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

REAL BETALBATIM FC, FC SPARX AND INDIAN STRIKERS ADVANCE IN KIFF PRESIDENTS’ CUP 2014

In match day 3 of the ‘’KIFF PRESIDENTS’ CUP 2014’’ Real Betalbatim Football Club beat United Friends Club 1-0, FC Sparx downed United Goan Center 2-0 and Indian Strikers thumped DHL Football Club 5-0. All the matches were  played at the Al Sabah Hospital grounds in Kuwait on 21^st February 2014.

In the first game of the day RBFC took on UFC. The match started on a sedate pace with both the teams gauging each other’s strength. RBFC dominated the early exchanges and missed going ahead as their strikers could not take advantage. UFC came back in the game and exerted pressure on RBFC but their defense held firm. In the second half RBFC made the tactical change by deploying the veteran and ageless legend Teddy Pinto in midfield from defense. Teddy, a veteran of many duels in the past and though lacking in pace now controlled the midfield in absence of another midfield maestro Phillip who withdrew midway due to hamstring injury and fed his striker force with clinical passes, but RBFC strikers could not take advantage to forge ahead. Meanwhile UFC upped the tempo through their wings, but RBFC goalkeeper was equal to the task. In the final minutes RBFC came back in to the game strongly with Denzil and Teddy controlling the midfield and in one swift move Marshall beat the offside trap and found the net beating the UFC goalkeeper with a cool finish to put his team ahead. UFC stunned by this reversal tried in vain to equalize but RBFC held firm and were deserved winners to advance in the quarterfinals. The match ended in favor of RBFC 1-0. The Man of the Match was RBFC’s roving defender Denzil and the award was given away by Manuel D’Costa ex President of KIFF. The game was officiated by Alvaro Dias in the center with Sarto and Simon on the flanks.

The Man of the Match was RBFC’s roving defender Denzil and the award was given away by Manuel D’Costa ex President of KIFF.

Real Betalbatim Football Club

The second match saw youthful FC Sparx taking on United Goan Center. Sparx started the match with pace as usual and raided UG citadel continuously. UG defense managed to hold firm, but crumbled when Saheer of Sparx found the net to put his team ahead. Jammas of Sparx increased the tally to make it 2-0 in the first half. The second half saw UG holding on firm and also putting pressure on Sparx’s defense, but unfortunately their strikers did not find the net. The match then went in to a lethargic pace with neither side making serious inroads and though Sparx did upped the tempo they could not increase their tally and with UG content on guarding against further breach the match ended 2-0 in favor of FC Sparx. Hussain bagged the Man of the Match award for his tremendous midfield presence and the award was handed over by Amaldo Fernandes, President of Curtorcares United. The match proceedings were conducted by Simon in the center with support from Sarto and Liston.

Hussain bagged the Man of the Match award for his tremendous midfield presence and the award was handed over by Amaldo Fernandes, President of Curtorcares United

Sparx FC

The last match of the day was the first quarterfinal of the tournament played between DHL FC and Indian Strikers. The first half was played mostly in the midfield with neither side going in for the final kill. Indian Strikers did try to exert pressure on DHL defense, but could not forge ahead. The second half saw Indian Strikers increasing the tempo to a notch higher and took the lead in the tenth minute though hardworking Harris who beat DHL’s substitute goalkeeper Leo. At this instant the floodgates opened and in the span of 15 minutes the fleet footed strikers of Indian Strikers scored at will with Harris and Jagdeesh completing their respective braces and Roy completing the onslaught. DHL midfield and defense were in tatters with complete dominance of Indian Strikers their speed harrowing the opposition in a short blitzkrieg. The match ended with a score line of 5-0 in favor of Indian Strikers who have now moved to the semifinals stage in style. Indian Strikers’ Harris who was brilliant from the onset was declared the Man of the Match and the trophy was given away by Cajetan Pereira, President of United Friends Club. The match was officiated by Liston at the center and assisted by Alvaro and Jose.

Indian Strikers

Indian Strikers’ Harris who was brilliant from the onset was declared the Man of the Match and the trophy was given away by Cajetan Pereira, President of United Friends Club.

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 remaining quarterfinals of the tournament will be played on 7^th March 2014.

On 25^th February 2014 Curtorcares United will conduct their 7 a side football tournament at the Al Sabah Hospital grounds with matches staring at 6.45am. The draw was held on 14^th February 2014 and is applicable to all KIFF affiliates.

On 28^th February 2014 KIFF will conduct their 7 a side KIFF Veterans tournament at the Al Sabah Hospital grounds with matches staring at 6.45am. The draw was held on 14^th February 2014 and is applicable to all KIFF affiliates.