GOA MAROONS WIN BIG

KIFF LEAGUE 2013/2014. REAL BETALBATIM FC, DON BOSCO ORATORY, GOA MAROONS WIN. KUWAIT GOAN ASSOCIATION AND YRC RISING STARS SHARE SPOILS ON MATCH DAY 2

Don Bosco Oratory won 2-0

Goa Maroons won 5-0

Kerala Challengers lost 0-2

Cruzedio receiving memento from KIFF President Fidelis Fernandes

United Friends Club lost 0-5

The second round of KIFF League 2013/2014 once again saw goals galore with 12 goals being scored in 4 matches that were held on 20^th September 2013 at the Al Kazema grounds in Adeliya. The early two matches saw Don Bosco Oratory taking on Kerala Challengers on ground ‘A’ and Real Betalbatim FC clashing with United Goan Strikers on ground ‘B’. The youthful side of DBO dominated the proceedings and went ahead through Nikhil D’Souza whose first time strike gave Kerala Challengers keeper no chance. The second half started on the same note and DBO increased its tally through Lloyd. Kerala Challengers tried in vain to come into the game but DBO defense held firm and emerged victorious 2-0. Man of the match award was awarded to young Nikhil of DBO for his brilliant display and presented by Mr. Raymond D’Sa President of GOA Maroons. RBFC and UGC started on a cautious note and increased the tempo as the game progressed. The midfield dominated the game and defense held firm with goal scoring chances few in the first half. In the second half RBFC found their rhythm and dominated the proceedings. UGC defense absorbed the pressure as RBFC strike force upped the tempo and as the game petered towards a stalemate Lawrence Colaco of RBFC found the net to put his team ahead and finish the match 1-0. Lawrence of RBFC was adjudged the Man of the Match and handed over by Rev. Fr. Franco Fernandes, President of Don Bosco Oratory.

Real Betalbatim won 1-0

Kuwait Goan Association drew 1-1

The late 2 matches were between GOA Maroons and United Friends Club on ground ‘A’ and YRC Rising Stars and Kuwait Goan Association on ground ‘B’. GOA Maroons started the game on a positive note with an attacking intent and Steven found the net to put GOA Maroons ahead in the first half. In the second half GOA Maroons were all over UFC and scored at will with young Clevan D’Cunha scoring the first hat trick of the season. Ian made it 5-0 in favor of GOA Maroons . UFC had no answer to the marauding strike force complimented with a supporting midfield of GOA Maroons. Clevan of GOA Maroons was rightly bestowed with Man of the Match award for his classy and youthful exuberance and the award was given by Mr. M.M. Jacob of Kerala. The match between Rising Stars and KGA was a scrappy affair but attack minded intent on display by both sides. KGA went ahead through Clifton D’Cruz, but Rising Stars came strongly to equalize through Cheslee. Rising Stars went ahead when KGA defender Inacio misread the flight of the ball and headed backwards into his own net with his onrushing keeper beaten. KGA increased the pressure to equalize and found the net through Xavier whose powerful shot bulged the nets. Both the teams went for the winner towards the fag end of the game, but had to settle for a draw with the match ending 2-2. KGA goalkeeper Nelvy Rodrigues was awarded the Man of the Match for his brilliant performance and handed over by Mr. Lawrence Pinto President of YRC Rising Stars.

YRC Rising Stars drew 1-1

United Goans Centre lost 0-1

The matches were supervised by IFRA officials. In between the breaks KIFF felicitated Mr. Cruzedio Rodrigues for his contribution towards the game in KIFF for more than a decade. The fleet footed striker who played for UFC, Navelim Youth Center and now presently donning colors for DHL FC has the unique distinction of winning 8 highest goal scorer awards over a period of time he played his soccer in KIFF. Mr. Rodrigues is leaving the shores of Kuwait for good was presented with a memento by KIFF President Fidelis Fernandes. KIFF also welcomed Mr. M.M. Jacob from Kerala who is on a private visit to Kuwait. Mr. Jacob is a well known soccer personality in India and Kerala having represented the Kerala state team as a player for 8 years from 1974 and captaining the side in 1982 and was awarded G.V. Raja Gold Medal twice in 1979 & 1981 for being ‘The Best Footballer of Kerala’. He also coached the Kerala state team for Santosh Trophy for 8 years.  He represented Indian Soccer team for various international tournaments for 4 years in Seoul, Bangkok, Middle East, Russia and Hungary from 1976 to 1979. Represented the Central Excise and Customs soccer team for 16 years and also captaining the team for 12 years. Mr. Jacob was introduced to the players playing the second matches of the day.

Nikhil of DBO reciving the Man of the Match award from G.O.A President Raymond D'Sa

Man of the Match Cleevan receiving award from MM Jacob

Nelvy Rodrigues receiving the man of the match from Lawrence Pinto the president of Rising Stars

Lawrence Colaco of Real Betalbatim receiving the man of the match from Fr. Franco Pereira

Man of the Match awards for KIFF League season are sponsored by United Steel Industrial Company.

The match schedule for 27^th September 2013 to be played at Al Kazma Grounds is as follows:

At 6.45 am Cutorcares United v/s Santos United on Ground ‘A’ and AVC - Kuwait v/s Indian Strikers on Ground ‘B’

At 7.45 am DHL FC v/s FC Sparx on ground ‘A’ and Malabar United v/s Skynet Raiders v/s on Ground ‘B’

Report by: Xavier Furtado

Pics by: Julio Cardoso