Draw held for International Football Tournament in Kuwait

By Gasper Crasto, Kuwait

Kuwait: Draw for the Late Shaikha Huda Bader Al-Sabah Memorial International 7-aside football tournament was held on 18th February 2011 at Don Bosco School, Salmiya.

Well known Goan scribe, and one of the initiators of Indian football activities in Kuwait Mr. Veronica Fernandes was a special guest at the draw.

A Software used at International level was used for the draw. Teams were divided into 4 groups that will play a round-robin league. Top two teams from each group will qualify for the quarter-finals.

Fahaheel Brothers (A) will play English School in the opening match of the tournament.

Aldona FC, Dubai will clash with host Real Betalbatim (Blue) and Vanxim Divar, Dubai will play Skynet Raiders in the first round. Popular Goa Maroons are pitted to play arch-rivals Navelim YC in the first round.

Representatives of teams along with the Organizers and special invitee for the DRAW Mr. Veronica Fernandes

The tournament is organized by Real Betalbatim Football Club in memory of Late Shaikha Huda Bader Mohammed Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah and will be played on 25th February 2011 at Salmiya Baladiya Football Stadium starting 7am.

A total of 22 teams have confirmed participation in this day long football fiesta which coincides with the National Celebrations of Kuwait.

The participating teams are 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.

The teams from U.A.E -- Vanxim Divar (champions of Gulf Goans Cup 2010) and Aldona Football Club will arrive in Kuwait on 24th Feb 2011. Elaborate arrangements are made by the organizers to house them in one of Kuwait’s star hotels as per the organizers.

The tournament will be officiated by Indian Football Referees Association, the only professional Indian expatriate officiating body in Kuwait.

A number of distinguished dignitaries are expected to attend at the event.

Real Betalbatim Football Club formed in the year 2010 by prominent Indian Expatriate football icons in Kuwait such as Rubin Fernandes, Derrick Gomindes, Teddy Pinto, Philip Ferrao, Vijay Gonsalves, etc, have created a niche amongst the entire Indian Expatriate football community here in Kuwait by becoming the 1st Indian Expatriate organization from Kuwait to organize an International event.

Watch out for more coverage on this unique and prestigious tournament.

For more details contact: President of Real Betalbatim Mr. Derick Gomendes at derickagomindes@gmail.com (Mob: +965 99659749) or robin.fernandes@jotundxb.ae (Mob: +965 99704157).