santos United marshaled the entire game to earn his side an overwhelming win and was awarded the Man of the Match which was handed over by Tony Corriea of GOA Maroons. 

AVC Sports & Cultural Associaition drew 1-1 with Malabar United

DHL Football Club lost 1-5 to Santos United

KIFF President Fidelis Fernandes addressing the teams

Malabar United

Santos United F.C

The 3^rd match was between Skynet Raiders and Indian Strikers on ground ’A’.  Skynet Raiders started with a positive rhythm and went into an early lead through Jr.Joe and Simao increased the tally for Skynet. Haris reduced the margin for Indian Strikers, but Arif scored the third for Skynet to end the match 3-1 to give his side the win. Prakash of Skynet Raiders was awarded the Man of the Match for his brilliant midfield play and handed over by B.M. Viegas ex President of KIFF. The 4^th match kicked off between Curtorcares United and Sparx FC on ground ‘B’. The young guns of Sparx as usual started the match in a whirlwind speed but Curtorcares opened the scoring through Gomes.  Sparx  however stormed back into the match and equalized through Ahmed ali. Both sides settled for a well earned draw. Ahmed Ali the live wire of Sparx bagged the Man of the Match award handed over by Vinay Kumar the President of Kerala Challengers.

Man of the Match - Ahmed Ali of Sparx

Man of the match - Alvaro Dias of AVC

Man of the Match - Prakash of Skynet Raiders

Man of the match - Tiago of Santos United

The matches were supervised by IFRA officials. The proceedings were ably conducted by Bernard Fernandes and Kevin Vaz with professional ace lens man Revon Gomes capturing the moments on camera.

Curtorcares United

Skynet Raiders won 3-1 against Indian Strikers

Indian Strikers

Sparx 

Man of the Match awards are sponsored by United Steel Industrial Company.

The match schedule for 20^th September 2013 to be played at Kazma grounds is as follows:

At 6.45 am Don Bosco Oratory (DBO) v/s Kerala Challengers on Ground ‘A’ and Real Betalbatim FC (RBFC) v/s United Goans Club (UG) on Ground ‘B’

At 7.45 am United Friends Club (UFC) v/s GOA Maroons on ground ‘A’ and Kuwait Goan Association (KGA) v/s YRC Rising Stars (Rising Stars) v/s on Ground ‘B’

rEPORT BY: XAVIER FURTADO
PICS BY: REVON GOMES / JULIO CARDOSO