- Report by R.Rodrigues
Don Bosco Oratory (DBO) emerged victorious in the first 9-a-side football tournament organised by Indian Football Federation Kuwait (IFFK) among the 8 participating teams held on 15th January 2010 at the Nasser Stadium in Ardiya. IFFK-affiliated teams were grouped in two in the round-robin league format to give more exposure to all teams. In the action packed semi-finals DBO beat SKYNET Raiders by 1-goal to nil whereas DHL AVC-Kuwait by 2 goals to 1 for a place in the finals. The other teams Santos United, Fahaheel Bros, Veterans, Dominic Savio, AVC–Kuwait and Skynet Raiders displayed brilliant football. In the finals Don Bosco Oratory beat DHL Football Club by 2 goals to nil. DBO scored the first goal in the very second minute of the match when a miss pass from DHL midfield was intercepted by Larry who unleashed a powerful grounder giving no chance to Pillay in the DHL goal scoring the fastest goal of the matches played, deservingly winning a special prize. DBO kept the pressure on DHL and would have increased the tally, but their attacking midfielder Ronny was unlucky to convert easy sitters. DHL after having overcome AVC in a tough semi-final match could not find the rhythm and were on the back foot defending their citadel. DBO’s hard working central midfielder Steven unleashed a powerful shot which was deflected by DHL goalkeeper in the path of Velenky (Muna) who easily tapped in to give DBO a crucial 2 goal lead going in to the lemon time. In the second half DHL tried their level best, but stout defending by Michael and Liston and some able goalkeeping by Blesson in DBO goal kept DHL at a distance. As the match progressed towards the end DHL poured the entire force in the DBO half with Godfrey missing a glorious chance to reduce the margin. Rosario of DHL who had an outstanding tournament tried in vain to get DHL back in the match, but in vain. DBO held firm and came out victorious. The tournament started in the afternoon and the semi-finals and the finals were played under floodlights under IFFK special arrangements and was attended by a large crowd cheering their favourite teams and prominent among them was footballer and sports journalist Gasper Crasto, Peter Mendes, Eusebio Rogtao & Marian Fernandes. It was a pleasant sight to see a number of families attending the proceedings throughout the chilly evening. As the little children grew impatient watching the professionals in action, IFFK decided to give them the opportunity to hit the leather during the semi-finals break and it was joy to watch the two teams displaying promising talents. These are rare opportunities in recent times and kudos to IFFK for taking the game to tiny tots. In the first Semi final Don Bosco beat Skynet Raiders by one goal to nil. The match was dominated by Skynet Raiders throughout in terms of possession, but a sudden move by DBO took Skynet by surprise with Don Bosco star midfielder Steven unleashing a powerful volley from top of the box which gave no chance to rival goalkeeper to put DBO one up. In the second half Skynet tried hard in vain to equalize with Philip Ferrao marshalling the midfield, but luck deserted them and DBO marched into the finals. The second semi-final was action packed where DHL beat AVC-Kuwait by 2 goals to 1. DHL went 2-0 up in the first half, however after lemon break AVC were all over DHL in search of an equalizer, but DHL defence stood firm with some deadly goal line saves. Soon AVC upped the ante and scored the first goal through Kevin Vaz, but luck and the all important equaliser eluded them as Agnelo Miranda’s powerful shot deflected the target by inches. DHL held firm to enter the finals and AVC ended their campaign. The chief guest, Gaspar Almeida, was welcomed by Dale Ferrao with a flower bouquet to a thunderous applause. A staunch football supporter, he is in the forefront in the promotion of Goan, Konkani and Indian cultural activities and moderates Gulf-Goans e-Newsletter of www.goa-world.com. Mario Rebello, a social activist and vice president of Kuwait Konkani Kendr was the guest of honour. The guests were welcomed at the stadium by IFFK President Theodore Pinto. The final proceedings were conducted by IFFK council member Benny Fernandes. The tournament was sponsored by Wilson Pereira (KMMC), Demin D’Cruz (CBK), Al-Yasra Company (Sadia), Xavier Furtado (GDC), Philip Ferrao (AES Cargo), Sharma (IFRA), Chris Fernandes (Emirates Airlines) among others. The prizes awarded were: Best Goalkeeper: Francis Fernandes of AVC, Best Defender: Michael Rodrigues of DBO, Best Midfielder: Godfrey Aguiar of DHL, First goal of the finals: Larry Fernandes of DBO, Best goal of the tournament: Sufi Mohd of Fahaheel Bros, Best Player of the tournament: Rosario Dias of DHL, Fair play team: Veterans. IFRA were awarded for their contribution by Emirates Cargo. Peter D’Souza provided refreshments. In appreciation for the ground support assistance Cosmo Fernandes was presented a memento. The prizes distribution at the hands of the chief guest, guest of honour, Edna Baretto, Glen D’Souza, Theodore Pinto, Xavier Furtado and Sharma concluded the much enjoyed tourney, officiated by the professional Indian expatriate refereeing body IFRA – Indian Football Referees’ Association. The entire proceedings caught on camera by ace lensman Rewon Gomes was appreciated by the organizers. IFFK council members thanked all the affiliates, IFRA, Naseer Stadium management, Goa-world.com team, Arab Times, Kuwait Times, Indiansinkuwait.com, kuwaitsamachar.com, and the large football loving public. IFFK council members led by Benny Fernandes, Christopher Fernandes, Ivan Baretto, Carmo Santos, Mario Fernandes and Xavier Furtado made sure the tournament was a success. The IFFK executive committee comprises of President Theodore Pinto, Vice-President Philip Ferrao. Gen. Secretary Alex Fernandes, Sports Secretary Liston Raju, Asst.Gen. Secretary Kevin Vaz, Asst.Sports Secretary Molvito Mascarenhas made sure the games were successfully in order. IFRA stalwarts led by President Sarto Baptista, Junifer Rodrigues, Diogo Rebello, Tony D’Costa, Francis Fernandes, Alvaro Dias, Sharma, John and others showed utmost professionalism in supervising the matches. IFFK would like to inform all that the ongoing league matches will continue at the Daiya Grounds from 29th January 2010. Fans and affiliates are inviting to witness the quality matches and the Schedule for week’s three matches on 29th January 2010: 1st Match: Fahaheel Bros. v/s Veterans, 2nd Match: DHL v/s Dominic Savio, 3rd Match: Santos United v/s AVC-Kuwait.Pictures at
http://picasaweb.google.com/IndianFootballFederationKuwait/IFFKUWAIT9ASIDEFOOTBALLTOURNAMENT#
Photographer: Rewon Gomes.
