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Tuesday, May 29, 2012

GOA ROLLING TROPHY - Navelim YC and Skynet Raiders SC to clash in finals


G.O.A ROLLING TROPHY
Skynet Raiders SC and Navelim YC in finals
Navelim , stand in keeper Alfred Pires saves a penalty to put his team in the finals
Navelim YC came good in the tie-breaker lottery edging AVC & CA after twice coming back from the jaws of defeat in a pulsating match that had ended in a 2-2 draw and Skynet Raiders SC also made it to their first ever final edging mighty Goa Maroons in similar fashion when the game was tied  1-1 in the semi finals of the 18th edition of the G.O.A Rolling Trophy organized by Goan Overseas Association (Goa Maroons) under the auspices of KIFF and sponsored by Bassem International Trading Company at the MOH ground, Shuwaikh (Kuwait).  

In a scrappy encounter which saw tampers flying all around; Braulio Rodrigues gave AVC the lead in the 10th minute of the first half after combining well with the young and talented Kevin Vaz who this season has caught the eye.   However, Cruzedio of Navelim continuing his good form in this tournament equalized much to the delight of the Navelim members and supporters who are this year celebrating 25 years of the club’s existence, only for Anthony Rodrigues to give AVC the lead once again after a well worked move with Malwin.   The second half was sea-saw battle with the Canacona lad Savio Fernandes playing brilliantly in the AVC midfield and his precise crosses nearly took the game away from Navelim, but for poor finishing by their forwards. 

Navelim on the other hand, marshaled by the elegant Bernardo Pires, soaked in the pressure and were lucky to get the equalizer in the dying minutes of the game when one of the AVC defenders handled the ball and referee Victor Andrade had no hesitation in pointing to the dreaded spot.  Duarte Ferrao ensured the game went into extra time when he clinically scored from the penalty spot, to end the game 2-2.  In the ensuing tie-breaker Gasper Crasto, Bernard Pires, Ryan Lewis and Alfred Pires scored for Navelim. Americo's penalty was saved by AVC goalkeeper Alvaro Dias. Navelim stand-in keeper Alfred Pires saved a penalty while AVC hit their penultimate kick on the crossbar.  Only Anthony and Nicholas could find the net for AVC.
Navelim YC winners in tie breaker
AVC & CA unfortunate to lose in tie breaker

In the second semi final, injury plagued Goa Maroons without some of their star players were barraged with a series of attacks from Skynet Raiders SC right from the start, but after a barren first half, it was Maroons who opened the scoring through hard working Bonny Niasso when in a sudden counter move, he worked past three defenders to slot past a diving Francis Monteiro in the Skynet goal. With the game slipping from their hands, Skynet Raiders responded with frantic raids and were unlucky twice with the wood-work coming to Goa Maroons rescue. Dominic and Alex defended very well for Skynet Raiders and just when it was looking like Maroons would scrape through, Sathyarag Mohan scored when the ball rebounded off the crossbar to his feet from a 25 yard shot taken by substitute Tiago.
Skynet Raiders in their first final after winning in tiebreaker

Goa Maroons lost in the tie breaker

Extra time remained goalless with players from both the teams visibly tired from the extremely hot and dusty conditions and in the ensuing penalty shootout, Monteiro saved Bonny’s   kick to ensure Skynet Raiders SC first ever entry in the  final of  the prestigious tournament.

The finals are slated for Friday, 1st June 2012 at 8:00am (sharp) and Mr. Charles D’Sa the General Manager of Bassem International Company will be the chief guest.

Julio Cardoso- Kuwait

Alex of Goa Maroons going for the header

Action shot - NYC vs AVC
tampers flying high in the heat
action shot AVC vs NYC







Thursday, May 24, 2012

English version of Goa Shrimp and Eggplant curry

Now if you assume that my life in Kuwait basically centers around sports, control of the TV remote and generally  making life difficult for my wife...you are spot on.  However, let me state modestly that I do have one good quality and that is I visit the kitchen sometimes....Practically every Friday I prepare the fish curry at home.  Of course, if you tell this to my wife, she will tell you 'Ask him who cleans the fish, and washes the utensils  after the cooking is done'..... but that's another story altogether.

Prawn & eggplant curry prepared by me
Recently I came across this very simple recipe prepared by an Englishman and decided to try it out, just to break from the usual routine of preparing my mum's fish curry recipe.  I am sharing it with you cause it's very simple and you might even like it.

This is how it looked on my plate...Yum!!
I prepared it last Friday  and it turned out pretty nice.  The taste is slightly different from our normal prawn curry and you should keep the gravy a little thick so it can be enjoyed with the rice and pickle or even Kubs.   Take it easy on the chilies if you do not want it to be too spicy.



Goan Shrimp and Eggplant Curry


* 2 Tablespoons oil
* 1 small yellow onion, chopped
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 teaspoon cayenne (chillie powder)
* 1 teaspoon ground coriander
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
* 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
* 1 cup canned diced tomatoes in their juice
* 3 small Japanese eggplant, cut in half lengthwise and then into1/2-inch chunks
* 2 small Serrano chile peppers, cut in half lengthwise (big chillies)
* 3/4 teaspoon salt
* 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
* 13.5-ounce can coconut milk
* 1-1/2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar
* 1/4 cup chopped cilantro (coriander / parsley)

Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.  Add the onion and cook until softened.  Add the garlic, cayenne, coriander, cumin, and turmeric and cook, stirring frequently, for one minute.  Add the tomato and tomato juice and cook until the tomato has almost completely broken down; use the back of a wooden spoon to help break up the pieces of tomato, if necessary.

Add the eggplant, chile peppers, salt and mix well.  Cover and reduce heat to low; cook until the eggplant has softened, about 7-8 minutes.  Add the shrimp and cook, stirring, just until the shrimp turns pink.  Add the coconut milk and simmer gently until the coconut sauce is hot and the shrimp has cooked through.  Remove from heat and stir in the apple cider vinegar.  Top with the chopped cilantro and serve atop a bed of rice... brown basmati is a particularly nice match. 

Serves four to six.    

Monday, May 21, 2012

Goa Maroons, Navelim YC, AVC & Skynet Raiders in Semis


G.O.A ROLLING TROPHY
Match day 6 – Quarter finals
Goa Maroons, Navelim YC, AVC & CA , and Skynet Raiders in Semis


Justifying their direct seeding into round two, Goa Maroons and Navelim YC took their expected places in the last four while AVC & CA and Skynet Raiders were the other two teams to qualify for the semifinals, in the 18th edition of the prestigious G.O.A Rolling Trophy organized by Goan Overseas Association (Goa Maroons) under the auspices of KIFF and sponsored by Bassem International Trading Company at the MOH ground, Shuwaikh (Kuwait).  

In the day’s first match, last year’s finalist Navelim YC overcame a strangely subdued DHL FC 2-0.  The ever dependable Alfred Pires put Navelim in front when he scored from close range in the first half while star forward Cruzedio Rodrigues put the game beyond DHL FC with his usual cool and clinical finish in the second half.  Midfielders Terence and Roland played their hearts out for DHL but with no luck and with some erratic shooting by their forwards, could not get past Adrian  deputing for Britto in the Navelim goal who did well to keep a clean sheet.  Navelim YC made three substitutions in the second half, notable one being veteran Gasper Crasto who immediately made his presence felt in the Navelim half line.
Navelim Youth Centre won 2-0

In the second quarter final, a depleted C.R.C Chinchinim without the brilliant Gomes brothers and goalkeeper Antonio who are all on vacation, fielded only nine players against defending champions Goa Maroons and the outcome of the game was easily foreseeable when the redoubtable Zelito Cardozo scored for Goa Maroons in the very third minute of the game from an excellent cross by Bonny Niasso.  Prolofic scorer Steven Rodrigues added two more and Bonny Niasso scored the fourth from a scorching 25 metres drive to make it 4-0 before the end of the first half.
Goa Maroons - winners

In the second half, using the shield of soccer law three, C.R.C Chinchinim players started falling like nine pins and the referee had no choice but abandon the match, as they did not have the minimum number of seven players on the field, and the match was awarded to Goa Maroons.

In the last match of the day, Gulf Cable flattered only to deceive after taking the lead through Sinu Thomas in the 15th minute and then going on to lose 1-7 to Skynet Raiders.  Gulf Cable were unfortunate to lose Abdul Kumarakkttil to a second bookable offence and Skynet Raiders taking advantage of an extra man in the extremely  hot conditions scored at will in the second half  through Sathyaraj Mohan (2), Doruesh Naik (2), Maleston Dias, Reazer Dias and Dominic Fernandes.

Skynet Raiders won 7-1
Gulf Cable lost 1-7 to Skynet Raiders

Schedule for semifinal matches:- Coming Friday, 25th May  2012, AVC & CA take on Navelim Youth Centre at 6:30am, followed by Goa Maroons versus Skynet Raiders at 8:00am  

Julio Cardoso- Kuwait

Response from Jet Airways......to my last post (Between the Devil and the deep blue sea)


Our Ref No: BOM/CCI/GG/160512/4634402

21 May 2012

Mr. Juliao Cardoso

Email: ghatki@yahoo.com

Dear Mr Cardoso

Warm Greetings!!

My apologies for the unfavourable experience you had during your travel from Kuwait to Goa via Mumbai on May 3, 2012.

We have asked our Kuwait Airport Manager to review the current boarding process followed, to avoid such feedback from guests. I am sure he will share the feedback internally with the concerned service providers.

What further concerns is to know and also view the image of the meal that was served onboard this flight. Meals served on board our flights are an integral part of our over all service.  Hence your comments will certainly be taken up with our caterers with the seriousness it deserves.

Please also accept our sincerest apologies for the difficulties you had with your check in baggage. You have our assurance that renewed instructions have been sent to the concerned stations involved to ensure all staff and loaders are briefed to take additional precaution to ensure that we do not cause inconvenience to our valued guests.

We are committed to our aim of providing you with reliable and professional yet personalised service and I hope we will be able to restore your full confidence in our service during your future travels with us.

We look forward to your continued support and patronage of Jet Airways.

Kind Regards,

Gururaj Govalkar
Guest Relations
Jet Airways (India) Limited


"Right On Time Everytime


Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Between the devil and the deep blue sea - Jet or Air India


JET  OR AIR INDIA ?.....It's a good question

ONE WAY KUWAIT TO GOA BY JET :-

So like other fellow Goans, last week when we had to make an urgent trip to Goa, I faithfully browsed the internet looking for the best flight options and deals from Kuwait to Goa return and considering the fact that we (my wife and me) were going only for a week, we decided to take Jet  one way to Goa on Thursday evening and return on Air India on the following Friday.  Although it would be a little more expensive, we would still save a day.  Air Arabia and Qatar Airways were out of the question as the flights were working out much more expensive.

Now for those of you who might consider the cheapest options, this is my suggestion:-

1)      If you are booking well in advance (3 to 6 months ahead, Air Arabia and Qatar Airways will give you the cheapest fares, specially off season)
2)      Jet  will give you the second best fares, but you have to make a stopover in Mumbai)
3)  Comparatively Air-India is a little more expensive, but you will reach home ‘Direct’ within a few hours with no stop over.

We were booked by Jet departing from Kuwait on Thursday 3rd May 2012 at 20:35 for Mumbai and from there on to Goa at 05:40.  Check in at Kuwait airport was smooth as we had done our web check-in the previous night on line and so did not have to stand in the long queue.  Just inform any of the airline attendants that you have done a web check-in and they will direct you to the right counter.

Please remember when you weigh your luggage at home on your own scale, make sure it is at least 2 kg less than the permissible weight allowed, because although we had weighed our luggage at home to comply to the 40kg per person allowable check in luggage, the scale at the check in counter showed we were 2kg overweight.    

At 20:15 the boarding was announced we were taken down a flight of steps to a waiting bus for our drive to the aircraft.  A smartly dressed attendant holding a very noisy walkie-talkie then directed us to board the bus which we did jostling one another as is common practice among Indians, although we would all reach our destination at the same time.  Now a word about these buses, they are designed with only a few seats and quite a few hand holders (hand rings) for standing passengers and usually for safety reasons the buses are never overloaded.  However our smart attendant who must have done a crash course in Sardine Packing was doing his thesis on packing in as many as he could and finally when there was no more air in the bus, he ordered the driver to leave,  although there was another empty bus waiting for the same purpose.

I must confess, Jet  has some smart looking crew and this sort of made up for our  sardine mishap and about 45 minutes into the flight the cabin staff came with the trolley of goodies (read drinks) and one could sense the excitement and ear to ear smiles among the few Goans who were traveling on this flight.  There was a choice of whiskey,  Beer, and Vodka and although I was disheartened on seeing the labels, I cannot complain about the service which was excellent.

In about half hour dinner was served….and this is where I must say ‘Jet..... you failed’  I am not going to say much about it, but I am sure the picture below  will give you a pretty good idea of what is served on an INTERNATIONAL flight of Jet, middle east sector.  One tiny bottle of water, one yogurt, one tiny chocolate and one small plate containing some rice, dal and tiny pieces of chicken on a plastic disposable plate.
 
Meal offered by Jet

Upon landing at Mumbai airport (half hour late), immigration took about 40 minutes and then it was a mad dash to the duty free shop to purchase our quota of booze (2 bottles per pax).  Got the booze in 10 minutes flat and rushed to the conveyer belt where our luggage had already arrived.  Hurriedly opened my suitcase to put the booze bottles as domestic airlines do not allow passengers to carry liquid in hand baggage (even if sealed at your point of origin) and rushed through customs telling the kind officer that we were Goa passengers and our flight was about to leave.  However, we still had to put the luggage through the X-Ray machine and after collecting it the other side, someone directed us to the Jet counter where we had to once again screen the luggage, collect it the other side (nobody to help, mind you) and then hand it over to the  personnel hoping they would not forget to board it on your flight.  After a security guard checked our onward boarding passes, we were ushered into a waiting bus that took us through the airport area to the Domestic airport. 

Once at the domestic airport, we had to once again show our boarding passes to a security guard and rushed to do our domestic security all over again, were we had to even remove our belts etc… by the time  security check was done, it was 5:15am and the announcement was saying ‘final call’ for Goa Guests. Rushed to the waiting bus  to take us to our flight to Goa, and guess what!!!!  You will not believe this, but our bus took us back to the international airport to catch our Goa flight…. We saw the funny side of it though and shared a few laughs with our fellow Goan Guests about the mad dash we had to reach the domestic airport from the international airport, only to be taken back…. I believe this is standard procedure as we become local passengers once we cross immigration in Mumbai, so no complaints.

The flight to Goa took about an hour as we had to waste some fuel in air due to ‘Goa Airport Congestion’ and finally at 8:05am we landed in Goa.  I should not forget to mention that our suitcases had a strange kind of oil all over them when they arrived on the conveyer belt and a fellow passenger carrying a cloth suitcase was giving Konkani gallis to Jet  as his cloth suitcase was completely ruined.  The below picture will give you an idea of the oil on my Delsey.

State of of Delsey upon arrival in Goa - check out the wet oil marks


ONE WAY GOA TO KUWAIT BY AIR INDIA:-

Our return flight to Kuwait was on 11th May 2012 at 8:30pm by Air-India and I must say it was a completely different experience.  Somebody from the airline called me a day earlier and wanted to know if we were definitely traveling, and I confirmed in the affirmative and asked her if Air-India was surely going, as the pilots had gone on strike a couple of days earlier, to which she laughed and said, yes of course, but we will advice you if there is any change in the schedule. 

Having not heard from Air India again, we went to the airport keeping our fingers crossed and hoping that not all pilots will be on strike, so imagine our surprise when the flight arrived on time from Chennai and departed 10 minutes early for Kuwait.  Although the departure time was 8:30pm, we left at 8:20pm, 10 minutes early (must have been a fluke) and to top it all, we landed 26 minutes early in Kuwait.  Being Goa passengers, our luggage which had gone in last, came out first and we were out in a Jiffy.

It’s worth mentioning that the service on board was nice and food served by Air-India was creditable.  My non-veg tray included: a water bottle, salad, main course of rice, chicken and vegetable, a dessert, salt, pepper, toothpick, coffee creamer, sugar and the choice of tea or coffee.  The drinks offered were similar to Jet, but the additional packet of peanuts is something all passengers cherish and I was even offered two.
Air India - Yeah, I was offered 2 drinks before dinner

Dinner on Air India - at least it looks good

Having flown both airlines, I believe that if you are traveling with women and children it might be a little difficult on Jet, as it is too hectic and rushed.  You are all the time tense about making it in time to catch the Goa flight from Mumbai, unless of course you break your journey in Mumbai and catch the afternoon flight. In such a case, Jet would be a cheaper option. 

I would love to hear from passengers who have traveled on this sector. 

Julio Cardoso


Goa Maroons, Skynet Raiders, Gulf Cable FC in quarters


G.O.A ROLLING TROPHY
Match day 5
A.V.C SPORTS & C.A IN SEMIS

Defending champions and hosts Goa Maroons confirmed their quarterfinal berth edging out a spirited FC Sparx 3-1, while Skynet Raiders SC went through some anxious moments before finally overcoming Real Betalbatim FC 2-1 and AVC Sports & CA upstaged United Friends Club 3-2  to be the first team to qualify for the semi finals  of  the 18th edition of the prestigious  G.O.A Rolling Trophy organized by Goan Overseas Association (Goa Maroons) under the auspices of KIFF and sponsored by Bassem International Trading Company at the MOH ground, Shuwaikh (Kuwait). 

Goa Maroons winners 3-1
FC Sparx - fought hard but lost 1-3 to Goa Maroons

Steven Rodrigues continuing his fine form was the hero for injury plagued Goa Maroons as he scored once in the first half from an exquisite cross by hard working midfielder Everest and completed his hat-rick with two more in the second half, thereby taking his tally to 7 goals in 4 matches this season.  FC Sparx should take heart from the fact that they played an excellent game and although substitute Mohammed Vazeel did pull one back during the second half, their inexperience and some fine keeping by Glen in the Maroons goal denied them further goals.
Earlier, in an evenly matched contest and fluctuating fortunes between AVC  & United Friends Club (UFC), Manual DÇosta put UFC in front only for veteran Melwin Fernandes to equalize for AVC with a close range volley.  Remedio Fernandes put UFC once again in the front in the second half, but the lead did not last long with the ever dependable Milton Estracio equalizing for AVC to level the scores.  It was however against the run of play that Braulio Rodrigues  scored from a corner kick  for AVC, taking his team to the semi finals where they will meet the winners of Navelim YC versus DHL FC who are due to play this coming Friday.
Victorious AVC & CA
United Friends Club - went down fighting 2-3 to AVC

In the last match of the day, 10 men Skynet Raiders edged out Real Betalbatim in an engrossing match that was high on drama.  Skynet took the lead in the 15th minute through Sattyaraj Mohan, but Viet D’Silva playing his first match on the MOH ground equalized for Real Betalbatim.  Skynet Raiders lost their goalkeeper due to injury towards the end of the first half and being short of substitutes continued playing with 10 men with Alexio Goes replacing the injured goalkeeper.  However, Real Betalbatim could not take advantage of having an extra man on the field and it was Sathyaraj Mohan who once again found the net for Skynet Raiders to ensure his team qualified for the quarter finals where they will meet Gulf Cable FC who have already qualified.  
Skynet Raiders - played with 10 men and won 2-1
Real Betalbatim lost 1-2

Schedule for upcoming quarter final matches:- Coming Friday, 18th May  2012, DHL FC take on Navelim Youth Centre at 6:30am, followed by Goa Maroons versus C.R.C Chinchinim at 8:00am and Skynet Raiders SC playing Gulf Cable FC at 9:30am. 

Julio Cardoso- Kuwait

Saturday, May 12, 2012


G.O.A ROLLING TROPHY
Match day 4

DHL FC and Navelim YC to clash in Quarters

In an exciting second round clash Navelim Youth Centre had to use all their experience and skills to edge out Malabar United FC 2-1, and DHL FC trashed Santos FC 4-1 in an one sided first round clash in the 18th edition of the G.O.A Rolling trophy organized by Goan Overseas Association (Goa Maroons) and sponsored by Bassem International Trading Company at the MOH Ground, Shuwaikh.

Navelim Y.C winner 2-1

Fans who turned up in large numbers to witness the grand clash between title aspirants Malabar United FC and Navelim YC were not disappointed with the match starting in spectacular fashion right from the first minute when Arif playing his first match for Navelim YC had a dream debut scoring in the 46th second from inside the penalty area. The goal came as a shock for Malabar United who were just settling in and motivated them to attack the Navelim goal in large numbers and the hard work put in by Ismael, Ashwad Ali and others finally paid when Muhammed Malayil scored from close range before the end of the first half to get their team on level terms.
Malabar United FC lost in a close match
DHL FC won 4-1

Santos FC lost to DHL FC

The second half was dominated by Malabar United FC with some fine passing but at the same time some robust tackling, and referee Derrick Gomendes had no hesitation in issuing as many as four cautions to the Malabar players to keep the match from getting out of hand. It was however against the run of play that Cruz who has been a thorn in the sides of many a teams’ showed just why he is so highly rated when he put Navelim into the lead with a beautiful goal from close range.

Malabar United FC tried their best to get the equalizer, and almost came close to taking the match to extra time only to find a fine effort by their forward disallowed for offside.

Earlier, DHL FC who have shown great potential this season, easily defeated Santos F.C with goals from Terence D’Souza, Anthony Vincent, Ishfaq Ismail and Binoj. Santos FC got a consolation goal when Romeo Fernandes was brought down in the box, and in the ensuing penalty, young Cheslee D’Souza made no mistake in converting for Santos F.C. Philip Coutinho under the Santos Bar had to make as many as three excellent saves to keep his team from losing with a larger margin.

Coming Friday, AVC Sports & CA take on United Friends Club at 6:30am, Goa Maroons who received a bye, being last year’s champions play FC Spark at 8:00am and real Betalbatim FC will play Skynet Raiders in the last match at 9:30am. The tournament is played under the auspices of KIFF.

Report by: Julio Cardoso - Kuwait

:This report is also published in Arab Times of today's date - Page 50 - Sports column]