By Gasper Crasto
Kuwait: Orlando
Viegas, one of the star icon footballers from Goa, will be visiting Kuwait to
play for Navelim Youth Centre in the Sheikha Huda Memorial International
Football Tournament to be held in Kuwait on Saturday, 27th October 2012, at
Surra Stadium.
One of the best and complete footballers, Goa has ever produced, Orlando, hailing from Navelim and currently working in Dubai, played for India’s famed Dempo Sports Club for most of his playing career in Goa.
Orlando’s career started as a young and budding player playing for Navelim Soccerites, then champions of All-Goa sub-junior championship. He later captained Goa at Jammu & Kashmir in the All India Sub-junior Championship in 1986. Orlando also played at the Assam Sub-Junior Games in 1987.
Orlando started his senior career with Salcette Football Club in 1987 and played professionally for Dempo from 1989 to 1995. Later he joined Churchill Brothers for 2 years and was with Vasco Sports Club till 2000 before moving to U.A.E for greener pastures.
At the senior level, Orlando represented Goa in the Santosh Trophy till 1995 being on the winners pedestal in the 1989 championship held in Goa, and Runners-up in 1993.
Working as a Manager in Logistics field, Orlando is happily married to Hylette and has 2 children. He remains one of the most popular footballers in Navelim Village.
The star footballer will be seen in action in the International tournament organized in fond memory of Late Sheikha Huda Bader Mohamed Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah, a much awaited feature in the Expatriate Football circuits in Kuwait.
A total of 24 teams are expected to participate in the prestigious tournament which is presented by Betalbatim FC. Teams vying for the glittering Trophy and valuable prizes will include the champions of last year - Aldona United F.C., Dubai, Vanxim Divar, Dubai, Siolim United, Dubai and Indian expatriate popular teams from Kuwait namely AVC, Goa Maroons, Don Bosco Oratory, Navelim Youth Centre, Real Betalbatim, Fahaheel Brothers, DHL F.C., Veterans United and Kuwait Goans Association (KGA) among other teams.
A large holiday crowd is expected to witness the games.
