Julio Cardoso : Proud Goan from Galgibaga.....: 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