GOA Maroons crowned champions in a spectacular finish at Kuwait’s Kazma Stadium
Copyrights © GASPER CRASTOJ.P.D’Mello KIFF League 2010-11
By Gasper Crasto
Kuwait: Goan Overseas Association (G.O.A) popularly known as Goa Maroons won the prestigious J.P. D’Mello Memorial KIFF League Trophy defeating Kuwait Goan Association (KGA) 4-3 in the final played at the ‘Peace & Friendship’ Stadium on 10th June 2011.
The season ending match of the Kuwait Indian Football Federation (KIFF), was balanced in terms of performance in the first half. However it was Maroons who surprised KGA with an early lead. Prolific scorer Kennedy Ferrao broke the KGA off-side trap by a mile and took his time to round off the goalkeeper before tapping into the empty net.
On the other hand Maroons goalkeeper Guilerme Gomes was able to defend on a number of occasions. KGA who steadily organized themselves in the second half showed class, character and a superb fighting spirit, attacking from all ends with medio Bernard Pires dazzling in the centre. Ismayil, Luis Dias, Vitorin Menezes, Valente, Jacob Dias, Edward Dias, Cristo Colaco, Tiago Fernandes, Anil Thakuri and Vico D’Souza also excelled for KGA. With minutes left for the final whistle KGA drew level through Josse Fernandes who headed home from a corner kick taken by Bernard (1-1).
The extra-time produced no result which sent the teams into a penalty shootout. Maroons, already declared season’s champions for a super performance throughout, were determined to finish on a high. Goalkeeper Guilerme saved the last penalty in the tie-breaker to clinch victory for the champions. Ian D’Souza, Gabriel Fernandes and Bonny Niasso scored for Maroons, while only Valente and John Costa were on target for KGA.
Later, Goa Maroons President Raymond D’Sa expressed great joy in the victory and on winning the Trophy, a record equaling fourth time for Maroons in the league history. Navelim Youth Centre is the other team with maximum titles. Maroons coach Julio Cardoso told that such achievement comes with great efforts by the players, noting that the title was a remarkable end to a memorable league by KIFF which is played on league cum knock-out basis.
Goa Maroons comprised of Guilerme Gomes, Carlos D’Sa, Ian D’ Souza, Gabriel Fernandes, Regi Rodrigues, Sandy Fernandes, Terence Carvalho, Patrick Pinho, Bonny Niasso, John Ferrao, Elvis D’Souza, Joe Rebello, Joseph Correia, Albert Pereira, Jose Savio Pereira, Everest Rodrigues, Valentine Gonsalves, Jerry Mello, Julio Cardoso, Steven Rodrigues and James Figueira.
Coach: Julio Cardoso
Team Manager: Assumption D’Sa
The final was officiated by John Furtado supported by Victor Andrade and Roland Fernandes on the lines.
Shri Vidhu P. Nair, Charge D'Affaires Indian Embassy was the chief guest at the event while Mr. A. C. Roy, Chief Operating Officer Gulf Cable and Electrical Industries Co. was the guest of honor. Special invitees present on the occasion were Mr. Huzefa (Asst. Marketing Manager of Al Mulla Exchange) and Kevin Simoes, Joseph and Elvira D’Souza, ex-President of KIFF Mr. V.K. Vohra, UFC President Cajetan Pereira, CRC Chinchinim President Bosco Leitao, Navelim Vice-President Luis D’Silva, Rising Stars President Lawry Pinto, Cajie of Skynet, etc.
The teams were introduced to the guest of honor Mr. A.C. Roy and other dignitaries. National Anthems of Kuwait and India were played with great respect and honor while a set of white doves were set free to mark the event. A minute’s silence was observed in remembrance of J.P.D’Mello.
A special attraction of the evening was a dance program performed by about 20 children from Ballerine's School of Dance under the direction of choreographer Sudhi Frantero. DJ Mario entertained the spectators with some catchy numbers. The function was compered by Gasper Crasto.
KIFF President Fidelis Fernandes addressed the teams and emphasized on the need for unity and support to the federation to carry out KIFF activities smoothly. While applauding the support he received from his committee, he expressed wholehearted gratitude towards Gulf Cable and Electrical Industries for backing the Federation, and also thanked Al Mulla Exchange for their tremendous support all season.
Mr. A.C. Roy also voiced his appreciation. KIFF Vice-President Clifford Pinto proposed a vote of thanks at the prize distribution ceremony thanking the sponsors, affiliates, referees and specially the media for the coverage given to Indian football in Kuwait. The news on the league has been covered by Kuwait’s Arab Times, www.indiansinkuwait.com, http://mangalorean.com/, http://www.goa-world.com/, etc, among others.
Earlier, Rising Stars beat United Friends Club (UFC) 3-0 to win the hardline finals for a 3rd position in the league. Prakash, Shafeeq and Lusiano scored for Rising while UFC were strangely found wanting, conspicuous by the absence of some star players.
An exhibition match of young kids from the Salmiya Community Services was also held during one of the breaks.
The high profile Fair Play Trophy was won by Skynet Raiders for their overall discipline and respect to the game.
Apart from the new-look J.P. D’Mello Memorial Trophy, following prizes were awarded:
Season Champions – Goa Maroons
Fair Play Trophy – Skynet Raiders
Player of the League – Vitorino Menezes
Top Scorer of the Season – Kennedy Ferrao
Man of the Match (Finals) – Ian D’Souza
Mementos were presented to Jerry Mello, P.A. Tony and Gasper Crasto for their assistance towards the functioning of KIFF Referees Body since its inception. Glittering individual trophies were presented to the winners and runners-up, while the KIFF referees were presented with medallions.
KIFF President Fidelis Fernandes handed over the coveted J.P. D’Mello Trophy to great jubilations of Goa Maroons fans.
KIFF Committee for the season consisted of Fidelis Fernandes (President), Clifford Pinto (Vice-President), Michael Fernandes (Secretary), Bernard Fernandes (Sports Secretary), Nicholas Rodrigues (Registrar), Pascoal Afonso (PRO), Seby Dias (Treasurer ) and William Stronach (Releiver).
One may not certainly see huge crowds and players changing shirts with opposition teams after each match as seen on TV but the euphoria created during some games is nothing less than a 'World Cup' match. It is so in football anywhere in the world. If football weren't so exciting to watch, offering unscripted drama, it wouldn't have its global appeal. The semifinals of the ongoing league in which Kuwait Goan Association came from behind after trailing 0-2 to beat holders United Friends 5-2, was one such exciting game in Kuwait this season which will be remembered for a long time by those who witnessed it.
Like all major sport, soccer in Kuwait brings together Indians of different cultures and societies arousing the crowds through an electric effervescence. Though there are clubs of Kerala, Mangalore, etc, majority of the spectators ofcourse are Goans and one can see most players crossing their hearts as they run onto the ground.
Individuality in football is important, but obviously the team is more important than any one individual which begs the question: "where we'd be without some kind of a community, club, be the family, friends down the line, or our fellow supporters? We'd just be individuals and a bit lonely and isolated."
Many communities and clubs in Kuwait have helped numerous young youths and individuals to expose or find their hidden talent and assisted them in achieving better skills in football; and by virtue of their soccer talent alone (rather than their education), promoted them in other fields to become superior humans in society. In a different country and in a competitive world, most youths find it hard to attain great results without the help and support from a community. This might sound like politics, but we wont be mistaken if we say there would be no Maradona without Argentina and no Maldini without Milan. Individuals should never be more important than a community but unfortunately, with involvement of some negative thoughts, success and glory are sometimes personalized and exploited.
Other than shopping which more or less is a kind of a social event and a sport for most expatriates in Kuwait, playing and watching football has become a way of enjoying a weekend for many enthusiastic Indians. Here are some interesting comments about football in Kuwait:
A die hard supporter: "What I like about football here is the atmosphere at every game, you can feel the vibe of the other supporters when your team is winning, you can feel the anger from the other spectators when your team is down or if the referee made a bad decision, its like all the spectators are friends and get along together..."
A player: "I love football because it's an art, can drain out all of the emotions in a man week in and week out."
A Goan spectator: "I love watching football Live! Be it here, Goa or anywhere. I love watching the various ways of expressing pleasure and anger by players and their supporters at the end of the match and the different types of shouting especially in Konkani."
A female supporter: "What I love most about football: My husband being completely, completely absorbed while watching football. I love football very much. I love the fact that there are always celebrations when our team wins a match, and if we lose, everybody feels depressed. We are like a big family when it comes to football."
Football activities in Kuwait were started by expatriate community way back in 1975. As years went by, these activities gained momentum and slowly flourished as more sports clubs were formed and this sport became very popular among the large expatriate community.
The Kuwait Indian Football Federation (K.I.F.F.) established in 1984 controls all Expatriates Indians Football activities in Kuwait. Apart from the League, Four(4) Regular; Five(5) 7-A-Side and One(1) 9-A-Side Non-Regular Tournaments are organized by clubs affiliated to KIFF. The J.P. Memorial Rolling Trophy - KIFF League is named after late Jerome Pascoal DMello (popularly known in India and Kuwait as J.P). Ex-FIFA referee and Member of Asian Football Confederation Referees Committee and Ex-Hon. Secretary and Member of Bombay Referees' Association, DMello who lived in Andheri East, Bombay, left for his heavenly abode in 1994. He was the prime architect in conceiving the idea of forming KIFF.
A Fair Play Trophy and Top Scorer of the season will be awarded at the finals according to a message by KIFF President Mr. Fidelis Fernandes. The coveted J.P. D'Mello Trophy will also be given for keeps this season, and in place, a new look trophy reinstated for subsequent editions.
Kuwait: Goan Overseas Association (G.O.A) popularly known as Goa Maroons won the prestigious J.P. D’Mello Memorial KIFF League Trophy defeating Kuwait Goan Association (KGA) 4-3 in the final played at the ‘Peace & Friendship’ Stadium on 10th June 2011.
The season ending match of the Kuwait Indian Football Federation (KIFF), was balanced in terms of performance in the first half. However it was Maroons who surprised KGA with an early lead. Prolific scorer Kennedy Ferrao broke the KGA off-side trap by a mile and took his time to round off the goalkeeper before tapping into the empty net.
On the other hand Maroons goalkeeper Guilerme Gomes was able to defend on a number of occasions. KGA who steadily organized themselves in the second half showed class, character and a superb fighting spirit, attacking from all ends with medio Bernard Pires dazzling in the centre. Ismayil, Luis Dias, Vitorin Menezes, Valente, Jacob Dias, Edward Dias, Cristo Colaco, Tiago Fernandes, Anil Thakuri and Vico D’Souza also excelled for KGA. With minutes left for the final whistle KGA drew level through Josse Fernandes who headed home from a corner kick taken by Bernard (1-1).
The extra-time produced no result which sent the teams into a penalty shootout. Maroons, already declared season’s champions for a super performance throughout, were determined to finish on a high. Goalkeeper Guilerme saved the last penalty in the tie-breaker to clinch victory for the champions. Ian D’Souza, Gabriel Fernandes and Bonny Niasso scored for Maroons, while only Valente and John Costa were on target for KGA.
Later, Goa Maroons President Raymond D’Sa expressed great joy in the victory and on winning the Trophy, a record equaling fourth time for Maroons in the league history. Navelim Youth Centre is the other team with maximum titles. Maroons coach Julio Cardoso told that such achievement comes with great efforts by the players, noting that the title was a remarkable end to a memorable league by KIFF which is played on league cum knock-out basis.
Goa Maroons comprised of Guilerme Gomes, Carlos D’Sa, Ian D’ Souza, Gabriel Fernandes, Regi Rodrigues, Sandy Fernandes, Terence Carvalho, Patrick Pinho, Bonny Niasso, John Ferrao, Elvis D’Souza, Joe Rebello, Joseph Correia, Albert Pereira, Jose Savio Pereira, Everest Rodrigues, Valentine Gonsalves, Jerry Mello, Julio Cardoso, Steven Rodrigues and James Figueira.
Coach: Julio Cardoso
Team Manager: Assumption D’Sa
The final was officiated by John Furtado supported by Victor Andrade and Roland Fernandes on the lines.
Shri Vidhu P. Nair, Charge D'Affaires Indian Embassy was the chief guest at the event while Mr. A. C. Roy, Chief Operating Officer Gulf Cable and Electrical Industries Co. was the guest of honor. Special invitees present on the occasion were Mr. Huzefa (Asst. Marketing Manager of Al Mulla Exchange) and Kevin Simoes, Joseph and Elvira D’Souza, ex-President of KIFF Mr. V.K. Vohra, UFC President Cajetan Pereira, CRC Chinchinim President Bosco Leitao, Navelim Vice-President Luis D’Silva, Rising Stars President Lawry Pinto, Cajie of Skynet, etc.
The teams were introduced to the guest of honor Mr. A.C. Roy and other dignitaries. National Anthems of Kuwait and India were played with great respect and honor while a set of white doves were set free to mark the event. A minute’s silence was observed in remembrance of J.P.D’Mello.
A special attraction of the evening was a dance program performed by about 20 children from Ballerine's School of Dance under the direction of choreographer Sudhi Frantero. DJ Mario entertained the spectators with some catchy numbers. The function was compered by Gasper Crasto.
KIFF President Fidelis Fernandes addressed the teams and emphasized on the need for unity and support to the federation to carry out KIFF activities smoothly. While applauding the support he received from his committee, he expressed wholehearted gratitude towards Gulf Cable and Electrical Industries for backing the Federation, and also thanked Al Mulla Exchange for their tremendous support all season.
Mr. A.C. Roy also voiced his appreciation. KIFF Vice-President Clifford Pinto proposed a vote of thanks at the prize distribution ceremony thanking the sponsors, affiliates, referees and specially the media for the coverage given to Indian football in Kuwait. The news on the league has been covered by Kuwait’s Arab Times, www.indiansinkuwait.com, http://mangalorean.com/, http://www.goa-world.com/, etc, among others.
Earlier, Rising Stars beat United Friends Club (UFC) 3-0 to win the hardline finals for a 3rd position in the league. Prakash, Shafeeq and Lusiano scored for Rising while UFC were strangely found wanting, conspicuous by the absence of some star players.
An exhibition match of young kids from the Salmiya Community Services was also held during one of the breaks.
The high profile Fair Play Trophy was won by Skynet Raiders for their overall discipline and respect to the game.
Apart from the new-look J.P. D’Mello Memorial Trophy, following prizes were awarded:
Season Champions – Goa Maroons
Fair Play Trophy – Skynet Raiders
Player of the League – Vitorino Menezes
Top Scorer of the Season – Kennedy Ferrao
Man of the Match (Finals) – Ian D’Souza
Mementos were presented to Jerry Mello, P.A. Tony and Gasper Crasto for their assistance towards the functioning of KIFF Referees Body since its inception. Glittering individual trophies were presented to the winners and runners-up, while the KIFF referees were presented with medallions.
KIFF President Fidelis Fernandes handed over the coveted J.P. D’Mello Trophy to great jubilations of Goa Maroons fans.
KIFF Committee for the season consisted of Fidelis Fernandes (President), Clifford Pinto (Vice-President), Michael Fernandes (Secretary), Bernard Fernandes (Sports Secretary), Nicholas Rodrigues (Registrar), Pascoal Afonso (PRO), Seby Dias (Treasurer ) and William Stronach (Releiver).
PREVIEW TO FINALS: Will it be Goa Maroons or Kuwait Goan Association
Kuwait: Kuwait Indian Football Federation (KIFF) League, the only competition of its kind among expatriate Indians in the Middle East promises a spectacular finale when the best two teams in the League, Goa Maroons and Kuwait Goan Association clash on 10th June at Kuwait's famous 'Peace & Friendship' Kazma Stadium for the coveted J.P.Memorial Rolling Trophy.
The summer heat and humidity in Kuwait may not be a perfect climate for the amateur players to display their full potential nor for a turnout of colorful spectators for the KIFF League finals but anyway it will all seem like a lovely antidote to enjoy an evening in the open. Football among expatriates in Kuwait fulfills its function to divert one's mind from reality and all football lovers fall for the con.
Football is the only sport which is innocent, honest, and somehow democratic in an otherwise sleazy world of Kuwait. It is the collective delusion about a better world. The mythology of football here is that it is a independent game, where the working man in particular can be heard. Trouble is, real life isn't like that. The myth of football here holds that the spectators are the clubs and it's their collective memory which remains constant as players, officials and clubs come and go.
In today's world of Cable Television, it is as if there is a theological choice to be made, between the doctrine of TV and the true path of actual attendance. Expatriate Indians and specially Goans miss watching their favorite teams Salgaocars, Dempos and even their village teams in action and as such most have found 'Live' telecast of European soccer on TV thrilling.
Nobody is in any doubt that evil satellite television, making the games of brilliant teams such as Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester United available to all, has corrupted the sensitive spectator. Everybody seems to be a Messi, Rooney or a Ronaldo fan but that has not really taken away the excitement of enjoying the Friday games in Kuwait.
The die hard supporters always throng the grounds and cheer the lads. People who have witnessed some of the most exciting matches played in recent years do not believe in the negative hype of television soccer. Everyone is aware the games here are played for love and not fortune.
Kuwait: Kuwait Indian Football Federation (KIFF) League, the only competition of its kind among expatriate Indians in the Middle East promises a spectacular finale when the best two teams in the League, Goa Maroons and Kuwait Goan Association clash on 10th June at Kuwait's famous 'Peace & Friendship' Kazma Stadium for the coveted J.P.Memorial Rolling Trophy.
The summer heat and humidity in Kuwait may not be a perfect climate for the amateur players to display their full potential nor for a turnout of colorful spectators for the KIFF League finals but anyway it will all seem like a lovely antidote to enjoy an evening in the open. Football among expatriates in Kuwait fulfills its function to divert one's mind from reality and all football lovers fall for the con.
Football is the only sport which is innocent, honest, and somehow democratic in an otherwise sleazy world of Kuwait. It is the collective delusion about a better world. The mythology of football here is that it is a independent game, where the working man in particular can be heard. Trouble is, real life isn't like that. The myth of football here holds that the spectators are the clubs and it's their collective memory which remains constant as players, officials and clubs come and go.
In today's world of Cable Television, it is as if there is a theological choice to be made, between the doctrine of TV and the true path of actual attendance. Expatriate Indians and specially Goans miss watching their favorite teams Salgaocars, Dempos and even their village teams in action and as such most have found 'Live' telecast of European soccer on TV thrilling.
Nobody is in any doubt that evil satellite television, making the games of brilliant teams such as Real Madrid, Barcelona and Manchester United available to all, has corrupted the sensitive spectator. Everybody seems to be a Messi, Rooney or a Ronaldo fan but that has not really taken away the excitement of enjoying the Friday games in Kuwait.
The die hard supporters always throng the grounds and cheer the lads. People who have witnessed some of the most exciting matches played in recent years do not believe in the negative hype of television soccer. Everyone is aware the games here are played for love and not fortune.
One may not certainly see huge crowds and players changing shirts with opposition teams after each match as seen on TV but the euphoria created during some games is nothing less than a 'World Cup' match. It is so in football anywhere in the world. If football weren't so exciting to watch, offering unscripted drama, it wouldn't have its global appeal. The semifinals of the ongoing league in which Kuwait Goan Association came from behind after trailing 0-2 to beat holders United Friends 5-2, was one such exciting game in Kuwait this season which will be remembered for a long time by those who witnessed it.Like all major sport, soccer in Kuwait brings together Indians of different cultures and societies arousing the crowds through an electric effervescence. Though there are clubs of Kerala, Mangalore, etc, majority of the spectators ofcourse are Goans and one can see most players crossing their hearts as they run onto the ground.
Individuality in football is important, but obviously the team is more important than any one individual which begs the question: "where we'd be without some kind of a community, club, be the family, friends down the line, or our fellow supporters? We'd just be individuals and a bit lonely and isolated."
Many communities and clubs in Kuwait have helped numerous young youths and individuals to expose or find their hidden talent and assisted them in achieving better skills in football; and by virtue of their soccer talent alone (rather than their education), promoted them in other fields to become superior humans in society. In a different country and in a competitive world, most youths find it hard to attain great results without the help and support from a community. This might sound like politics, but we wont be mistaken if we say there would be no Maradona without Argentina and no Maldini without Milan. Individuals should never be more important than a community but unfortunately, with involvement of some negative thoughts, success and glory are sometimes personalized and exploited.
Other than shopping which more or less is a kind of a social event and a sport for most expatriates in Kuwait, playing and watching football has become a way of enjoying a weekend for many enthusiastic Indians. Here are some interesting comments about football in Kuwait:
A die hard supporter: "What I like about football here is the atmosphere at every game, you can feel the vibe of the other supporters when your team is winning, you can feel the anger from the other spectators when your team is down or if the referee made a bad decision, its like all the spectators are friends and get along together..."
A player: "I love football because it's an art, can drain out all of the emotions in a man week in and week out."
A Goan spectator: "I love watching football Live! Be it here, Goa or anywhere. I love watching the various ways of expressing pleasure and anger by players and their supporters at the end of the match and the different types of shouting especially in Konkani."
A female supporter: "What I love most about football: My husband being completely, completely absorbed while watching football. I love football very much. I love the fact that there are always celebrations when our team wins a match, and if we lose, everybody feels depressed. We are like a big family when it comes to football."
Football activities in Kuwait were started by expatriate community way back in 1975. As years went by, these activities gained momentum and slowly flourished as more sports clubs were formed and this sport became very popular among the large expatriate community.
The Kuwait Indian Football Federation (K.I.F.F.) established in 1984 controls all Expatriates Indians Football activities in Kuwait. Apart from the League, Four(4) Regular; Five(5) 7-A-Side and One(1) 9-A-Side Non-Regular Tournaments are organized by clubs affiliated to KIFF. The J.P. Memorial Rolling Trophy - KIFF League is named after late Jerome Pascoal DMello (popularly known in India and Kuwait as J.P). Ex-FIFA referee and Member of Asian Football Confederation Referees Committee and Ex-Hon. Secretary and Member of Bombay Referees' Association, DMello who lived in Andheri East, Bombay, left for his heavenly abode in 1994. He was the prime architect in conceiving the idea of forming KIFF.
A Fair Play Trophy and Top Scorer of the season will be awarded at the finals according to a message by KIFF President Mr. Fidelis Fernandes. The coveted J.P. D'Mello Trophy will also be given for keeps this season, and in place, a new look trophy reinstated for subsequent editions.
Goan teams to fight for top honors at Kuwait's Kazma Stadium
Kuwait: Best teams in the world are always judged by their supremacy in their respective leagues. In a just concluded season, the champions in England are Manchester United, Barcelona FC in Spain, AC Milan in Italy, Qadsiya SC in Kuwait, and Salgaocar FC in India. In a lesser world of Indian expatriates in Kuwait, two Goan clubs will compete for top honors in the final of Kuwait Indian Football Federation (K.I.F.F) League 2010-11 for the prestigious J.P. D'Mello Trophy.
The Goan outfits -- popular Goa Maroons, and Kuwait Goan Association (KGA) reached the final after beating their rivals in 'neck-and-neck' semifinal battles reminiscent of any grueling and ferocious sport in the world.
While KGA came from behind a 0-2 deficit to maraud defending champions United Friends Club 5-2, Goa Maroons scored a 2-1 victory over Rising Stars in a match marred by controversy and chaos. Both the games played in soaring temperatures nearing 50°C kept the spectators on tenterhooks and made hot news over the weekend among die-hard Indian football followers in Kuwait as well as back home.
United Friends v/s Kuwait Goan Association
United Friends Club (UFC) will rue themselves for squandering a 2-0 lead taken off the boots of Alexandro Gomes and Denzil Jadhav early into the match. But then, amateur teams are no Barcelonas to play ball possession and finish off such a wonderful advantage of 2 goals. The joy of UFC, champions of the league in 1999, 2003 and 2010, was short lived as they saw their fort crumbling, mainly due to a non-existing midfield. Medio Remedio Fernandes, Edwin Dias and Darwin looked drained out in the second half, and the efforts of hardworking striker Godwin Fernandes and Hemanth Kumar to fall back in aid of central defenders Teotonio and Mauricio Simoes was not just enough.
KGA, who played a ‘foxy, wait and grab’ game, made the best of all opportunities scoring the goals in quick succession within a space of 20 minutes to turn the tables over UFC (5-2). The goalscorers for KGA were Vitorino Menezes (2 goals), Anil Thakuri (1 goal) and substitute Josse Fernandes (2 goals).
The livewire in KGA ranks was former East Bengal and Salgaocar player Bernard Pires who controlled the entire game. The untiring Vitorino Menezes, who was later declared man of the match, was also amazing. However, the mastermind of the KGA team this season has been their captain Tiago Fernandes. The hardened warrior who started his football in the late 80s playing for Goa and later Salgaocars and Dempos still rules the roost (more than 20 years later) with precision, goal-scoring passes and long range shots. KGA will depend much on this iconic player to beat Kuwait's most popular team Goa Maroons in the grand final of the league.
GOA Maroons v/s Rising Stars
Winning over tough rivals is great but winning with discipline is a greater than the sweetest of victories. Goa Maroons and Rising Stars, perhaps the oldest existing clubs under KIFF, had everything at stake in the match. Both teams wanted to prove their superiority and beat the other for a place in the final which is equivalent of a Champions League appearance for most players and fans.
It was Maroons who took the lead midway into the first session. The goal was probably the result of a move planned in training, which saw medio Terrence Carvalho passing the ball down the line to Bonny, who crossed at the top of box. Elvis D'Souza, one of Maroons' swiftest players, who had raced from the centre line met the pass and placed it past Rising keeper Lusiano Fernandes (1-0).
Maroons were in total control for most part of the game. Carlos D'Sa, Gabriel Fernandes, Regi Rodrigues, Sandy Fernandes and captain Ian D'Souza were excellent throughout the match. Prolific scorer John Kennedy scored the other goal for Maroons (2-0). Rising Star's main striker Maveli Fajilu pulled one back which brought excitement to the match and charged up the footballers.
With 8 minutes left for the final whistle and Maroons leading 2-1, the match went into bad weathers when Rising Stars defender Vadakath Balagopal rushed to the assistant referee on the far touchline questioning an offside decision which he alleged was not pulled off. His altercation and misconduct with the official warranted him a straight red card which was however not accepted sportingly by the Rising players. Some players argued while others walked off the field prompting the official to flash a yellow card to Rising's star player Fajilu who had taken off his jersey. The card turned out to be Fajilu's second yellow of the match. As a rule, it was followed by a red. Rising players protested vehemently and did not continue the game thereafter. The match was abandoned; Maroons were later declared winners by a 2-1 margin.
Finals on 10th June 2011 at Peace & Friendship Kazma Stadium
While the entire league, that started last September consisting of 14 affiliated clubs was played at MOH ground Shuwaikh, the grand final of the league will be moved at the famous 'Peace and Friendship, Kazma Stadium' and will be played on 10th June 2011 under floodlights. The grand finale will spark off at 6pm sharp with a hardline final for the 3rd and 4th place between United Friends Club and Rising Stars.
The final promises great entertainment as usual in a League finish and it's an enormous occasion for Maroons president Raymond D'Sa as well as KGA president Salvador Dias. While Maroons has a history of winning top finals, KGA will look to reclaim the J.P.D'Mello Trophy they won in 2007. Navelim Youth Centre have won the trophy for a record number of times since its inception.
Maroons who won trophy in 2009, are sure to stick to the semifinal lineup. Once again, they will be without the services of the indomitable James Figuera, Kuwait's best known footballer who is out injured; while KGA are still nursing on the fitness of Jimmy Goveia, their super sub.
Shri Shri Vidhu P. Nair - Charge D'Affaires, Indian Embassy of Kuwait has consented to be the chief guest at the finals. Mr. A. C. Roy, Chief Operating Officer - Gulf Cable and Electrical Industries Co. will be the Guest of Honor.
In a message sent to all affiliates of the federation, KIFF President Fidelis Fernandes has welcomed Indian football lovers and the expatriate communities to come and witness the grand finals.
A dance program by Ballerine's school of dance will be a special attraction at the event.
KIFF and J.P. D'Mello Memorial Trophy
Apart from the League, the Kuwait Indian Football Federation (K.I.F.F.) established in 1984 conducts other 11-aside and 7-aside tournaments organized by clubs affiliated to KIFF. All matches under KIFF are officiated by KIFF referees.
J.P. D'Mello Memorial Rolling Trophy - KIFF League is named after late Jerome Pascoal D'Mello (popularly known in India and Kuwait as J.P). Hailing from Bombay, D'Mello lived and worked in Kuwait and was the prime architect in conceiving the idea of forming KIFF. Ex-FIFA referee and Member of Asian Football Confederation Referees Committee and Ex-Hon. Secretary and Member of Bombay Referees' Association, D'Mello left for his heavenly abode in the year 1994.
Probable team line-up for the finals:
Goa Maroons: Guilerme Gomes, Carlos D'Sa, Ian D'Souza, Gabriel Fernandes, Regi Rodrigues, Sandy Fernandes, Terence Carvalho, Patrick Pinho, Bonny Niasso, John Ferrao, Elvis D'Souza, Joe Rebello, Joseph Correia, Albert Pereira, Everest Rodrigues, Valentine Gonsalves, Jerry Mello, Julio Cardoso, Steven Rodrigues and James Figueira.
Coach: Julio Cardoso
Team Manager: Assumption D'Sa
Kuwait Goan Association: Luis Dias, Jacob Dias, Eduardo Dias, Francis Fernandes, Vitorino Menezes, Tiago Fernandes, John Costa, Ismyil Kayungal, Valentino Fernandes, Anil Thakuri, Bernard Pires, Christovam Colaco, Josse Fernandes, Zelito Cardozo, Blesson D’Souza, Concessao Rodrigues, Godwin Fernandes and Jimmy Goveia.
Coach: Tiago Fernandes; Asst Coach: Pascoal Fernandes
Team Manager: Concessao (Connie) Rodrigues
Kuwait: Best teams in the world are always judged by their supremacy in their respective leagues. In a just concluded season, the champions in England are Manchester United, Barcelona FC in Spain, AC Milan in Italy, Qadsiya SC in Kuwait, and Salgaocar FC in India. In a lesser world of Indian expatriates in Kuwait, two Goan clubs will compete for top honors in the final of Kuwait Indian Football Federation (K.I.F.F) League 2010-11 for the prestigious J.P. D'Mello Trophy.The Goan outfits -- popular Goa Maroons, and Kuwait Goan Association (KGA) reached the final after beating their rivals in 'neck-and-neck' semifinal battles reminiscent of any grueling and ferocious sport in the world.
While KGA came from behind a 0-2 deficit to maraud defending champions United Friends Club 5-2, Goa Maroons scored a 2-1 victory over Rising Stars in a match marred by controversy and chaos. Both the games played in soaring temperatures nearing 50°C kept the spectators on tenterhooks and made hot news over the weekend among die-hard Indian football followers in Kuwait as well as back home.
United Friends v/s Kuwait Goan Association
United Friends Club (UFC) will rue themselves for squandering a 2-0 lead taken off the boots of Alexandro Gomes and Denzil Jadhav early into the match. But then, amateur teams are no Barcelonas to play ball possession and finish off such a wonderful advantage of 2 goals. The joy of UFC, champions of the league in 1999, 2003 and 2010, was short lived as they saw their fort crumbling, mainly due to a non-existing midfield. Medio Remedio Fernandes, Edwin Dias and Darwin looked drained out in the second half, and the efforts of hardworking striker Godwin Fernandes and Hemanth Kumar to fall back in aid of central defenders Teotonio and Mauricio Simoes was not just enough.
KGA, who played a ‘foxy, wait and grab’ game, made the best of all opportunities scoring the goals in quick succession within a space of 20 minutes to turn the tables over UFC (5-2). The goalscorers for KGA were Vitorino Menezes (2 goals), Anil Thakuri (1 goal) and substitute Josse Fernandes (2 goals).
The livewire in KGA ranks was former East Bengal and Salgaocar player Bernard Pires who controlled the entire game. The untiring Vitorino Menezes, who was later declared man of the match, was also amazing. However, the mastermind of the KGA team this season has been their captain Tiago Fernandes. The hardened warrior who started his football in the late 80s playing for Goa and later Salgaocars and Dempos still rules the roost (more than 20 years later) with precision, goal-scoring passes and long range shots. KGA will depend much on this iconic player to beat Kuwait's most popular team Goa Maroons in the grand final of the league.
GOA Maroons v/s Rising Stars
Winning over tough rivals is great but winning with discipline is a greater than the sweetest of victories. Goa Maroons and Rising Stars, perhaps the oldest existing clubs under KIFF, had everything at stake in the match. Both teams wanted to prove their superiority and beat the other for a place in the final which is equivalent of a Champions League appearance for most players and fans.
It was Maroons who took the lead midway into the first session. The goal was probably the result of a move planned in training, which saw medio Terrence Carvalho passing the ball down the line to Bonny, who crossed at the top of box. Elvis D'Souza, one of Maroons' swiftest players, who had raced from the centre line met the pass and placed it past Rising keeper Lusiano Fernandes (1-0).
Maroons were in total control for most part of the game. Carlos D'Sa, Gabriel Fernandes, Regi Rodrigues, Sandy Fernandes and captain Ian D'Souza were excellent throughout the match. Prolific scorer John Kennedy scored the other goal for Maroons (2-0). Rising Star's main striker Maveli Fajilu pulled one back which brought excitement to the match and charged up the footballers.
With 8 minutes left for the final whistle and Maroons leading 2-1, the match went into bad weathers when Rising Stars defender Vadakath Balagopal rushed to the assistant referee on the far touchline questioning an offside decision which he alleged was not pulled off. His altercation and misconduct with the official warranted him a straight red card which was however not accepted sportingly by the Rising players. Some players argued while others walked off the field prompting the official to flash a yellow card to Rising's star player Fajilu who had taken off his jersey. The card turned out to be Fajilu's second yellow of the match. As a rule, it was followed by a red. Rising players protested vehemently and did not continue the game thereafter. The match was abandoned; Maroons were later declared winners by a 2-1 margin.
Finals on 10th June 2011 at Peace & Friendship Kazma Stadium
While the entire league, that started last September consisting of 14 affiliated clubs was played at MOH ground Shuwaikh, the grand final of the league will be moved at the famous 'Peace and Friendship, Kazma Stadium' and will be played on 10th June 2011 under floodlights. The grand finale will spark off at 6pm sharp with a hardline final for the 3rd and 4th place between United Friends Club and Rising Stars.
The final promises great entertainment as usual in a League finish and it's an enormous occasion for Maroons president Raymond D'Sa as well as KGA president Salvador Dias. While Maroons has a history of winning top finals, KGA will look to reclaim the J.P.D'Mello Trophy they won in 2007. Navelim Youth Centre have won the trophy for a record number of times since its inception.
Maroons who won trophy in 2009, are sure to stick to the semifinal lineup. Once again, they will be without the services of the indomitable James Figuera, Kuwait's best known footballer who is out injured; while KGA are still nursing on the fitness of Jimmy Goveia, their super sub.
Shri Shri Vidhu P. Nair - Charge D'Affaires, Indian Embassy of Kuwait has consented to be the chief guest at the finals. Mr. A. C. Roy, Chief Operating Officer - Gulf Cable and Electrical Industries Co. will be the Guest of Honor.
In a message sent to all affiliates of the federation, KIFF President Fidelis Fernandes has welcomed Indian football lovers and the expatriate communities to come and witness the grand finals.
A dance program by Ballerine's school of dance will be a special attraction at the event.
KIFF and J.P. D'Mello Memorial Trophy
Apart from the League, the Kuwait Indian Football Federation (K.I.F.F.) established in 1984 conducts other 11-aside and 7-aside tournaments organized by clubs affiliated to KIFF. All matches under KIFF are officiated by KIFF referees.
J.P. D'Mello Memorial Rolling Trophy - KIFF League is named after late Jerome Pascoal D'Mello (popularly known in India and Kuwait as J.P). Hailing from Bombay, D'Mello lived and worked in Kuwait and was the prime architect in conceiving the idea of forming KIFF. Ex-FIFA referee and Member of Asian Football Confederation Referees Committee and Ex-Hon. Secretary and Member of Bombay Referees' Association, D'Mello left for his heavenly abode in the year 1994.
Probable team line-up for the finals:
Goa Maroons: Guilerme Gomes, Carlos D'Sa, Ian D'Souza, Gabriel Fernandes, Regi Rodrigues, Sandy Fernandes, Terence Carvalho, Patrick Pinho, Bonny Niasso, John Ferrao, Elvis D'Souza, Joe Rebello, Joseph Correia, Albert Pereira, Everest Rodrigues, Valentine Gonsalves, Jerry Mello, Julio Cardoso, Steven Rodrigues and James Figueira.
Coach: Julio Cardoso
Team Manager: Assumption D'Sa
Kuwait Goan Association: Luis Dias, Jacob Dias, Eduardo Dias, Francis Fernandes, Vitorino Menezes, Tiago Fernandes, John Costa, Ismyil Kayungal, Valentino Fernandes, Anil Thakuri, Bernard Pires, Christovam Colaco, Josse Fernandes, Zelito Cardozo, Blesson D’Souza, Concessao Rodrigues, Godwin Fernandes and Jimmy Goveia.
Coach: Tiago Fernandes; Asst Coach: Pascoal Fernandes
Team Manager: Concessao (Connie) Rodrigues