AVC – IFF Kuwait League Champions

INDIAN FOOTBALL FEDERATION – KUWAIT SEASON FINALE!!

AVC – League Champions
Fahaheel Bros – 11 A Side Knock Out Tournament Winners


Kuwait: 30th April 2010 a day that will go down as a glorious and memorable day for Indian Football Federation – Kuwait (IFF-K), the dynamic Executive Committee with the support of the Council members took their time to plan the special event “The Closing Ceremony” of their very first season and it was a sight to recall. Scheduled also were the finals of the 11-A –Side knock out tournament that was played between AVC and Fahaheel Bros. To grace the occasion Mr. Francisco Xavier (Mickey) Pacheco, Hon. Minister of Tourism of the State of Goa–India, consented to be the chief guest making time from his busy schedule and flew in directly from Goa.

The chief guest was given a warm welcome at the Kuwait airport on Wednesday April 28th 2010 by the federation members. In addition the representative of the Indian Embassy was also present to welcome the Minister on his first visit to the State of Kuwait. IFF-K President Theodore (Teddy) Pinto led the welcoming committee comprising of Council members, Carmo Santos, Christopher Fernandes, Ivan Baretto, Bernard Fernandes, and Affiliated Club officials Ruben Fernandes, Collin Figueira, Philip Ferrao (Vice President), Cajetan Ferrao, including other guest affiliated to IFF-Kuwait.

On 29th morning Minister Pacheco along with the IFF-K President and Council members met with H.E. Mr. Ajai Malhotra, the Ambassador of India at the Embassy premises and had a fruitful discussion on issues concentrating and focusing on the vibrant Goan community. The ball started rolling for the finals from 6 pm of April 29th 2010. IFF-K Council Members and the Executive Committee requested Mr. Pacheco to inaugurate the Federation’s web site www.iff-kuwait.com. The minister sportingly accepted the invitation launching the site – updating the affiliated clubs and football lovers on the activities of the federation. Mr. Pacheco was also given a brief on the Federations aims and ambitions for the coming years to promote the sport and being a vigilant listener, he was very impressed and expressed his support towards Indian Football Federation (IFF)-Kuwait. The evening followed with the Federation hosting a dinner for the honorable guest. With the perfect ambience Mr. Pacheco along with the federation spoke in detail about issues faced by the federation in addition to the plights of goans in the state of Kuwait and attempts to resolve them. April 30th, warm rays of sun set a picture perfect start for the grand finale. People gathered in numbers at the very onset of the finals. Such was the organization that Mr. Pacheco commented it was his first time that he witnessed such an introduction for a final from a federation who were in their very first year and further commented on the talent and the innovation that existed within the federation and lauded to continue with the same spirit in the coming years.

In the exhibition match played between the youngsters of IEAS School and Skynet raiders proved to be the perfect appetizer for the crowd who were eagerly awaiting for final of AVC versus Fahaheel Bros. The young lads budding in talent showcasing their skill and grit to win didn’t disappoint the crowd. Skynet emerged as winners by a 3 - 2 Goal margin. The finals were fiercely contested, with both teams coming close but unable to break the deadlock. AVC did create a majority of chances, but it was Fahaheel Bros custodian, Mr. Jamshed Ali whose heroic efforts kept AVC at bay. Fahaheel did break on a couple of counters attacks but the AVC defense line ensured that the danger was taken care off. In the second half AVC star defender Mr. Benny had the golden opportunity of putting his team up but missed by skying the ball over the cross-bar. The match ended in a goalless draw and it was the tie breakers that would decide whose nerves were made of steel. Once again it was keeper Jamshed Ali who proved his worth and ensured his team came out victorious.

The event concluded with the prize distribution with a clinical finish of the presentation of the Rolling Trophy to League champions AVC. The chief guest in his address to all present appreciated and applauded for a wonderful showdown and as a gesture of his support to the federation and promoting football among the Indian community stepped forward in having the coming season of IFF-K sponsored by his company. This is a positive and a huge boost for the young federation whose morale is on a high ever since. All matches of the IFF-K season 2009-2010 were officiated by Indian Football Referees Association (IFRA) who are part of the Federation and offering them (Federation) the technical assistance when required for the game. In addition Best Player of the Finals was awarded to Jamshed Ali (Fahaheel Bros.), Highest scorer in the league Anthony Rodrigues (AVC), all participating teams were presented with a trophy. The finals were sponsored by: Otis Elevators, Sadia, Jotun Paints, Al-Mailem Tires, Brandon & Dylan Fernandes, Faizal Al Kharash, B.M. Viegas, Peter Mendes, Asgar Ali & Musta Ali, Alton Pinto, Indian Football Referees Association, SkyNet.

Teams registered under IFF-K are AVC, DHL, Dominic Savio’s, Don Bosco Oratory, Fahaheel Bros, Indians, MAC, Santos United, SkyNet and Veterans United. Speaking to the IFF-K President Theodore (Teddy) Pinto, who was happy and said, “We love it when a plan comes together”, and stated that he is all set for the upcoming season beginning in September this year with lots of surprises lined up. Teams who wish to register should contact any of the Executive Committee members or visit the web site to acquire forms for registration of the teams. Events pictures can be found on
http://picasaweb.google.com/IndianFootballFederationKuwait/AVCIFFKuwaitLeagueChampions2010#

IFFK Official Photographer: Rewon Gomes
Report by www.goa-world.com
PHOTOS CAN BE VIEWED HERE
http://picasaweb.google.com/IndianFootballFederationKuwait/AVCIFFKuwaitLeagueChampions2010#


(As documented by gaspar almeida, with input and pictures
courtesy of IFF-Kuwait, goa-world.com team members and other
reliable sources from the goan journalists' faternity]