-by Gasper Crasto
Kuwait: Julio Cardoso - one of the most prominent personalities among Goans in Kuwait was honored by Soccer Kerala with a special artifact memento during the club’s Al Jazeera Soccer Fest tournament in Kuwait 16th December 2016.
The distinguished recognition was in respect of Julio’s outstanding contribution towards Indian football in Kuwait and his achievements in general over the years.
A number of dignitaries were present on the occasion namely Mr. Rizvan, General Manager of Shifa Al Jazeera, Mr. Domnic Pereira, president of Kuwait Indian Football Federation (KIFF), Mr. Lawry Pinto, Mr. Joy (of Bell & John Group), Ashique Rehman Cadiri, Mr. Sajith, Mr. Ghulam (President of KEFAK), Mr. Muneer (Asst Sports Secretary of KEFAK), Soccer Kerala coach Biju Johny, etc, among others.
Apparently, this is the first appreciation by a Keralite organization bestowed upon a Goan in Kuwait.
Currently the Vice-President of the mighty Goa Maroons, and General Secretary of Indian Football Referees Association (IFRA), Julio Cardoso has been a footballer of great disciplinarian.
JULIO CARDOSO – FOOTBALL CAREER
The stalwart that he is, Julio 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.
Julio has also worked towards promotion Indian football in Kuwait as an organizer with G.O.A Maroons and also represented Kuwait Indian Football Association (KIFF) in the past as an official, referee or for coaching referees.
During his peak form, Julio 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 multi-talented footballer is seen playing with his ‘magical lens’ 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 40 years of football in Kuwait, Julio has won a total of 8 "Man of the Match" awards in KIFF organized tournaments. The dynamic personality, also considered an excellent referee said that "the recognition by Soccer Kerala encourages me to use my experience in promoting the sport in Kuwait to a larger extent."
While thanking Soccer Kerala for the recognition, Julio advised budding footballers, “to develop their skills all the time and keep the flag of Indian football flying high...”
Fact File: Julio Cardoso
| Date of birth | 8th April |
| Place of birth | Galgibaga, Canacona, Goa |
| Education | St. Anthony's Monte de Guirim - Goa |
| 1977 ~ 1985 | Friends Club - Salmiya |
| 1986 ~ 1988 | New Goans Overseas Association |
| 1989 ~ 1990 | Salcete United |
| 1991 | Incredible XI |
| 1992-1993 | United Goans Centre |
| 1994 until now | G.O.A. Maroons. |
| Other Activities: | Elected Vice President - Goan Welfare Society (GWS) |
| Elected General Secretary - Goan Overseas Association | |
| Events Coordinator and Master Compere. | |
| Employment | Administration & Quality Assurance Manager for Easa Husain Al-Yousifi & Sons Co. (Panasonic) - Kuwait |