CURTORCARES UNITED, YRC RISING STARS WIN. DHL HOLD SKYNET RAIDERSIN KIFF LEAGUE2014-2015

CURTORCARES UNITED, YRC RISING STARS WIN. DHL HOLD SKYNET RAIDERSIN KIFF LEAGUE2014-2015

Three matches were held in the sixth round of the KIFF league for the Late J.P. D’Mello Memorial Rolling Trophy for season 2014-2015 at the Bayan grounds on 21^st November 2014.

In the first match of the day Curtorcares United took on United Goans Center in an all important qualifying encounter. Curtorcares United took the lead in the 6^th minute when Bonny’s header found the net to forge ahead. UG came back strongly and found the equalizer when Pedro tapped in from Agnelo’s free kick. Both the teams then matched each other with Curtorcares United increasing the tempo of the match in the latter stages. As the match was heading towards a draw, Martin of Curtorcares ran from the midfield with the ball took the defenders in his stride and scored from aprecise taken shot on the run to put his team ahead. Vincythen scored from a well connected header to take Curtorcares United in the qualifying round and end the match 3-1.  Man of the Match was awarded to AgneloMonteiro of United Goans for his tireless efforts and given away by Mr. Tony Corriea,former President of KIFF.

The second duel of the day was between SkynetRaiders and DHL FCfrom group ‘A’ which is termed as the group of death. Both the teams were cautious in the beginning though DHL FC held the upper hand in the first half with Zico dominating the midfield, but Skynet keeper equal to the task.Skynet survived the initial onslaught from DHL and came back in the second half with Ismael being the kingpin in the midfield but their strikers could not find the net and the match ended in a goal less draw leaving the group wide open till the last match of the group.Skynet Raidersgoalkeeper Joseph Britto was rightly declared the Man of the Match which was handed over by Mr. Benny D’Souza – Hon. Sports Secretary of KIFF

The final clash of the day was between YRC Rising Stars and FC Sparx. Rising Stars needing a win to qualify went all out for the attack from the beginning and Myron Fernandes scored from a well taken shot which beat the FC Sparx keeper from an acute angle. Cheslee rose high to head in the second goal from a corner kick to increase the lead for Rising stars. In the second half Rising Stars kept up the pressure and score the third through young Veit D’Silva. FC Sparx did not have any answer to the marauding forward line of Rising Stars with Myron, Cheslee and Mohammed completing the rout to end the game 6-0 in favor of YRC Rising Stars and march into the qualifying round.Myron D’Cruz of YRC Rising Stars was adjudged the Man of the Match for his all round performance and the award was given away by Mr. Liston Raju Hon. Gen. Secretary of KIFF

All the matches were officiated by IFRA.

The Schedule for 28thNovember 2014:

Kerala Challengers v/s Malabar United@ 6.30am. Indian Strikers v/s United Goan Center@ 7.40am. AVC - Kuwait v/s DHL FC@8.50am

(The above is from KIFF news desk)

DISAPPOINTING KIFF AFFILIATES…

Instead of being critical of people in authority , be happy you're not responsible for everything they have to do. Instead of piling on complaints, thank them for what they do. Overwhelm them with encouragement and appreciation!

Joyce Meyer

The Kuwait Indian Football Federation (KIFF) Soccer season featuring 16 Indian expatriate teams that began in early September 2013 finally came to a close on 30^th May 2014 after nine grueling months of intense competition for the KIFF League championship and various eleven and seven a side tournaments conducted under the auspices of KIFF.   AVC Sports & Cultural Association was proudly crowned champions of the season as well as KIFF league champions and thoroughly deserved all the accolades they got.  Due to the extreme heat in Kuwait during the next three months, the teams will take a break and be back for the new season in early September 2014.

The final match between AVC  Sports & Cultural Association from Goa and Malabar United from Kerala was played at the Al-Qadsyia Stadium and  was a grand affair with KIFF sparing no effort and expense to ensure the season finale was worthy of its name.  Without a doubt, KIFF is easily one of the biggest Indian organizations in Kuwait registered with the Embassy of India and featuring sixteen affiliates with a constitution and bye laws that few organizations can boast of.  Founded in 1983, the Federation has been strongly promoting soccer in the community and among the Indian youth in Kuwait.

What was disappointing however at this year’s final was the uncaring attitude and low turnout of players and management from the other 14 participating KIFF clubs.

If one considers that 16 affiliated clubs participate in the KIFF tournaments and along with the players if one counts the coaching staff, management and supporters, there should have been over 500 members of the fraternity at the final.  After all it was our very own GRAND FINAL wasn’t it?  Baring the many supporters of Malabar United who came and supported their team enthusiastically and supporters of AVC, it was really difficult to spot the rest of the affiliates.

Staying away from such a grand event organized by your own Federation for whatever the reason maybe, I think is not fair to the finalists and the people who worked so hard all year round to successfully conduct the soccer activities.

In all honesty, if not for KIFF and the efforts of a few, many of the over 360 registered players would have not enjoyed the benefits of being known in the community,  playing on grass grounds,  being members of a team,  getting jobs and even receiving  cash and return air-tickets.

Although all were invited, at the final I could count just two or three Presidents and a few players sprinkled among the crowd.  Where exactly did the rest disappear?   At the dinner too organized the previous evening for Indian Soccer Icon Brandon Fernandes, at least four clubs failed to show up for reasons best known to them.

Where are the rest?

When I casually enquired with KIFF President Fidelis Fernandes, the reason players and officials stay away from events especially if their own teams are not involved, he tried to hide his disappointment with a shrug of his shoulder, but at the same time unable to hide the pain in his eyes.   It will hurt him, especially because of  the effort he and his managing committee have  made to get the sponsor,  organize the Al-Qadsyia  stadium, invite the guests, arrange the trophies, have the soccer icon Brandon Fernandes flown in from India,  organize the school exhibition match and half time dance performance, etc etc. 

  

Hope the new season starting in September 2014 will be different and better sense prevails. 

Julio Cardoso

KIFF LEAGUE FINALS - AVC CHAMPIONS

KIFF LEAGUE

AVC LEAGUE CHAMPIONS

Malabar United lose in tie-breaker

AVC Sports & Cultural Association crowned a perfect season by winning the J.P. D’Mello Memorial Rolling Trophy in the finals of the KIFF League by narrowly beating Malabar United 6-4 in the tie breaker after the teams were locked in a 2-2 draw at the end of regular and extra time.  The grand league final was played at the Al-Qadsia Stadium on Friday, 30^th May 2014 under the auspices of Kuwait Indian Football Federation and officiated by the Indian Football Referees Association.

Champions AVC with the Rolling Trophy

The match watched by a large weekend crowd began in earnest with Malabar United showing just why they made it to the final with Shafi scoring of a lazy AVC clearance to put his team in the lead with just 2 minutes on the clock.  Season champions, AVC shocked by the early setback and seasoned campaigners that they are, however came back into the match just before half time when their prolific scorer Anthony Rodrigues squeezed one in from a goalmouth melee.

Fairly large crowd attended the finals

The second half was a seesaw battle with both teams missing opportunities due to poor finishing but it was Malabar United who once again took the lead through Younis in the 20^th minute and putting their large contingent of supporters in celebration mood.  AVC tried hard for the equalizer and although the Malabar boys defended well and it looked like they would be inscribing their name on the prestigious trophy for the very first time, Sidney equalized for AVC with an exquisite volley from just outside the penalty area to level the scores 2-2.  Extra time remained goalless and in the tiebreaker AVC players held their nerves with Ismael, Sebyton, Braulio and Sidney scoring while only Younis and Fiju could find the net for Malabar United. 

Jhaankar Dance Academy performers

Dance program during half time

Earlier, watched by their parents and hordes of young supporters, Indian Central School (Abbasyia) and Indian Public School (Salmiya) played an exhibition match which was easily won by the Salmiya School 6-1. Jhaankar Dance Academy performed and entertained during the half time break and a bingo game was conducted for the super snowball prize a Kuwait-Mumbai return air-ticket sponsored by Al-Qattan Travels.

Winners of exhibition match - Indian Public School (Salmiya)

The KIFF League final was sponsored by Gulf Cable and Electrical Industries Company and represented by Mr. Naser Omran Kannan the Regional Manager.  Also present were Mr. J. S. Dangi representing the Indian Embassy of Kuwait, Mr. Asif Juzer of Pro Sports, Mr. Abdulrahman Al Muraikhi of Gulf Cable and special invitee Brandon Fernandes the youth soccer icon from India.  In his brief address KIFF president Fidelis Fernandes thanked the invitees, the participating teams, IFRA and everyone who helped to make the season a success.  The schools individual runners-up medals were presented by Salvador Dias the runners-up trophy by KIFF Vice President Derrick Gomendes, the winners individual medals were given away by Dominic while KIFF President Fidelis Fernandes gave away the winner’s trophy to the captain of Indian Public School Salmiya. The IFRA officials for the exhibition match Simon Anthony, Jose Afonso, and liston Raju also received mementos from KIFF member Joseph Gomes.

Captain of Malabar United receiving the runners up trophy from Derrick Gomendes

Brandon Fernandes gives away the man of the match trophy to Sidney of AVC

Nasser Kannan of Gulf Cable giving away a trophy to AVC goalkeeper Alvaro

Mrs. Rausat Asif kindly consented to give away the mementos to the participants of Jhaankar Dance Academy who had earlier performed a wonderfully choreographed dance during the half time.  Agnelo the General Secretary of KIFF gave mementos to IFRA officials Francis Fernandes, Sarto Baptista, Tiago Fernandes and Jan Rodrigues, and AVC who were also crowned the season’s champions for having won the most tournaments received the trophy from the hands of chief guest Mr. J. S. Dangi of the Indian Embassy.  Sydney of AVC was rightly declared the man of the match and received his trophy from Brandon Fernandes while Mr. Abdulrahman Al Muraikhi of Gulf Cable handed out the runners up individual trophies to the players of Malbar United.  The Fair play trophy was won by Indian Strikers and given away by Joe Pereira the KIFF Registrar while the KIFF League runners up trophy was given away by Derrick Gomendes.  KIFF president also gave mementos to Bernard Fernandes and Xavier Furtado for their great support to KIFF during the season.

Captain Savio Fernandes of AVC collecting the rolling trophy from KIFF President Fidelis Fernandes and Brandon Fernandes

Mr. J. S. Dengi handing over the winners trophy to Savio of AVC

Mr. Naser Omran Kanan gave away the winners individual trophies and KIFF President Fidelis Fernandes and Brandon Fernandes gave away the KIFF League winners and rolling trophies amidst great celebration among the AVC players and supporters.  The program was compered by Julio Cardoso.

Report by:  Julio Cardoso

Pic:  Revon Gomes / Amanda Cardoso

DON BOSCO ORATORY CHAMPIONS

G.O.A ROLLING TROPHY

DON BOSCO ORATORY CHAMPIONS

Nikhil and Agnelo score hat-tricks

DBO Captain Godfrey  Aguiar receiving the winners trophy from chief guest Ajay Sinha - Country Manager of AIR INDIA - Kuwait 

Don Bosco Oratory were crowned proud champions of the  G.O.A. Rolling Trophy when they beat AVC Sports & Cultural Association 7-1 in a largely one sided match in the finals of this  prestigious tournament organized by Goan Overseas Association (Kuwait) and played at the MOH grounds under the auspices of KIFF.

 

Champions Don Bosco Oratory with guests

Don Bosco Oratory who had only the previous week lost narrowly to AVC in the semi finals of the KIFF League, showed just why they are one of the most feared teams among the Indian Community when they took complete control of the match right from the start.  Man of the match and the tournament’s highest scorer young Nikhil D’souza opened Don Bosco’s account when he found himself in the right place to slot home from close range in a goalmouth melee.  He soon added to his tally and Don Bosco Oratory went into the lemon break comfortably leading 2-0.

Hard working Sidney of AVC however gave a tiny glimmer of hope to his team and supporters when he scored off  a direct free kick from just outside the penalty area and it seemed that AVC could still make a game of it.  Nikhil however had other ideas and completed his hat-trick after going past two AVC defenders.  Agnelo another young and talented Don Bosco lad than took control and ably supported by Loyed, Michael and Steven scored three more past the hapless AVC defense.  Nikhil though had the final say when in the dying moments he scored his fourth to completely whitewash the opponents.  The match was ably officiated by IFRA officials Sarto Baptista in the centre with support of Jan Rodrigues and Pascoal Fernandes on the lines.

In his welcome address after the final whistle, G.O.A President Raymond D’Sa welcomed the chief guest Mr. Ajay Sinha the Country Manager of Air India in Kuwait and thanked Air-India for sponsoring a Kuwait-Goa return air ticket for the tournament.  He also thanked KIFF President Mr. Fidelis Fernandes and his Managing Committee, IFRA, and all the participating teams for their support in making the tournament a grand success.  He had a special word of appreciation for Mr. Gasper Almeida of Goa Word.com, IndiansinKuwait and the print media including Mr. Francis Fernandes of Arab Times for the press publicity.

Mr. Ajay Sinha in his brief speech thanked the organizers for inviting him and said he would always support the community in the best way he could.  A special service award was presented to Mr. Leo Fernandes, a long serving member of Goan Overseas Association for his contribution to the Association.

Leo Fernandes receives service award from GOA President Raymond Dsa

Jaime Figueira the treasurer of GOA gives away the referee awards

The referee awards were given away by James Figuera, and the runners trophies by Tony Correia.  Mrs. Zinia Cardoso gave away the Runners Up trophy to Kevin Vaz the captain of AVC, while Raymond D’Sa and Ajay Sinha gave the winners individual trophies and the winners’ cup to Godfrey Aguiar the captain of Don Bosco.   KIFF President Fidelis Fernandes gave away the Man of the Match award to Nikhil D’souza who also won the tournament’s highest scorer award which was handed over to him by Leo Fernandes.  Julio Cardoso who hosted the presentation ceremony proposed the vote of thanks.

Report by: Julio Cardoso
Pics credit: Sasha D'souza / Julio Cardoso

Mrs. Zinia Cardoso giving away the Runners Up trophy to Kevin Vaz of AVC

Vice President of G.O.A giving away the runners up individual trophies

Man of the match - Nikhil D'Souza receives his award from KIFF president Fidelis Fernandes

AVC, DBO, UFC AND SANTOS UNITED IN SEMIS

G.O.A ROLLING TROPHY

AVC, DBO, UFC AND SANTOS UNITED IN SEMIS

In quarter final matches played last Friday, Don Bosco Oratory, AVC and UFC booked their places in the semi finals to join Santos United who had already qualified a week earlier in the prestigious GOA Rolling Trophy organized by Goan Overseas Association (Kuwait) and played at the MOH grounds under the auspices of KIFF.

Santos United in Semi after beating UGC in the quarters

In the first quarter final, United Friends Club (UFC) with a host of talented players finally came good when they beat Skynet Raiders 1-0.  The first half was evenly played with Joe Gomes of Skynet Raiders coming close to scoring in the 26^th minute when his goalmouth strike sailed just over the bar.  Duarte Ferrao of UFC however scored the all important goal in the 28^th minute when his neatly taken free kick sailed over the Skynet wall and into the goal.  Skynet Raiders made all efforts to equalize in the second half with the last fifteen minutes being completed dominated by them, but UFC held on,  with veteran Britto pulling of a brilliant save to deny Skynet Raiders the equalizer.  IFRA official Sarto Baptista was the centre referee and supported by Tiago and Pascoal on the lines.

UFC to play Don Bosco Oratory in the semis

In the second quarter final, Don Bosco Oratory easily defeated YRC Rising Stars 5-1 in a match they completely dominated right from the beginning.  Ronnie opened the flood gates when he tapped in a cross in the 11^th minute and Nikhil was in the right place to score in the 19^th and 22^nd minute of the first half.  Franky Oliveria’s long distance goal and Steven Correa’s goal n the dying minutes of the game ensured Don Bosco passage into the semis against United Friends Club as strong favorites.  Godwin Fernandes who came in as a super sub pulled one back for Rising Stars in the second half.  The match was officiated by Tiago Fernandes with support from Simon and Francis on the lines.

Favorites Don Bosco Oratory

In the last match of the day, Curtorcares who have played some exciting soccer this season were again unfortunate to lose to AVC the season’s champions 0-1.  The first half was evenly balanced with the ball mostly confined to midfield play.  Agnelo Martin of AVC who has been the player to watch this season however ensured his team qualified for the semis when he connected well from a cross and end the season’s campaign for Curtorcares.  Pascoal Fernandes was the centre referee and assisted by Simon and Tiago on the lines.

Season's Champions will play Santos United in the semi finals

Earlier last week, Santos United became the first team to qualify for the semi finals when they easily beat United Goans Centre 2-0, with both goals scored in the first half by Seby Fernandes and Anthony Rego.

Coming Friday, 9^th May 2014 AVC will play Santos United at 6:45am in the first semi final and Don Bosco Oratory will play United Friends Club at 8:45am in the second one.

Report & pics by Julio Cardoso

BIDDING GOODBYE TO NICOLAS FERNANDES

Nicolas Fernandes (Nikush)

Parting is such sweet sorrow….. These are famous words that come to my mind as we say goodbye to one of the nicest, humblest and gentlest person I know.

Nicolas Fernandes (Nikush as he is fondly known) the most likable member of Indian Football Referees Association (IFRA) and a member of KIFF affiliate AVC Sports & Cultural Association will be leaving Kuwait shortly for greener pastures. 

Hailing from Acona (Axeona) ward in the famous village of Benaulim where many a great footballers have been nurtured, Nicolas now 40 arrived in Kuwait in 2003 and since then has been working  faithfully for the same company, Alghanim Al-Faham as a senior storekeeper.  He was introduced to soccer in Kuwait immediately upon arrival and joined AVC Sports & Cultural Association as a goalkeeper, although while speaking to him I understood that he originally played as a striker for his village team until a knee injury forced him to take up goalkeeping.

Farewell Dinner at Viva Goa

Over the years his contribution to AVC has been immense, not only as a player but as a mentor and advisor to younger players.  If today, AVC stands at the pinnacle of its glory having captured everything this season; Nicolas’s contribution has certainly been a great part of it.

Nicolas joined IFRA in 2010 and says his interest in joining the only recognized referees body in Kuwait was fueled when he realized that he could contribute to the game by doing a job which most people are afraid to take. Since then he has been a regular at the KIFF, KEFAK and KAFA tournaments organized in Kuwait by various communities.

Nicolas (center) IFRA official

At a dinner party hosted by IFRA on 15^th April 2014 in his honor at the Viva Goa restaurant in downtown Kuwait, the President Francis Fernandes and others including founder member Jennifer Rodrigues, senior member Diego Rebello, General Secretary Christopher Fernandes and Sarto Baptista   paid glowing tributes to Nicolas.  Francis called him the best performer and complimented him for his ability to implement the laws of the game fairly on the ground.  Jennifer felt that Nicolas was the most dedicated member and for him IFRA came first and everything else after that.  Diego complimented him for always scoring over 90% in exams and said he was an example to all.  Christopher thanked him for being available even at the 11^th hour when other referees were not available.

With AVC since 2004

Nicolas may not have been the most flamboyant person on the soccer field either while officiating or pulling off those important saves for AVC, but he got the job done and that is why I personally admire him and felt that he deserved all the praise and for sure this small write-up.  He goes back to Goa to spend some time with his wife and 2 sons before embarking on the next part of his journey in life.   For sure this fine gentleman who was liked by everyone will be missed and I wish him all the best in his future. 

Julio Cardoso

Kuwait

Traditional Goan Fish Curry Rice was on the menu at Viva Goa

Add caption

Friends Nikush will miss

Nikush making an emotional farewell speech

Signed Jersey by all members

With V. President & Gen. Secretary

With members Jennifer & Diego 

With Sarto Baptista, Christopher and President Francis Fernandes

G.O.A ROLLING TROPHY - Week 2

SKYNET RAIDERS, DBO AND YRC RISING STARS WIN

Skynet Raiders, Don Bosco Oratory and YRC Rising Stars were through to the next round after squeezing in wins in the first round of the GOA Rolling Trophy organized by Goan Overseas Association on Friday at MOH grounds under the auspices of KIFF.

In easily the match of the day, Goa Maroons woeful season continued when they were beaten by a youthful Don Bosco Oratory (DBO) in a five goal thriller.  Maroons started the match positively when   Steven Rodrigues easily one of the best players on the field scored in the 4^th minute of the first half from a free kick taken by Edward.  Godfrey equalized in the second half for DBO when the Maroons defense failed to clear from a corner kick.  Extra time witnessed high drama as Nikhil D’Souza slit one past Anton in the Maroons goal and Steven Rodrigues equalized immediately after that with an exquisite free kick from the edge of the penalty area giving DBO goalkeeper Alidio absolutely no chance.  Aston Fernandes who came in as a super sub however broke the hearts of Goa Maroons supporters when he was in the right spot in the dying moments of extra time to jab in from close range in a goalmouth melee, giving his team a well deserved 3-2 victory.   IFRA referee Francis Fernandes did an excellent job in the center and he was assisted by Sarto Baptista and Tiago Fernandes on the lines.

DON BOSCO ORATORY

GOA MAROONS

 

Earlier, the fragile but artful striker of Skynet Raiders Joe Gomes who fashions himself like his  idol Nymar of Brazil, scored in the 10^th minute of the second half to give his team a hard fought 1-0 victory against unlucky FC Sparz.  The match was evenly played with Sparz creating some early chances, but the lack of attempts at goal and playing one pass too many was their undoing.  The centre referee was Pascoal Fernandes and he was assisted by Lloyd D’Souza and Sarto Baptista on the lines.

SKYNET RAIDERS

FC SPARZ

In the last match of the day YRC Rising Stars edged Real Betalbatim FC 1-0.  Ever dependable charismatic Bernardo Pires struck in the 15^th minute of the first half after dodging his way past two defenders and smashing one past the outstretched hands of the RBFC goalkeeper.  The match was officiated by Tiago Fernandes.

YRC RISING STARS

REAL BETALBATIM FC

There will be no matches played this coming Friday, and the tournament will continue on 25/4/2014 with AVC Sports & Cultural Association playing Kuwait Goan Association at 6:45am, followed by Kerala Challengers taking on Curtorcares United and 8:00am and the last match of the day will feature the first quarter final between Santos United and United Goans Centre.

Report & Pics by: Julio Cardoso (Kuwait)