Julio Cardoso : Proud Goan from Galgibaga.....: Navelim YC lift glittering GOA Rolling Trophy

G.O.A ROLLING TROPHY

Navelim YC crowned champions

Man of the match Ryan Luis scored in the dying minutes to give Navelim YC a hard fought 3-2 victory over Skynet Raiders SC in a heart stopping final of the 18^th edition of the GOA Rolling Trophy, organized by Goan Overseas Association (Goa Maroons) under the auspices of KIFF and sponsored by Charles D'Sa of Bassem International Trading Company at the MOH ground, Shuwaikh (Kuwait).

Introduction

In a match of fluctuating fortunes blessed with excellent weather conditions and witnessed by a unusually large crowd, Navelim YC took the early initiative with Duarte Ferrao’s precise cross in the 5^th minute which was safely negotiated by the Skynet defense and soon after that Navelim captain Cruzedio was caught marginally offside from a through ball by Bernard Pires. However Skynet who were probably overwhelmed being in their first final, soon got their act together with Marcelino making a fine run down the left flank and nearly scoring but Navelim keeper Adriano was equal to the task, just tipping the ball over the post. In the ensuing corner, Duresh Naik scored the first goal of the game in the 14^th minute for Skynet Raiders when he was first to react in the goalmouth melee. Navelim came back strongly and with some clever ball possession got back on level terms when Cruzedio scored just minutes before the half time whistle, 1-1.

Both teams pose for a pic before the game

In the second half Tiago’s free kick from just outside the eighteen yard box deflected off the Navelim wall and screamed past the outstretched hands of the Navelim keeper to give Skynet Raiders the lead once again, 2-1. But the lead was not to last too long as Cruzedio was once again in the thick of action when he accurately found Duarte who made no mistake to level the scores 2-2. With the match looking like going into extra time, Skynet substituted their captain Alex and Marcelino in the defense and this gave the opening for hard working Ryan Lewis to find the gap in the Skynet left flank and score the all important winning goal for Navelim, 3-2. Referee Pascoal did a fine job and was ably assisted by Robert and Arnold on the lines.

Before the start of the presentation ceremony, Kuwait's master compere Lloyd D'souza was on hand to introduce veteran Goa Maroons soccer player Julio Cardoso, who has been an active committee member and player for the last 18 years with the club. Cardoso was honored with a plaque by GOA President Raymond D'Sa for his contribution to the club, sports and entertainment activities in Kuwait .

Julio Cardoso being presented with a memento by GOA President

Captain Cruzedio and his jubilant team mates collected the glittering GOA Rolling Cup and the individual trophies from the hands of chief guest and sponsor Charles D’Sa, while Tony Correia the V. President and Ian D'Souza the Jt. Secretary of G.O.A gave away the runners-up and keep sake trophies to Skynet Raiders. KIFF President Fidelis Fernandes was in the presentation party to hand over the Man of The Match to Ryan Luis along with the chief guest.

Ryan Luis receives his 'Man of the Match' award

G.O.A President Raymond D’Sa speaking on the occasion thanked Charles D’Sa for his support for the last 7 years and also thanked KIFF Managing Committee, all the participating teams, the spectators, Gasper Almeida of Goa-World.Com, A. V. Fernandes of Goa-Kranti, Indiansinkuwait.com, local English Dailies Arab Times and Kuwait Times and other media partners for their support and coverage in making the tournament a huge success.

Julio Cardoso- Kuwait