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

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)

G.O.A ROLLING TROPHY

G.O.A ROLLING TROPHY

UGC, SANTOS UNITED AND UFC WIN

United Goans Centre, Santos United and United Friends Club were through to the next round after winning hard fought encounters in the first round of the GOA Rolling Trophy organized by Goan Overseas Association on Friday at MOH grounds under the auspices of KIFF.

Goalkeeping errors were the talking point of the day and in the first match, Kuwait’s oldest Goan soccer club, United Goans Centre shocked Indian Strikers 2-1 when Dominic Fernandes headed home from close range from an exquisite cross by veteran Jerry Mello in the 18^th minute and Alfred’s feeble attempt on the Indian Strikers goal ended in the back of the net due to a communication error between the keeper and defenders of Indian Strikers.  Hard working Noushad Abu Baker reduced the margin for Indian Strikers in the 65^th minute, but United Goans defended well to absorb all the pressure in the dying minutes from Indian Strikers and emerge victorious.  The match was officiated by IFRA official Julio Cardoso with assistance from Christopher and Simon.

United Goans Centre won 2-1

Santos United who have played some exciting soccer towards the end of this season, were down a goal against DHL FC in the 24^th minute when Cruz Silva’s smashing drive found the back of the net and it seemed like DHL would cause a major upset.  However, super sub, James Rebello equalized for Santos United in the 64^th minutes when the UFC goalkeeper fumbled and dropped the ball and Anthony Rego scored from an acute angle in the dying minutes of extra time to earn Santos United a hard fought victory.  Pascoal was the centre referee and assisted by Sharma and Christopher on the lines.

Santos United won 2-1 in extra time

In the day’s last match of this prestigious tournament now in it’s 20^th edition, United Friends Club (UFC) finally played to their potential when they edged Malabar United 1-0.  Duarte Ferrao, Prince and Shehin were the stars for UFC, but it was Mauricio Simoes who turned hero of the day when he scored the all important goal for his team in the 22^nd minute.   The Malabar boys had their chances but were unfortunate not to convert.  The match was officiated by Sarto Baptista with Francis and Simon on the lines.

United Friends Club winners 1-0

Next week will see some exciting matches with  FC Sparx taking on Skynet Raiders at 6:45am, Don Bosco Oratory play Goa Maroons at 8:00am and Real Betalbatim FC play YRC Rising Stars at 9:15am.  All teams are requested to report on time.

Report & pics  by: Julio Cardoso

RISING STARS LIFT KIFF VETERANS TROPHY 2014

YRC Rising Stars came from a goal down to beat FC Sparks 3-2 in an absorbing final of the ‘Veterans Cup’ organized by the Kuwait Indian Football Federation and played last Friday on the MOH ground in Shuwaikh.

Rising Stars captain receiving the trophy from KIFF president Fidelis

Eijaz of Rising Stars

FC Sparks lost in the final 2-3

Referee Simon collecting cheque on behalf of IFRA from Tony Dias

The runners up - Sparks FC

The annual veterans tournament organized for non registered players above the age of 35 featured a total of 16 teams including FC Sparks, DHL FC, Santos United, YRC Rising Stars, AVC sports & Cultural Association, Kerala Challengers, Skynet Raiders, Kuwait Goan Association, Indian Strikers A & B, Curtorcares, Malabar United FC, Real Betalbatim FC, United Goans Centre, Don Bosco Oratory and United Friends Club. 

The winners - Rising Stars

Rising Stars who have won this unique tournament more than any other team found themselves down by a goal in the very 4^th minute of the first half when prolific scorer Baheer scored directly from a free kick which eluded the outstretched hands of Ronnie in the Rising goal.  Eijaz of Rising Stars however equalized immediately afterwards when he wriggled his way past three defenders to slot home from close range.  Baheer scored again in the second half for FC Sparks, but Abdulla and Muneer found the net for Rising Stars as Rising Stars were all over a visibly tiring Sparks’s defense.

Man of the match Eijaz receiving has award from Lorry Pinto

Oldest Player Johnny receiving his award from Rev. Fr. Franco Pereira sdb

During the brief presentation ceremony, KIFF President thanked the participating teams and the sponsors for their usual support and IFRA for officiating the matches.  Fr. Franco Pereira sdb handed over the award to Johnny for being the oldest player on the field at 60, Amaldo handed over the best disciple team of the tournament to Santos United, Fr. Britto a visiting priest from India, Tony Correia, and Tony Dias handed over the various trophies, while Eijaz was rightfully declared the man of the match and received his award from Lorry Pinto.  The glittering winner’s trophy was handed over to the winners by KIFF President Fidelis Fernandes.

Benny of Santos United receiving the best disciplined team trophy from Amaldo 

During the tournament which was well attended, a bingo game was conducted by Bernard  on behalf of KIFF while Kevin Vaz compered the days proceedings.  The tournament was sponsored by Raymond D'Sa, Tony Correia, Xavier Furtado, Damien D'Cruz, Tony Dias, Agnelo Fernandes, Amaldo Fernandes, Pascoal Alphonso, Mrs. Virginia Pinto and B. M. Viegas

Report by: Julio Cardoso

Pic by: Julio Cardoso

FAREWELL FELICITATION FOR MR. A. VERONICA FERNANDES IN KUWAIT

Sunday, December 15, 2013

FAREWELL FELICITATION FOR MR. A. VERONICA FERNANDES IN KUWAIT

Below is the text of speech by KIFF PRESIDENT Mr. Fidelis Fernandes at the felicitation ceremony conducted by Kuwait Indian Football Federation on 13/12/2013 at the MOH Ground for Mr. Anthony Veronica Fernandes who will be leaving Kuwait for good, shortly.

GENTLEMEN.

WE STAND HERE TO BID FAREWELL TO OUR DEAR FRIEND AND LONG TIME COLLEAGUE MR. VERONICA FERNANDES, SINCE HE IS LEAVING KUWAIT FOR GOOD AFTER 38 YEARS.

MR. VERONICA FERNANDES, A FOOTBALLER, A JOURNALIST, OUR LONG TIME ASSOCIATE HELPING FOOTBALL FEDERATION ETC AND LIST GOES ON.

FIRST WE SHALL TOUCH HIS FOOTBALL ACTIVITIES WHERE HE WAS A PLAYER, IN GOA HE CAPTAINED THE CANDOLIM FOOTBALL TEAM, PLAYED FOR ARPORA SCHOOL, ST. XAVIER COLLEGE FOOTBALL TEAM, CHWGULE CFOOTBALL TEAM, HE ALSO PLAYED FOR THE THEN MIGHTY CHAMPION OF GOA “ SESA GOA FOOTBALL TEAM” IN MANY PARTS OF INDIA INCLUDING ROVERS CUB IN BOMBAY. HE CAME TO KUWAIT IN 1975 AND HE PLAYED AS CAPTAIN FOR SALMIYA YOUTH CLUB IN THE INAUGURAL TOURNAMENT IN  1979 AT SOUR GROUND. HE WAS THE CO FOUNDER OF GOA MAROONS AND PLAYED FOR THEM. HE WAS THE BEST DEFENDER AMONG INDIANS DURING HIS HEY DAYS.

MR. VERONICA WAS ONE OF THE PROMOTERS OF KUWAIT INDIAN FOOTBALL FEDERATION, HE WAS AN AD HOC COMMITTEE MEMBER OF KIFF AND LATER A TECHNICAL COMMITTEE MEMBER.

HE WAS WRITING ABOUT THE FOOTBALL ACTIVITIES ON THE SOUR GROUNDS AT THE TIME WHEN THERE WAS NO INTERNET AND THE PRINT MEDIA WAS THE ONLY SOURCE AVAILABLE FOR THE FOOTBALL LOVERS IN KUWAIT.

IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO HAVE A CRITIC IN ANY TYPE OF SPORTS WHICH HELPS THE COTROLLING BODY TO CORRECT ITSELF. HIS REPORTINGS WERE VERY HELPFUL AND INFORMATIVE.

HIS JOURNALIST STATURE WAS ALSO VERY IMPRESSIVE WHERE HE WROTE A LOT ABOUT THE BRUTAL INVASION OF KUWAIT AND ORGANIZED THE SUPPORT FOR THE KUWAITIS IN GOA DURING THE INVASION.

HE ALSO TOOK UP THE KONKANI LANGUAGE ISSUE AND ORGANIZED VARIOUS FORUMS IN SUPPORT OF IT, DEDICATING HIS TIME AND EFFORT FOR THE CAUSE, WHICH WAS EQUALLY APPRECIATED BY ALL CONCERNED.

MR. VERONICA YOUR  POPULARITY CAN BE GAUGED BY THE PRESENCE OF ALL THE CLUB PRESIDENTS, REPRESENTATIVES,MY MANAGING COMMITTEE AND FOOTBALL LOVERS BID YOU FAREWELL..

ON BEHALF OF THE MANAGING COMMITTEE AND ALL THE ASSOCIATED CLUBS, I STAND HERE TO THANK YOU FOR ALL WHAT HE HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THE COMMUNITY IN GENERAL AND TO THE FOOTBALL ACTIVITY IN PARTICULAR.

WE ALL WISH YOU A VERY GOOD HEALTH, GOOD LIFE AND GOD BLESS YOU.

FIDELIS FERNANDES

PRESIDENT

KUWAIT INDIAN FOOTBALL FEDERATION

Pics: Julio Cardoso / Revon Gomes