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 21st
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.
