KIFF SEASON 2012 - 2013
DHL KUWAIT, NAVELIM Y.C & CURTORCARES COLLECT FULL POINTS
The
much awaited Indian expatriate soccer season was officially declared open by
Kuwait Indian Football Federation (KIFF) on 5th October 2012 at the
MOH ground in Shuwaikh. The opening ceremony started at 7.20 am with former
Presidents of KIFF and Presidents of all 18 affiliates being led by KIFF’s Gen. Secretary Praveen Kumar to the
middle of the pitch. KIFF President Mr. Fidelis Fernandes accompanied the Guest
of Honor Michael D’Cunha and special invitee Tony
D’Costa who is an IFRA referee and a well known personality of Indian
Expatriate soccer in Kuwait. Fidelis Fernandes in his eloquent speech thanked
all 18 affiliates for their support and the MOH authorities for providing the ground
to the federation to conduct its activities. He also welcomed the Indian
Football Referees Association ( IFRA ) back to the fold for this season and hoped
for a fruitful and long relationship in the years to come.
 |
| All 18 Affiliated Clubs presidents, ex-presidents and special invitees pose for a picture |
Mr. Fernandes announced
and reminded all the affiliates about the Fair Play Trophy rules which were
discussed and cleared at the EGM for trial on the opening day proceedings. National
anthems of Kuwait and India were played followed by release of balloons
depicting the national colors of Kuwait, India and KIFF. A celebratory cake was
cut by all the dignitaries and KIFF President declared the season 2012-2013 open
starting with the KIFF league for the Late JP D’Mello Rolling Trophy. KIFF’s
young and flamboyant Sports Secretary Mr. Kevin Vaz conducted the proceedings. A
Housie (Bingo) round was conducted with snow ball prize of air ticket Kwt-Mumbai-Kwt
sponsored by Al Qatan Travels during the break.
 |
| Sports Secretary Kevin Vaz hosted the program |
 |
| Releasing of balloons before the start of the first match |
 |
| KIFF President honouring Anthony D'Costa |
With
favorable climatic conditions and a green turf beckoning the action got
underway with defending champions Don Bosco Oratory (DBO) taking on the DHL
Football Club. DBO were quick out of the blocks while DHL were comfortable to
soak in the initial pressure and relied on counter attacks. After a barren 1st half DHL stunned
DBO by scoring against the run of play when a teasing cross from Anthony was
met by Binoj to score a beautifully headed goal. DBO mounted pressure and were
awarded a penalty which Michael to the dismay of his colleagues shot wide and
all hopes of a comeback were extinguished. The match ended with DHL being
victorious 1-0 and DBO ruing the missed opportunities. Man of the Match was
awarded to Roland of DHL. The match was refereed by CO John along with Sarto
Baptista and David.
 |
| IFRA Officials at the start of the match between DHL Kuwait and Don Bosco Oratory |
 |
| Roland of DHL Kuwait receiving the man of the match award from chief guest Michael D'Cunha |
The
second match pitted Curtorcares United against Malabar United. The young and
energetic Curtorcares United dominated the proceedings with their speedy play,
but the goal eluded them in the first half. In the second half Curtorcares
United scored the match winner with Martin scoring a gem of a goal when his classic
swirling shot entered the far post giving no chance to the Malabar United keeper.
Man of Match award went to Martino Gomes of Curtorcares United. The match was supervised
by Sarto Baptista along with Sharma and David.
 |
| Martino Gomes of Curtorcares United receiving the man of the match award from Anthony D'Costa |
The
final match saw Navelim Youth Center overcoming Skynet Raiders 3-2 . Both teams started on a frantic pace with
Skynet scoring the fastest goal of the day when Macleston gave his team the
lead with leaden footed NYC defense and goalkeeper frozen in their tracks. Stung
with the early goal NYC attacked with vigor and equalized through their hard
working medio Bernardo Pires. Skynet went into the lead again when a Skynet
striker was brought down in the NYC penalty box, and the referee rightly
pointed to the spot. Veteran medio Tiago placed the ball calmly to go ahead
into the lemon break. NYC equalized in the second half when Arif guided his
header in the far corner of Skynet goal. NYC scored the winner, when Skynet
goalkeeper misread the flight of the ball which struck the upright and gifted
NYC striker Cruzeido who darted in and scored.. Man of the Match went to Tiago
of Skynet Raiders for his overall performance. The proceedings were manned
expertly by Francis at the center and Chris and Sharma on the lines.
 |
| Joint Highest Scorer of last season Cruzedio of Navelim Y.C receiving a gold coin from V. K. Vohra |
 |
| Tiago of Skynet Raiders receiving the man of the match award from ex-president B. M. Viegas |
While
all the matches were played in the spirit of the game, more effort is solicited
from all the affiliates towards the Fair Play rules for the Fair Play trophy to
make the game more palatable to the fans as it creates a soothing environment
on and off the field of play. Finally, KIFF has to be commended for their
community service as they approved the launch of a Konkani VCD titled ‘’Tin
Rukh’’ by well known Konkani stage artiste Querobina Carvalho during the day’s
proceedings. Man of Match awards for KIFF League are sponsored by Integrated
Logistics Company.
 |
| KIFF President releasing Querobina Carvalho's Konkani VCD . Querobina (centre) and Gracy Morais (right) |
The schedule of
matches on 12/10/2012 for the ongoing KIFF League:
1st
Match at 6.30am GOA
Maroons v/s AVC – Kuwait
2nd
Match at 8 am United
Friends Club v/s Kuwait Goan Association.
3rd
Match at 9.15am United
Goans Club v/s Indian Strikers
4th
Match at 10.30am YRC Rising
Stars v/s Kerala Challengers
Xavier Furtado
Kuwait
