The much awaited Indian expatriate soccer season was officially declared open by Kuwait Indian Football Federation (KIFF) on 5th October 2012 at the MOH ground in Shuwaikh. The opening ceremony started at 7.20 am with former Presidents of KIFF and Presidents of all 18 affiliates being led by KIFF’s Gen. Secretary Praveen Kumar to the middle of the pitch. KIFF President Mr. Fidelis Fernandes accompanied the Guest of Honor Michael D’Cunha and special invitee Tony D’Costa who is an IFRA referee and a well known personality of Indian Expatriate soccer in Kuwait. Fidelis Fernandes in his eloquent speech thanked all 18 affiliates for their support and the MOH authorities for providing the ground to the federation to conduct its activities. He also welcomed the Indian Football Referees Association ( IFRA ) back to the fold for this season and hoped for a fruitful and long relationship in the years to come. Mr. Fernandes announced and reminded all the affiliates about the Fair Play Trophy rules which were discussed and cleared at the EGM for trial on the opening day proceedings. National anthems of Kuwait and India were played followed by release of balloons depicting the national colors of Kuwait, India and KIFF. A celebratory cake was cut by all the dignitaries and KIFF President declared the season 2012-2013 open starting with the KIFF league for the Late JP D’Mello Rolling Trophy. KIFF’s young and flamboyant Sports Secretary Mr. Kevin Vaz conducted the proceedings. A Housie (Bingo) round was conducted with snow ball prize of air ticket Kwt-Mumbai-Kwt sponsored by Al Qatan Travels during the break.
With favorable climatic conditions and a green turf beckoning the action got underway with defending champions Don Bosco Oratory (DBO) taking on the DHL Football Club. DBO were quick out of the blocks while DHL were comfortable to soak in the initial pressure and relied on counter attacks. After a barren 1st half DHL stunned DBO by scoring against the run of play when a teasing cross from Anthony was met by Binoj to score a beautifully headed goal. DBO mounted pressure and were awarded a penalty which Michael to the dismay of his colleagues shot wide and all hopes of a comeback were extinguished. The match ended with DHL being victorious 1-0 and DBO ruing the missed opportunities. Man of the Match was awarded to Roland of DHL. The match was refereed by CO John along with Sarto Baptista and David.
The second match pitted Curtorcares United against Malabar United. The young and energetic Curtorcares United dominated the proceedings with their speedy play, but the goal eluded them in the first half. In the second half Curtorcares United scored the match winner with Martin scoring a gem of a goal when his classic swirling shot entered the far post giving no chance to the Malabar United keeper. Man of Match award went to Martino Gomes of Curtorcares United. The match was supervised by Sarto Baptista along with Sharma and David.
The final match saw Navelim Youth Center overcoming Skynet Raiders 3-2 . Both teams started on a frantic pace with Skynet scoring the fastest goal of the day when Macleston gave his team the lead with leaden footed NYC defense and goalkeeper frozen in their tracks. Stung with the early goal NYC attacked with vigor and equalized through their hard working medio Bernardo Pires. Skynet went into the lead again when a Skynet striker was brought down in the NYC penalty box, and the referee rightly pointed to the spot. Veteran medio Tiago placed the ball calmly to go ahead into the lemon break. NYC equalized in the second half when Arif guided his header in the far corner of Skynet goal. NYC scored the winner, when Skynet goalkeeper misread the flight of the ball which struck the upright and gifted NYC striker Cruzeido who darted in and scored.. Man of the Match went to Tiago of Skynet Raiders for his overall performance. The proceedings were manned expertly by Francis at the center and Chris and Sharma on the lines.
While all the matches were played in the spirit of the game, more effort is solicited from all the affiliates towards the Fair Play rules for the Fair Play trophy to make the game more palatable to the fans as it creates a soothing environment on and off the field of play. Finally, KIFF has to be commended for their community service as they approved the launch of a Konkani VCD titled ‘’Tin Rukh’’ by well known Konkani stage artiste Querobina Carvalho during the day’s proceedings. Man of Match awards for KIFF League are sponsored by Integrated Logistics Company.
The schedule of matches on 12/10/2012 for the ongoing KIFF League:
1st Match at 6.30am GOA Maroons v/s AVC – Kuwait
2nd Match at 8 am United Friends Club v/s Kuwait Goan Association.
3rd Match at 9.15am United Goans Club v/s Indian Strikers
4th Match at 10.30am YRC Rising Stars v/s Kerala Challengers
Picture showing the Presidents
Releasing of the Balloons
Retiring from Kuwait Tony D'Costa receiving farewell Memento from KIFF President
Skippers of DHL & Don Bosco before the start of the inaugural match
Tiago seen receiving aMemento from ex KIFF Presidennt Viegas.
JULIO CARDOSO,
Kuwait.
