INDIANS IN KUWAIT FELICITATE BRUNO COUTINHO

KIFF FELICITATES BRUNO COUTINHO

Indian Soccer Icon attends League final in Kuwait

KIFF Managing Committee presents a memento to Bruno Coutinho 

Kuwait Indian Football Federation (KIFF) laid out the red carpet for Indian soccer icon Bruno Coutinho in a classy function organized on 14th June 2012 at the Royal Terrasse Restaurant to felicitate the Arjuna Awardee and former captain of the Indian soccer team.

Introducing Bruno Coutinho to the 19 affiliate member clubs of the federation and other dignitaries, KIFF president Fidelis Fernandes welcomed Coutinho who is now the Jt. Director of coaching for the Sports Authority of Goa (SAG) and spoke at length of his many achievements in soccer.  Fernandes also paid glowing tributes to Bruno and amid showers of glittering confetti, presented him with an exquisite memento on behalf of the Federation.

Bruno Coutinho and Fidelis Fernandes welcomed with bouquets of flowers

Performance by Mario Carneiro and Shahu Almeida

The evening got off to a wonderful start with a welcome song by renowned Konkani stage artiste Mario Carneiro highlighting the history of Indian soccer in Kuwait, followed by a soccer quiz competition testing the knowledge of the guests who were divided into teams.  DJ Marlon was on hand to provide the music for those who wanted to shake a leg and popular Goan musician Shahu Almeida transported everyone to the sunshine state, swinging to the Goan Masalla.  In between guests participated in a game which was won by youngsters Dwane Almeida & Leann D'Souza and  were also entertained with a dance performance by a troupe of teenagers, led by Kevin Vaz.

Dance Performance

Leann D'Souza and Dwane Almeida prize winners

Fr. Franco Pereira says the grace before meals

Accepting his award, Bruno Coutinho thanked the Federation for making him feel special and said he was amazed to see such a strong Indian Football Federation with 19 affiliates, unlike anywhere else in the gulf.   Responding to a few questions from the emcee on behalf of the audience, Bruno who studied in the famous Monte De Guirim High School in Goa felt that sports in India needed to be developed at village level and in Goa with the new Chief Minister, Manohar Parrikar declaring soccer as a state sport, the future for soccer seemed bright at least in his home state.  Asked who his role model was, Bruno immediately responded “I owe everything to my father and my family” who have been my strength and support in achieving my goals.   On a question if SAG would be able to organize a mini world cup in Goa for NRI teams, the soccer icon felt that it could be done and he would look into the possibility upon his return to India. 

Host and  emcee  Julio Cardoso

Rev. Fr. Franco Pereira Sdb, spoke briefly about playing the game in the right spirit before leading the guests in a small prayer just before dinner. The splendid and memorable evening was hosted by Julio Cardoso and ended well past midnight with all the 19 affiliate member clubs being introduced to Bruno Coutinho and KIFF Vice President Clifford Pinto proposing the vote of thanks.    

Julio Cardoso
Kuwait

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