Kuwait Goans crowned Champions; AVC create world record losing 4 consecutive finals: NYC Trophy in Kuwait

-By Gasper Crasto

Kuwait City Jan 30: Kuwait Goans Association (KGA) won the prestigious 18th NYC Trophy football tournament organized by Navelim Youth Centre beating AVC Overseas Association 1-0 in the final played at Salmiya Municipality Grounds on Friday, 25th January 2008.

Jubilant Kuwait Goans with the guests after the finals

AVC failed to break the jinx of winning the prestigious NYC trophy yet again in their fourth consecutive final. They lost the earlier 3 finals to G.O.A Maroons, Curtorcares United and DHL respectively. There is no other available instance in world football of a side losing 4 straight finals. While Bombay holds the record for most consecutive titles in the world (15 Ranji Trophy championships in a row from 1958-59 to 1972-73), AVC Overseas Association, known as Real Madrid of Kuwait Indian football have broken the record of English Premier giants Arsenal of 3 consecutive runners-up titles. Arsenal were League runners-up from 1999 to 2001.

The final played in chilling temperatures (8°C in Kuwait City) was watched by a sizeable number of spectators, many ladies were drawn to watch as well. But the match failed to live up to the expectations. The first half was so dreary, not a single hard shot was taken on the goal. Some of the players made more show of themselves than play good football. It was pathetic to see some players turn around with a glare and give that 'I will kill you' kind of a look for even a slight touch or a fair tackle and scream 'ref' every for every body contact. Some played like enemies instead of playing like true opponents.

Chief Guest Shri. Wilson Coelho handing over the NYC Trophy to Kuwait Goans captain Vico D’Souza. Also seen in the photo are Nicholas Monteiro, Agnello Dias, Lawry Pinto and NYC President Mario Carneiro

"Gone are the days where teams like Navelim, Goa Maroons, Incredible, United Goans, Rising Stars to name a few, used to dish out magical football," sighed a star footballer of yesteryears, "Spectators used to watch 'those' games with excitement, never taking their eyes off the ball. Today's players come to the ground laughing, joking and showing off their looks and 'expensive' boots. There's a lack of seriousness or a feeling of competitive anxiety towards the game..."

The match gained momentum only in the second half after KGA shot into the lead taking advantage of a defense lapse. KGA's Vico D' Souza rushed forward and passed the ball to unmarked Russel Rodrigues whose crisp shot beat goalkeeper Alvaro Dias in the AVC goal (1-0).

There was plenty of action in the last quarter of play with AVC moving the ball forward with alacrity, trying hard to get an equalizer. They peppered KGA's goal with a flurry of scoring opportunities with tries from Lucian D'Souza, Ronnie Fernandes and Francisco Fernandes. AVC came up with all out efforts in the dying minutes of the match which forced KGA goalkeeper Martin Dias to make splendid saves off Joseph Quadros and Leroy Rodrigues. Jubilant supporters of KGA rushed on the ground to hug their players on the final whistle of the match.

Sarto Baptista affiliated to Indian Football Referees Association (IFRA) officiated the match assisted by Tony D'Costa and Phillip Ferrao.

NYC President Mario Carneiro was all praise for Kuwait Goans for inscribing their name on the prestigious trophy for the first time. He congratulated them "for being the new champions of Kuwait Indian football."

Shri Wilson Coelho, honorable President of Goan Welfare Society was chief guest on the occasion and spoke at the prize distribution ceremony. He praised Navelim Youth Centre for successfully conducting the 18 editions of the trophy. He also acknowledged the efforts of Kuwait Indian Football Federation (KIFF) to promote football among the Indian expatriates living in Kuwait. While hailing the publicity given to the tournament in Arab Times, indianfootball.com and other websites, Mr. Coelho promised all support on behalf of Goan Welfare Society and in his own capacity to look into the prospects of further promoting the sport. He also assured to take up the matter with the Indian and Kuwaiti authorities for an appropriate and a regular playing field for Indians.

Lawry Pinto, Ex-President of KIFF was the guest of honor. Other distinguished dignitaries that presided were Cajetan Pereira - President of United Friends Club, Manuel D'Costa -Vice-President of KIFF, Thomas Fernandes - Founder member of Navelim Youth Centre, and Nicholas Monteiro, ex-player of Navelim Youth Centre.

Wilson Coelho presented the Trophy to the winners to a big applause of the KGA supporters. NYC Rolling Trophy, perhaps one of the most uniquely sculpt trophies worldwide was instituted in the year 1993, Saligao Sports Club being the winners in the inaugural year. 19 registered teams affiliated to Kuwait Indian Football Federation (KIFF) participated in the 18th edition. The tournament played under the auspices of KIFF provides players with the opportunity to showcase their soccer skills while emphasizing teamwork, discipline and fair play -- in perhaps one of the most prestigious football tournament among Indians abroad.

Earlier, the guests were introduced to the teams by Agnello A.S Fernandes, Advisor of NYC.

NYC President Mario Carneiro handing over the Fair Play Trophy to Fahaheel Brothers Team Manager P.A. Tony.

Guest of Honor Lawry Pinto handing over the Runners-up Trophy to AVC captain Francis Fernandes

Gasper Crasto compered the prize distribution function. General Secretary of NYC, Allan Fernandes proposed a vote of thanks and in a special way thanked Arab Times, www.goa-world.com , Goanet, www.mangalorean.com, www.indianfootball.com, and goa.kranti.blogspot.com for exclusive coverage of the tournament.

The high-status Fair Play Trophy was awarded to semi-final losers Fahaheel Brothers.

Following other prizes were awarded:

KGA Team Manager receiving the DISTINGUUISHED PLAYER AWARD on behalf of Christovam

First scorer of the Finals - Russel Rodrigues (Kuwait Goans)
Top Scorer of the tournament - Andre Dias (Kuwait Goans)
Best Goalkeeper of the tournament - Martin Dias (Kuwait Goans)
Man of the Match - Adelio Fernandes (Kuwait Goans)
Distinguished Player of the Tournament - Christovam Colaco of KGA
Winners and Runners-up Individual trophies to all registered players of the finalists

Derrick Gomendes giving away the first scorer trophy

Eusebio handing over the Best goalkeeper award

Allan Fernandes giving the man of the match prize

The prizes were offered by Sophia Fernandes (in memory of her late father Santano Fernandes), Steve Santimano, Seby Colaco, Ivo Rodrigues and Nicholas Monteiro. Winners and Runners-up Trophies were donated by Brazil Diniz (in memory of his late father Jose Diniz) and Angelo and Family (in memory of late Prisca Rodrigues).

The Champions:

Kuwait Goans Association

Martin Dias (goalkeeper), Teotonio Fernandes, Russel Rodrigues, Alex Goes, Jacob Dias, Remedios Fernandes, Cristeo Colaco, Vico D'Souza, Rummel Dias, Adelio Fernandes, Caridade D'Souza, Andre Dias, Jimmy Goveia, Zelito Cardozo, Lourenco Cardozo, Mario D'Souza, Andrew D'Souza and Concecao Rodrigues.
Coach: Lourenco Cardozo
Team Manager: Nazi Azavedo

Following clubs have won the Trophy since 1999-2000:

1999-2000 - Navelim Y. Centre
2000-01 - Colva United
2001-02 - Colva United
2002-03 - Navelim Y. Centre
2003-04 - Bombay Boys
2004-05 - Curtorcares United
2005-06 - GOA Maroons
2006-07 - DHL Kuwait
2007-08 - Kuwait Goan Association

Complete coverage:
For SELECTED ACTION photos of the entire tournament CLICK:
http://picasaweb.google.com/rafacrasto/Temp/photo#s5160838093235443762

http://www.mangalorean.com/news.php?newstype=broadcast&broadcastid=65613


NYC: Kuwait Goans to clash with AVC in finals

NYC Cup: DHL player cripples opponent

NYC Trophy: Lady luck deserts host Navelim

NYC: Bombay Boys, Kuwait Goans advance
NYC Rolling Trophy - Curtorcares United, Kuwait Goans move ahead

LUIZINHO FALEIRO & HIS SECURITY

LUIZINHO FALEIRO & HIS SECURITY.

According to the latest news report from Goa, during the ceremony of unveiling of the full size statue of freedom fighter Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia at Lohia Maidan in Margao on 25.01.08, Luizinho Faleiro was also present. He not only attended the ceremony but he also gave a speech in eulogy of Dr. Lohia.

When Luizinho Faleiro was the Chief Minister of Goa, there was a battalion of police escorts to protect him. Protection from whom? From terrorists? Criminals and thieves? In fact the police escorts that time given to him was to protect him from nobody because nobody is interested in robbing or killing Luizinho Faleiro. Is he wanted anywhere? When he came to Lohia Maidan how many policemen were escorting him? While coming and going from Lohia Maidan on that day, how many Pilot cars were surrounding him and his motorcade? According to my information, even a “Kuddo Mus” was not interested in Luizinho Faleiro on that day. The police protection and police escorts surrounding him when he was the Chief Minister was nothing but a big tamasha to gain artificial importance and to make him an artificial Maharaja at the cost public money which is frittered away by our short term Montris and Sobapotis on unnecessary luxuries.

Since his defeat from the hands of his Kumpar Churchill Alemao, Luizin Faleiro was hiding from public glare. But now suddenly he is coming out. Is it to shadow his “Kumpar” Churchill from gaining more limelight after his entry into Congress? Defeated politicians are always on hunt to regain their lost public image and Lohia Maidan function was the good opportunity for him to make his presence felt, of course without the former police dharbar of the type our colonialists used to enjoy to show their superiority against the locals. Our Montris and Sobapotis are become neocolonialists. But are our Montris really superior? If yes, then in what way? In robbing Goans by using all the benefits at the cost of tax payers? If Goa is today destroyed, it was only because of our Montris. People in Goa must raise this issue of unnecessary police protection for Montris which puts heavy pressure on the public resources. The police protection for Montris reminds us of the pomp made by the colonialists under their rule. Are we still under colonial rule to imitate the colonialists? The Goans who consider them advanced in India should put their heads down in shame for the pompous behaviour of their elected representatives.

And on top of it, everyone of them says that he is the follower of Mahatmah Gandhi. It is a disgrace on the simplicity of Bapuji when such pompous rascals are following the great soul. The Montris and Goan political Babus got no right even to utter the immaculate name of Bapuji who always led a very simple and orinary life. Are our current politicians and Montris worthy even to take the name of Mahtmah Gandhi? Mahatma Gandhi refused police escort for him even preferring death from the assassins. Will our current politicians, Montris and Sobapotis agree to discard their unwanted police escorts thereby living a simple life in tune with the common man living standard thereby identifying themselves with the common men? I doubt.

A. Veronica Fernandes,
Kuwait.

ARE GOAN VOTERS "GHANTTA BOIL?"

ARE GOAN VOTERS “GHANTTA BOIL?”

Are Goan voters considered as “Ghantta Boil” by our elected representatives whom we call MLA’s? Or at least the voters of Churchill Alemao in Navelim, Reginaldo Lourenco in Curtorim and Babush Monsurate in Taleigao?. Navelim constituents and Navelim village in particular had a great distinction to produce one of the greatest Goans in Francis Luis Gomes who was a great Goan parliamentarian representing Goa in Portuguese Parliament. From foreign soil he had unique distinction of raising the issue of freedom not only for Goa but also for India much before Nehrus and Ghandis could do. Dr. Gomes was a great and very patriotic Goan who has given his total dedication to the good of the society with his unbending principles. When he was elected to Parliament he remained faithful to the cause of his principles and did not flirt like a “Pamprel” from one place to another for the greed of power and money. Churchill Alemao who is known to flirt constantly with different parties has brought a very bad name not only to the village of Dr. Gomes but also to the whole constituency by merging his SGF party with Congress that was his bitter enemy, without taking all his voters and supporters into confidence. By unilaterally taking this action of merging his SGF party into Congress of Italian Sonia Gandhi, Churchill took his voters and supporters for a ride.

During the electioneering process, Churchill was shouting and screaming against Congress and making his supporters enemies of Congress and Luizinho Faleiro. But now the same Churchill without any shame befriended with the same Congress of Luizinho Faleiro and surprisingly everybody in Navelim is silent. Are all Navelkars impotent to raise their opposition? By ignoring the feelings and sentiments of his voters and supporters Churchill made fools of all of them. He treated all his voters and supporters as “Ghantta Boil” because everyone of them nodded their heads with “Yes, Churchill Bab”. Churchill Bab is not interested in his principles but, are not his voters interested in their principles? Are these voters so cheap to accept Churchill’s games like “Ghantta Boil” silently? By joining Congress, Churchill got his pound of flesh. But what about the voters? What did they get and in what way they are benefited by Churchill joining his enemy Congress? Churchill is boasting that he got his major demands fulfilled by merging with SGF but why he not fought forcefully to get recognition to Romi Script Konkani? Is Churchill really faithfull to Konkani cause or he is playing on the sentiments of Romi Konkani supporters only to get their votes? I have my doubts of his sincerity towards the cause of Konkani in general and Romi script in particular. Romi Konknnivadis and stalwarts should ponder over this.

Will Churchill remain faithful to Congress? I have my own doubts. Churchill has no clear cut direction. He is taking his voters for a ride and these voters like fools are succumbing to his wishes. It is a pity that the great tradition put in by the great son of Navelim Dr. Frncis Luis Gomes is trampled by Churchill Alemao under his feet and regrettably Navelim constituents are allowing Churchill to treat them as “Ghantta Boil”.

The other partner in the crime of SGF is Reginaldo Lourenco from Curtorim constituency. When he defeated Francis Sardinha people pinned high hopes on him that he will maintain his integrity and not flirt with any other person and party like a prostitute. But he too fell prey to Churchill’s wooing to join Congress. Because of Reginaldo Lourenco in Curtorim, lot of innocent people created enmities with Sardinha, his group and Congress party. What is the fate of these people? Did Reginaldo think of them? Or he is interested in his prize only? Are Curtorim voters of SGF become so cheap to accept anything and everything of their MLA blindly? Did Reginaldo take all his voters into confidence before merging into Congress? And will these defectors and party deserters remain faithful to Congress and its ideals, if Congress is having any ideals? Reginaldo and Churchill are both domestic minded politicians and they will never be comfortable in Congress. For any misunderstanding and for any opposition by Congress High Command Churchill will get annoyed and will rebel again against Congress. And then where he will go? He will re-invigorate SGF or form one more local outfit and along with him all his “Ghantta Boil” will join him?

Babush Monsurate has openly declared as per the media reports that he will resign from his current seat and recontest from Taleigao again. He is so sure to get elected because he took all his voters for granted because he knows they are not his voters but his “Ghantta Boil”. If they are not then they should tell him openly and loudly that we will not support you in your mockery of election. Babush knows he is capable of purchasing the purchasable “Ghantta Boil” in his constituency. In Taleigao constituency there must be some strong awakening on Babush who treats his voters and supporters as politically idiots and in fact they are and because they are, they are accepting anything and everything of what Babush does against the great principle of democracy.

We Goans are very proud of our Goanness. Many of us think that we are far superior to our counterparts in other parts of India. But are we politically matured enough inspite of our high literacy rate? Biharis are far better, Ghanttis are far better but not many or most of us. For this reason we are allowing our MLA’s to treat us like Ghantta Boil.

A. Veronica Fernandes,
Kuwait.