By Gasper Crasto

Kuwait: G.O.A Maroons' player Julio Cardoso - a popular player on the football field and one of the most prominent personalities among Goans in Kuwait was awarded ‘Athlete of the Year' by Cultural Recreational Club of Chinchinim (CRC Chinchinim) at the 9-a-side finals of the 15th Edition of CRC football tournament held at Soor Grounds on 30th March 2007.

CRC Chinchinim President, Bosco Leitao presenting the award.

The distinguished award for Indian sportsmen in Kuwait is given away for a player for absolute and outstanding contribution and achievements in sports. Speaking after the prize distribution function CRC President Bosco Leitao reiterated that "the award recognizes and appreciates players who have excelled in the sports field".

Julio Cardoso has been a complete footballer and a disciplinarian. He had started his football way back in 1977 as a goalkeeper with Friends Club at a young age of 19 years. Thereafter, he went on to play for top clubs of Kuwait like Salcete United, Incredible XI, and United Goans before joining the famous G.O.A Maroons in 1994 with whom he is still going strong.

A registered player with Kuwait Indian Football Federation (KIFF), Julio has also worked towards promotion of the game as an organizer with G.O.A Maroons and also assisted KIFF in officiating matches and coaching referees. During his peak form he was considered one of the best goalkeepers in Kuwait especially during his years with Friends Club and early years with GOA Maroons. In recent years though, the multitalented footballer is seen playing upfront more often than guarding the goal.

Julio has represented Kuwait in KIFF Selection that toured Bahrain in 1987 and played for KIFF against visiting Kerala in Kuwait in 1989. He also captained Kuwait Goans team sponsored by Goan Welfare Society (GWS) at the Overseas World Cup Tournament held in Goa in 2001.

In a career spanning nearly 30 years of soccer in Kuwait Julio has won a total of 8 "Man of the Match" awards in KIFF organized tournaments. The dynamic personality, also considered a good referee said that "this award encourages me to use my experience in promoting the sport in Kuwait to a larger extent."

Julio's advice to young footballers: "Youngster should try to develop their skills all the time. Don't let praises expand your ego, seek advice from senior players and respect the referees. It is also important to be aware of injuries, as careers of many young footballers are cut short due to gratuitous and unattended injuries."

According to our http://www.goa-world.com/ archives, this 'Athlete of the Year' award was initiated in 1994 by Anselmo Furtado, ex-President of CRCC & KIFF.

Following is the list of CRCC's 'Athlete of the Year' award winners:

1. Alcantra Barretto (Navelim Youth Centre) - 1994-1995
2. Francis Machado (CRC Chinchinim) - 1996
3. V.K.Vohra (ex-President of KIFF) - 1997
4. Inacio Faleiro (ex-President of KIFF) - 1998
5. Tony Coutinho ( GOA Maroons) - 1999
6. Judas Fernandes (CRC Chinchinim) - 2000
7. Cajetan Godinho (Veterans XI) - 2001
8. Joseph Salema (United Goans Centre - 2002)
9. Sarto Baptista (United Friends Club) - 2003
10. Gasper Crasto (Navelim Youth Centre) - 2004
11. Gajendra Pillay ( GOA Maroons) - 2005
12. Tony Dias (ex-President KIFF & Santos FC) - 2006
13. Julio Cardoso ( GOA Maroons) - 2007

Fact File: Julio Cardoso