gaspersWorld

Kicʞbacks - by Gasper Crasto

Kuwait: Don Bosco Oratory were crowned champions of J. P. D’Mello Memorial K.I.F.F League Trophy 2014~15 after defeating YRC Rising Stars 1-0 in a grand final played at Kuwait’s Bayan Grounds on 12th June 2015.  

Lloyd Mascarenhas slotted home a penalty awarded to Don Bosco in the second half of play, while Rising Stars wasted a glorious chance to draw level off a spot-kick they won in injury time.

Don Bosco were also declared ‘Seasons Champions’ for their high-spirited all-round performance throughout the season.

It was great to see so many spectators and football fans turning up to witness the finals. Though the match was played under floodlights, it was tough on the players with summer winds blowing and temperatures close to the 50° mark.

The year-long league sponsored by Gulf Cable & Electric Industries Company, was organized by Kuwait Indian Football Federation (KIFF). Played on a league-cum-knockout basis, it featured 16 KIFF affiliated teams from the expatriate Indian community.

Don Bosco Oratory (DBO) dominated much of the match, incessantly encouraged by their screaming supporters. They succeeded in winning a penalty in the second half; FIFA referee Mansour Jasim had no hesitation in pointing to the spot when Lloyd was brought down deep inside the box by Rising’s Mario D’Souza. The ace striker entrusted with the responsibility made no mistake beating an otherwise outstanding Rising goalkeeper Anthony Fernandes.

Rising Stars were awarded their spot-kick after Don Bosco’s Akshay handled the ball inside the D-area. However, Myron Fernandes shot at the pole and the rebound was quickly cleared off to safety by the ecstatic DBO players.

Referee Mansour Jasim was assisted by Bernard Fernandes and Victor Andrade on the lines. Robert Bernard as Fourth Official.

LLOYD MASCARENHAS DAZZLES FOR DON BOSCO

Don Bosco’s ace striker Lloyd Mascarenhas dazzled the spectators with his exceptional display and footballing technique. He can be singled out as a pivotal leader in Don Bosco’s success this season. Lloyd was adjudged man of the match for his performance. With 12 goals to his credit, he also won the Top Scorer of the Season award for which he was presented with a trophy, and a gold coin sponsored by Mr. V.K. Vohra. The gold coin was handed over by the ex-KIFF President himself.

Conrad Pinto, captain Godfrey Aguiar, Roshan D’Souza, Prajot Jayden, Aftab Kallan, etc, also excelled for Don Bosco while stalwart goalkeeper Alvaro Dias was undeterred by any pressure on the goal.

For Rising Stars, apart from goalkeeper Anthony and captain Bernard Pires, Darwin D’Cruz, Kishore and super-sub Cheslee D’Souza gave their heart out to the team.

It was emotional to see Rising players holding a portrait of their player Vazeel Mohammed who died recently in a tragic road accident. Apparently, it was Vazeel’s wish to play the League final this season. KIFF observed a moment of silence before the kick-off in remembrance of the player and also on the recent demise of famous Kuwaiti magnate Nasser Al Kharafi.

CHIEF GUEST AND OTHER INVITEES

K.I.F.F President Mr. B.M. Viegas was the chief guest on the occasion while Mr. Abdul Rehman Al Muraiki, Government Relations Officer of Gulf Cable was the guest of honor.

Mr. Ozgur Kutay, CEO Citi Bank Kuwait was a special invitee while presidents of all participating clubs and other dignitaries were also present.

Speaking on the occasion, KIFF President B.M. Viegas thanked the sponsors and everyone associated with KIFF for the support rendered towards Indian football in Kuwait. Gen Secretary Praveen Kumar proposed a vote of thanks.

Fr. Franco Pereira Sdb., winded off the season with a word of praise for KIFF for the encouragement and opportunities given to youth through Indian football.

Earlier, Gasper Crasto, compere for the finals, welcomed the guests and conducted the day’s proceedings. DJ Clive D'Souza of Celebrate Events provided scintillating music throughout the evening.

The moments were captured on camera by Kuwait’s well-known photographer Rivon Gomes.

Goa Caterers (Bernard) were the caterers for the day.

FAIR PLAY AWARD AND OTHER AWARDS

Following prizes were awarded at the glittering prize distribution ceremony that followed.

Promising Player of Finals – Prajot Jayden (Don Bosco Oratory)
Best Goalkeeper of Finals – Anthony Fernandes (Rising Stars)
Best Defender of Finals – Godfrey Aguiar (Don Bosco Oratory)
Best midfielder – Kishore Puthiyedath (Rising Stars)
Man of the Match – Lloyd Mascarenhas (Don Bosco Oratory)
Top Scorer of the Season - Lloyd Mascarenhas (Don Bosco Oratory)

The prestigious Fair Play was awarded to Curtorcares United which was the fourth time that they won it.

Mementos were awarded to all affiliated clubs and KIFF Managing Committee members. A memento was also presented to Ignatius (Iggy) Martins, ex-player of KIFF, now retired and settled in Goa.

The prizes and glittering trophies were given at the hands of K.I.F.F President B.M. Viegas, Guest of Honor Mr. Muraiki, Mr. Ozgur Kutay, Managing Committee Members, etc.

J.P. D'MELLO KIFF LEAGUE

KIFF League played under the auspices of Kuwait Indian Football Federation (K.I.F.F) provides Indian players with the opportunity to showcase their soccer skills against the best competition, while emphasizing teamwork, discipline and fair play -- in perhaps one of India's only 11-aside recognized league abroad.

Teams that participated during the season were AVC Sports & Cultural Association, Curtorcares United, D.H.L. Sports Club, Don Bosco Oratory, FC Sparx, Goan Overseas Association (Goa Maroons), YRC Rising Stars, Indian Strikers, Malabar United FC, Navelim Youth Centre (NYC), Santos United, Skynet Raiders, Soccer Kerala, Kerala Challengers, United Goans Center (UG Strikers), and Kuwait Goan Association (KGA).

The Kuwait Indian Football Federation (K.I.F.F.) established in 1984 controls the League and Tournaments organized by clubs affiliated to KIFF.

J.P. Memorial Rolling Trophy - KIFF League is named after late Jerome Pascoal D’Mello (popularly known in India and Kuwait as J.P).

J.P was an ex-FIFA referee, Member of Asian Football Confederation Referees Committee and Ex-Hon. Secretary and Member of Bombay Referees' Association.

The dynamic J.P was founder President and a prime architect in conceiving the idea of forming KIFF.  His memory is kept alive by KIFF through affiliated Indian clubs by naming the KIFF League after him.

J.P who lived in Andheri East, Mumbai left for heavenly abode in 1994.

KIFF MANAGING COMMITTEE MEMBERS FOR 2014~15:

B.M. Viegas – President
Domnic Pereira – Vice President
Praveen Kumar – Gen. Secretary
Bernard D'Souza - Sports Secretary
Victor Andrade – Asst. Secretary
Adley D’Lima – Treasurer
Steven Sequiera – Registrar
Robert Bernard - Executive member
Derick Gomindes – Executive Member

THE CHAMPIONS:

Don Bosco Oratory: Alvaro Dias, Conrad Pinto, Godfrey Aguiar (captain), Roshan D’Souza, Philip Duarte, Joseph D’Costa, Agnelo Quadros, Allwyn Mendes, Lloyd Mascarenhas, Prajot Jayden, Aftab Kallan, Alidio Gomes, Alexandro Gomes, Salman Mhaslai, Jefrey Sequiera, Akshay Bhonsle, Joshua Pinto, Allan Madhta

Coach: Carlos Fernandes; Team Managers: Christopher Fernandes & Liston Raju

RUNNERS-UP

YRC Rising Stars: Anthony Fernandes, Darwin D’Cruz, Teotonio Fernandes, Silvestre Costa, Mario D’Souza, Nikhil Rodrigues, Bernard Pires (captain), Mathew Fernandes, Myron Fernandes, Sujith Kolayithara, Kishore Puthiyedath, Gopi, Abraham Joseph, Viet D’Silva, Cheslee D’Souza, Godwin Fernandes, Philip Coutinho, Rosario Colaco

Head Coach: Sidney Rodrigues, Team Manager: Marshall Fernandes