Jubilant AVC Overseas Association after the victory.
Kicʞbacks - by Gasper Crasto
Kuwait - June 2013: AVC Overseas Association inscribed their
name for the first time on the coveted NYC trophy with a 5-4 tie-breaker
victory over Don Bosco Oratory in the finals of the prestigious 23rd edition
NYC Trophy football tournament played at M.O.H Ground, Shuwaikh on 7th
June 2013.Both teams played exciting football and kept the spectators on tenterhooks till the end. The result had to be decided with a tie-breaker after the teams failed to break the deadlock in the normal and extra-time. AVC emerged victorious in the ensuing shootout 5-4. AVC shooters Anthony Rodrigues, Sydney Monteiro, Leslie Alemao, Liston Raju and Xavier D’Mello were all on target while goalkeeper and man of the match Alvaro Dias, who excelled throughout the match, saved the spot-kick of Don Bosco’s Alexandro Gomes. Scorers for Don Bosco were Godfrey Aguiar, Lloyd Mascarenhas, Rony and Alido Gomes.
AVC consisted of Alvaro Dias, Savio Fernandes, Braulio Rodrigues, Leslie Alemao, Anthony Rodrigues, Luciano D’Souza, Sydney Monteiro, Melvy Fernandes, Joseph Quadros, Vincy Pereira, Agusto Monteiro, Mathew D’Mello, Liston Raju, Nicolas Sequeira, Kevin Vaz, Xavier D’Mello, Peter Fernandes, Hector Coelho, Francis Rodrigues, etc.
AVC, in their 12 year history, will also be crowned Season Champions of KIFF for the 5th time for their stupendous performance this season.
Don Bosco were made up of Alido Gomes, Alex Sequeira, Godfrey Aguiar, Roshan D’Souza, Vicky Wagmare, Rony Fernandes, Gavin D’Souza, Lloyd Mascarenhas, Alexandro Gomes, Ashton Fernandes, Michael Dias, Basil Kuriakose, Vinay D’Souza, Valenky Rodrigues, Philip Duarte, Leo Rodrigues, Gilbert Fernandes, Anthony Rebello, Salman M, Christopher Rodrigues, etc.
Navelim
MLA & Goan Minister for Labor & Employment and Fisheries Shri Avertano
Furtado - graced the occasion. He was introduced to players of
the two finalists by Navelim YC President Agnello A.S. Fernandes. Goan MLA from
Velim constituency Mr. Benjamin D’Silva, also on a visit to Kuwait, was a
special invitee at the finals. Presidents of various participating clubs were
among the dignitaries present on the occasion. Kuwait Indian Football
Federation (KIFF) president Mr. Fidelis Fernandes was also present on the
occasion.
Speaking
on the occasion Shri Avertano Furtado, while congratulating the new champions
for their skillful game, appreciated the efforts of Navelim celebrating 25 years of its existence in Kuwait, and of KIFF in
organizing high-standard Indian football in Kuwait and providing an opportunity
for many Indians to display their skills. He thanked his Navelim villagers for
inviting him to Kuwait.
Over
the years, Navelim Youth Centre has left no stone unturned in bringing the
Indian community together in friendship. Over the past years, Navelim has built
a solid foundation of history, strength and success which has become synonymous
with Indians, particularly Goans living in Kuwait.
Sponsors,
Awards and Prizes:
The
tournament was organized by Navelim Youth Centre (NYC) under the auspices of
Kuwait Indian Football Federation (K.I.F.F) and supported by Mr. G. Pawar, BASF
Chemical Company, Capricorn Bar & Restaurant – Navelim, Mr. Seby Colaco –
Germany, Mr. Brazil Diniz, and Kuwait’s Gulf Custody Company, one of the
biggest fund custodians in the Middle-East.
All
matches of the tournament were officiated by IFRA referees. Philip Ferrao
supported by Julio Cardoso and Pascoal Fernandes officiated the matches.
Navelim
YC instituted NYC Icon Player Award was presented to Alfred Pires, NYC player
who has donned the colors for the club since 1994. An award of Appreciation was
presented to Sanford Cardoso, Navelim player on a visit to Kuwait.
Following
other prizes were awarded:
Top
Scorer of the Tournament: Anthony Rodrigues (AVC-Kuwait)
Promising
Player of the Tournament: Gavin D’Souza (Don Bosco Oratory)
Man
of the Match: Alvaro Dias (AVC-Kuwait)
Individual
prizes for the Winners, Runners-up and referees were also awarded.
The
prizes were presented at the hands of Neeta Fernandes, Tase Noronha, Eusebio
Fernandes, Norman Noronha, Mario Carneiro, NYC Vice-President Luis D’Silva, NYC
President Agnello A.S. Fernandes, special invitee Benjamin D’Silva and the
chief guest Mr. Avertano Furtado.
The
NYC Trophy was handed over to the champions at the hands of Navelim President
Agnello Fernandes and chief guest Mr. Avertano Furtado.
Earlier,
an especially composed NYC anthem-song was released at the hands of Mr.
Avertano Furtado.
DJ
Cheslee provided lively music between the breaks. The moments were captured on
camera by professional cameramen Simon Dias and Augusto Fernandes. Gasper
Crasto compered the function and later proposed a vote of thanks.
Participating
Teams:
Eighteen
teams affiliated to Kuwait Indian Football Federation (KIFF) contested for the
coveted trophy instituted by Navelim Youth Centre in the year 1993. Hosts
Navelim Youth Centre have won the trophy for a record 7 times since its
inception while Goa Maroons have won the tournament 5 times.
The
participating teams for this edition were AVC, C.R.C. Chinchinim, Curtorcares
United, D.H.L, Don Bosco Oratory, FC Sparx, Goa Maroons, Indian Strikers, KGA,
Malabar United, Kerala Challengers, Navelim Youth Centre, Real Betalbatim,
Santos United, Skynet Raiders, United Friends Club, United Goans Centre, and
Rising Stars.
Navelim
Youth Centre Managing Committee:
President:
Agnello A.S Fernandes
Vice
President: Luis D’Silva
Gen.
Secretary: Gasper Crasto
Treasurer:
Eusebio Fernandes
Sports
Secretary: Avelino Dias
Asst.
Sports Secretary: Duarte Ferrao
Team
Manager: Seby Colaco
Asst.
Sports Manager: Mauricio D’Costa
Team
Coach: Victor Fernandes
Social
Secretary: Allan Fernandes
P.R.O:
Simon Dias
Auditor:
Sydney Rodrigues
Advisor:
Norman Noronha
For
exclusive news and images click Navelim Website: http://www.nycq8.com/