Sheikha Huda Al-Sabah Memorial International football tournament in Kuwait
Aldona United FC (U.A.E) crowned Champions
By Gasper Crasto
Kuwait: Aldona United FC (Dubai, U.A.E) were crowned champions of the 1st Late Sheikha Huda Bader Mohammad Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah Memorial International 7-aside Football Tournament played on 25th February 2011 at the Baladiya Ground, Salmiya, Kuwait.
Aldona beat strong contenders Fahaheel Brothers “A” in the tie-breaker 3-2.
The grand tournament was presented by newly formed Real Betalbatim Football Club under the patronage of Goan MLA Mr. Mickey Pacheco.
The tournament kicked-off in an atmosphere engulfed with mist. The teams were introduced to the guests present and to the Executive Committee of Real Betalbatim F.C. A minute’s silence was observed in respect of Late Sheikha Huda Bader Mohammed Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah. Later, His Excellency, the Ambassador of India, Shri Ajai Malhotra graced the occasion for a short period and in his speech he emphasized to keep politics in sports aside and enjoy the games. As a memento, a jersey and a plaque were presented to His Execellency by Robin Fernandes, CEO of Real Betalbatim.
Sheikha Dalal Al-Sabah, sister of Late Shaikha Huda Bader Al Sabah was the chief guest at the historic event.
“I have no words to express my joy to see the memory of my sister being brought alive,” said Sheikha Dalal Al-Sabah referring to tournament held in memory of late Sheikha Huda. Whilst congratulating the finalists for a great game of entertainment and appreciating the efforts of the organizers she further stated, “We support Indian football and we will support the next edition of the tournament as well.”
A Historic Event
Real Betalbatim President Derick Gomindes thanked the participating teams, IFRA Officials, Media, Sponsors and everyone involved in making the event a grand success. He said, “It’s a privilege and honor for Real Betalbatim F.C. to organize such an event in loving memory of Late Sheikha Huda Bader Mohammed Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah and to keep her memories alive. He further stated, “This is the first tournament and will not be the last. Real Betalbatim will continue to be associated with Al-Sabah family for years to come”.
Mr. Derick also thanked Sheikha Dalal Al-Sabah and Sheikha Hanouf Al-Sabah for supporting Real Betalbatim F.C. in making this event a success and for accepting the invitation to attend the function in spite of a busy schedule. He also thanked IFF-K Council Members and Executive Committee for allowing Real Betalbatim to stage this event.
The day-long tournament attracted 22 select teams of Indian origin including 2 overseas teams from UAE. A number of top players from across the Middle East were seen in action. The matches were watched by a large number of holiday spectators with games providing sizzling drama and excitement.
Participating Teams
The participating teams were AVC –Kuwait, Don Bosco Oratory, Navelim Youth Centre, Goa Maroons, Veterans United, Real Betalbatim Football Club, Fahaheel Bros, DHL Football Club, SkyNet Raiders, Kuwait Goan Association, CRC Chinchinim, Big Boys, Indians FC, Friends Circle, The English School, Domnic Savio Panjim, Guirim Boys. Vaxim Divar and Aldona United F.C were the outstation teams from Dubai, UAE.
The participants were divided into 4 groups for a round-robin league. Top two teams from each group qualified for the quarter-finals. The teams from U.A.E lived up to expectations although Vaxim Divar (champions of Gulf Goans Cup 2010) were eliminated in the quarter finals.
Organizers – Real Betalbatim Football Club (RBFC)
The organizers Real Betalbatim Football Club (RBFC) left no stone unturned to ensure an entertaining tournament. The club formed in the year 2010 by well-known Indian expatriate football icons in Kuwait such as Robin Fernandes, Derick Gomindes, Teddy Pinto, Philip Ferrao, Vijay Gonsalves, Francis Fernandes, Joe Braganza etc, created history by becoming the first Indian organization to successfully organize an International football event in Kuwait. Real Betalbatim Executive Committee comprises of Robin Fernandes - CEO, Derick Gomindes - President, Francis Fernandes - Vice President, Teddy Pinto - General Secretary, Vijay Gonsalves - Sports Manager, Philip Ferrao - Team Coach, Joe Braganza - Asst. Sports Secretary, Sarto Baptist - Executive Member, Noel Pinto - Executive Member etc.
The Grand Finale
The tournament fiesta coincided with the 50 Years of National Day Celebrations of Kuwait.
In the finals, Aldona United and Fahaheel Brothers were locked goalless. In the ensuing 3 penalty tie-breaker shootout Aldona United came out victorious with their stand-in keeper Flackson Fernandes dazzling under pressure.
Earlier in the semi final, Aldona United beat a star studded DHL who had knocked out favorites Navelim Youth Center in a quarter final tie-breaker.
Prior to the finals, in an exhibition match of budding footballers, Real Betalbatim (Blue) beat Real Betalbatim (White) 3-1 in the tie-breaker, Decklon, Kevin, etc, excelled for the winners.
The tournament was officiated by Indian Football Referees Association, a professional Indian expatriate officiating body in Kuwait.
Guests and Dignitaries
A number of distinguished dignitaries attended the event. In a memorable finale, the finalists Aldona FC and Fahaheel Brothers were introduced to the chief guest Sheikha Dalal Bader Al-Sabah. Colorful balloons were released in the skies amidst lively cheers while the National anthems of Kuwait and India were played with respect. For the first time in Indian football history in Kuwait a catchy theme song of Real Betalbatim was also played to mark the event. The RBFC theme song has been composed by Mr. Theo Rodrigues.
Earlier, Sheikha Dalal Bader Al-Sabah was welcomed by the children and given a standing ovation by spectators present upon her arrival at the stadium. A Memento in the form of RBFC team jersey and a plaque was presented to the Sheikha by RBFC Sports Manager Vijay Gonsalves.
The day was brightened by the presence of DJ Cajetan Ferrao providing stimulating music. Comperes Alex Taylor and Merwyn Pereira kept the crowd animated while free refreshment provided by Lays Chips and Lipton Tea was provided to spectators.
Prizes and Awards
The trophies presented were especially customized and imported from the United States of America, and the Rolling Trophy is a marvel to behold.
Following prizes were awarded:
Best Discipline Team – Vaxim Divar, Dubai
Best Defender – Russell Rodrigues (Vaxim Divar)
Best Goalkeeper – Flackson Fernandes (Aldona United FC)
Best Centre Half – Ismail Konju (Fahaheel Bros)
Best Forward – Sony Gomes (CRC Chinchinim)
Man of the Match (Finals) – Sonu Halanker (Aldona United F.C)
Man of Match 3rd & 4th Place – Anthony Fernandes (CRC Chinchinim)
Man of Match Semi-Finalist – Devendra Kauthankar (Aldona United and Ismail – Fahaheel Bros)
3rd Place Team Winners – CRC Chinchinim
4th Place Team Winners – DHL F.C.
The glittering Rolling Trophy was given away by Sheikha Dalal Bader Al-Sabah to the Champions Aldona United F.C captain and other prizes were distributed at the hands of William Gonsalves, Assumption D’Sa, Gasper Almeida, Gasper Crasto, Patrick Pereria, Adolf D’Souza, Junifer Rodrigues, Sarto Baptist, Fatima Gonsalves, Vinita Fernandes, Benedicta Fernandes, Ivan Barretto and the Executive Committee of Real Betalbatim F.C. The day’s events were captured on video by Mr. Felix while the photography was covered by Rivon Gomes, a professional photographer.