POLITICS OF SUSPENSIONS IN SOCCER.IN KUWAIT.

POLITICS OF SUSPENSION IN SOCCER.

Somewhere in 1982-83 soccer season at Sour Ground in Kuwait, in the League cum Knock-Out tournament organized by UG, their match between G.O.A. Maroons and Flying Arrows was abandoned. The confusion started when controversial Referee Jennifer Rodrigues disallowed a clear goal scored by Maroons after blowing his whistle first for the goal. Maroons players asked the referee “why you allowed the goal first and afterwards you changed your mind?” Referee was afraid for his safety from some ruffian type of players from the opposite side. Maroons players stopped playing further unless referee maintained his original position on this goal. Having no choice, referee abandoned the game giving much wanted excuse to UG the great opponents of Maroons to punish Maroons with outright suspension. Then the hell broke out not only at Sour grounds but also in the community since G.O.A. had then the most powerful committee with highly talented and prominent figures, such personalities are not seen anywhere now and such personalities are not existing either now. Maroons supporters and few members then blocked Sour grounds from having further matches there till their issue was sorted out. Supporters of Maroons then joined together and organized a parallel tournament named as Mercedes Cup with the sponsorship of Mercedes Car agents in Kuwait. Most of these supporters were Goans working in Mercedes and they only prepared the second ground at Sour with their efforts.

Because of this suspension more on malicious grounds, a few supporters of Maroons devised a strategy to physically assault some UG members responsible for this suspension of their favourite team and they succeeded in executing their plan in Calangute, Goa when one member of UG was badly assaulted when he came to Calangute beach with his wife and daughter, during his vacation in Goa. There was also a plan to kidnap a school going daughter of UG member in Goa but was not implemented though it could have been easily carried out. This secret I am releasing now to caution our people to think twice before taking any harsh decision on punishing and suspending any team either rightly or wrongly. Suspending a player or a team is not a small matter, it gives a permanent black mark on suspended team or suspended members. Today’s suspension is tomorrow’s revenge either in Kuwait or more in Goa and from my experience point of view this type of revenge can be easily taken as earlier taken. For this reason some people dissociated from involving in soccer in Kuwait not to get involved in kitchen politics
and revenge.

I do not subscribe to indiscipline, discipline should be there but one must not risk one’s safety and that of his family members back at home by applying rigorous mode of discipline. There should be a lenient view and soft punishment for any infringement otherwise one must have guts to face the threat and consequences. As it is I know our people are cowards of first grade, they will only talk. Many of our retired people back at home are living like “chor” in Goa to avoid physical attacks on them for their misdeeds in Kuwait during their employment in Kuwait, these “chors” were known to harass people working under them, for this reason they don’t enjoy peaceful retired life in Goa. Other "chors" in order to avoid such unpleasant life in Goa fled to Canada where you live like a cockroach in isolation. For one person in Magao thru my contacts I had to provide physical cover during one occasion when he was threatened by some people who felt they were harassed in Kuwait by him. Goa is not what it was, it is no more a “Saibachem Goem”, it is become now a “Goondamchem Goem”.

This write-up is necessitated because of the suspension and rigid punishment inflicted on some teams by the KIFF. This apex body KIFF is not flawless, it should not think it is omnipotent and running the affairs of World soccer. Even FIFA is considerate in its punishment. If KIFF was little soft and considerate, today another soccer body would not have been born thereby creating bad blood and divisions among us especially Goans who need more unity and not others running KIFF, "tanchea mar Konkear". The need of unity is great now, even in the Church where most of the KIFF and splittist members go, before the end of the mass priest and other faithfuls read the especial prayer for unity. Do we practice it in our daily life? In the past, to promote Goan causes we made use of Goan unity at Sour Grounds. Split in our soccer activities means a great harm for Goans causes and Goan unity. Munglurkar, Mumbaikar, Keralkar amkam martat konkear. They love our disunity and they are working for it silently.

KIFF is always known to have some idiotic minded members in its fold as it is now and it is due to their idiotic ways of assessing the situation things went thus far though the splittists were not faultless. I am surprised that there is not a single member in our community to patch up the differences erupted. Where are the people boasting of their top positions in their companies? Can't they apply their top wisdom and top power to rise to the occasion and creat some good effect in our midst? Here among us everyone wants to play soccer but due to some mistakes follies can occur. Because of these follies hell should not be brought on to the earth surface We are ultimately all one, we have to see and meet each other back at home. Is it nice to create unnecessary enemies among us and that too because of this KIFF which is a toothless body beyond its own jurisdiction? Even while inflicting punishments on erring players, KIFF used high rudeness in a Hitlerian manner. While punishing some erring players KIFF many times acted worst than Saddam Hussein. Many of its members in the past proved to be fit for nothing though they thought they were running the administration of FIFA. For this reason, once at Panji-Betim Ferry-boat, during his vacation in Goa, one KIFF member was given blows by one such punished player in the open galore of passengers travelling in the Ferry Boat. Good that I was present to stop the blows because I was known to him otherwise as he screamed there, he said “I would throw you in the sea”, to the KIFF member. I hope no KIFF member from Goa would go into the sea in future because of KIFF and politics of suspension.

A few years back some members of the KIFF brought a proposal in the KIFF meeting to punish me for writing critically of KIFF and of Sour ground soccer. Wisdomatic and efficient the then president of KIFF, Mr. Vohra enlightened the house of its folly in proposing punishment for me because he knew KIFF is a paper tiger to confront me. Then I sent a word to those members of KIFF saying “you have to sell your wives to punish me. You are people from the streets in Goa. Kuwait made you what you are today. In Goa you are nothing. In Goa you are adored only by Posorkar – Motorkar & Dukonkar”. See these idiots of KIFF who wanted to punish me when I was nowhere in KIFF nor in any team. These rascals think KIFF and Kuwait is their “xepaicho fath”. If it was not for Kuwait, they would rot in Goa. These persons got girls to marry only because of their employment in Kuwait. But none of them supported Kuwait when we came on to the streets in Goa in support of Kuwait during the invasion of Kuwait. Such anti Kuwait elements still exist, one such is an ex “bebdo” president of KIFF who was also involved in robbing the funds of KIFF and shamelessly moving in society. It was a pity to see KIFF was headed by a "chor" and a "bebdo" elected by members of his calibre in the KIFF. This was the quality of KIFF.

While concluding, I feel some saner counsel must prevail to bring about fusion in our soccer organizers and still it is not too late to bring about this patch up. Some senior members must come forward and do the needful. KIFF must as a senior and seasoned body condescend and thru its official or unofficial emissary start a negotiation to bring back the teams gone away from its fold. While doing this KIFF should not feel defeated or low. By doing this, KIFF will prove its greatness which is required for the smooth functioning of society, of our community and our soccer which is very beneficial for us. To start this soccer none of the current KIFF nor splitted group members done what I have done. Those who have gone astray must also show some elasticity because by returning back they stand to gain more. They must know that by creating a split they cannot succeed in undoing the good work of KIFF during its 25 years of existence. They must respect KIFF as some of them were responsible to support and promote KIFF earlier. After all KIFF is KIFF having a history of 25 years. KIFF has its base which cannot be shattered by the minnows and “Matare” who will soon disappear like ether.

A. Veronica Fernandes,
Kuwait.

Goan Stars from Kuwait to perform at Qatar

Goan Stars to perform at Doha Qatar

By Gasper Crasto - for www.goa-world.com ; http://gaspersworld.blogspot.com/

Kuwait: Kuwait's young musician Maestro Shahu Almeida will provide live music at the annual mega Konkani musical show at Doha Qatar organized by the Goan Cultural Group.
 
The unique style musical to be held at Gulf Cinema, Doha, will present celebrated singers from Goa such as Xavier Gomes, Francis de Tuvem, Marcus Vaz, Lawry Travasso, Mario Menezes, Rosy Alvares, etc. Topmost comedians of the Konkani stage Ben Evangelisto, Sally and Joanna are also invited to add spice to the night.
 
The highlight of the show is going to be a 'creative' opening chorus, according to the organizers Mr. Maurice Pereira and Paul Fernandes of the Goan Cultural Group.  

Kuwait's trio singers Mario de Majorda, Cajetan de Sanvordem and Michael D'Silva will add color to the evening with their 'best of the bests' hits.
 

Stage great Mario de Majorda:
 
Mario Fernandes, popularly known as Mario de Majorda is one of the established stalwarts of Konkani Stage.

Mario started as a singer at a young age of 13 in 'Somdir ani Lharam' of Felly Lucas and later sang in Jeoffrey de Majorda's 'To Monis Konn'.

Born to Antonette Severina Fernandes and John Fernandes, Mario comes from the beautiful coastal village of Calata-Majorda, Goa. He came to Kuwait in 1983 and has been active ever since on stage and other activities. Initially, Mario was able to pursue his great enthusiasm for acting by helping out in the Holy Family Cathedral's Parents Day programs wherein he used to write, direct, act, compose and also sing songs. He is currently the In-charge of the choir. His presence and works in Kuwait-Goa Tiatristhanchi Sonvstha (KGTS) and Goan Welfare Society (GWS) are hugely noticeable among the Indian community.

Cajetan Pereira – a flamboyant singer:
 
Kala Academy Award winner for Best Actor and Konkani Bhasha Mandal's Best Singer Award winner Cajetan Pereira is popularly known as Cajetan de Sanvordem.

Born to Jose Salvador and Maria Magdalena Pereira at Sanvordem-Goa, Cajetan first came into spotlight when he was just 8 years of age whilst singing in school and village dramas.

Besides acting and singing Cajetan is a public figure in social activities. Time and again, he has been elected to several Indian organizations. He is the President of United Friends Club – a football association and the Ex-President of Kuwait-Goa Tiatristanchi Sonstha (KGTS). He is also the President of Guardian Angel Club of Sanvordem (Kuwait), Head of Cultural Cell of Goan Welfare Society (GWS) since inception, and an active member of Kuwait Indian Football Federation (KIFF).

Apart from being a flamboyant actor, Cajetan is also a versatile compere. His voice, diction, flair and linguistic abilities, especially with his mother-tongue Konkani makes his presence felt vibrantly at Goan cultural programs and social gatherings. He is also good in penning slogans in Konkani. Cajetan's cursive 'handwriting' skill should be seen to be believed and his sense of humor heard to understand the simplicity of life.
 
Michael D'Silva – one of Kuwait's most popular singer:
 
Michael D'Silva has been performing on stage in Kuwait since 1994. Known for his poetical compositions, Michael has been on Kuwait's centre stage since his debut in Mario de Majorda's drama 'Sambau'.
 
Maestro Shahu - A shining star across the shores:

Amongst the contemporary big names of musicians, the name of Francis Almeida, popularly known as Shahu shines amongst the stellar bracket of Goa's top-notch musicians with his indispensable contribution towards the art.

Shahu may be recognized more in the genre of dramas. But behind his simplicity, is the unmistakable halo of his talent as a star musician of Goan bands. With his past penchant and passion for innovative, brilliant music, Shahu continues on what he loves to do best – hypnotize his listeners to a magical sway.
 
In his latest performance, Shahu captivated the audience at the Kuwait Goa Tiatristhanchi Sonvstha (KGTS) Konkani musical entitled 'Tiatristponn Devachem Dennem' held recently at Hawally AC Auditorium. He led a group of musicians orchestrating on his favorite keyboards as well as the saxophone.
 

With his ability to play different instruments, Shahu also leads a band in Kuwait called 2..S#arp.
With 2..S#arp, Shahu's music spans a broad range of harmonies, from Goan and foreign-inspired music to more modern trends with mixtures of genres and ethnic elements. The group is quite popular among Goans, they have even played alongside Goa's topmost band Forefront and many other local bands.

Few however know that Shahu, a dynamic talent with his keyboard, began his tryst with music drumming his way into the hearts of his school-mates at his school's Annual Gatherings, propelling him into the musical horizon forever. He is the alumnus of St. Francis Xavier H. School Macazana and Guardian Angel College, Sanvordem.

Evolving into an ace drummer, he had the rare and splendid opportunity of honing his musical skills under the baton of Chris Perry, the eternal icon and consummate genius of Goan music and playing alongside his son Errol Perry. With music flowing in his veins, his drum beats reverberated in many well-known Goan bands of the nineties such as 'Ultimate', 'Magic Touch', 'The News', 'Human Status', 'Black Lace', etc, to name a few. Shahu disclosed that he played in over 1000 weddings as a drummer with these groups.

But it was his evolution into a keyboardist that shot him into instant fame. Interestingly, Shahu switched over to the keyboards not on his own volition but at the suggestion of Fr. Livio D'Mello under whose cudgel he played for the choir at St. Francis Xavier's church, Macasana. From then on there was no looking back.

Shahu has indeed come a long way with his association with music spanning over a decade. His musical creativity was elevated further after his arrival in Kuwait in October 1999. He began with a bang in Kuwait-based director Jose Rod's unmatched Broadway hit 'Tujem Nanv Vhodd zaum' which was staged all over the Middle East and back home in Goa.

Shahu has also played in Muscat, Doha, Bahrain, Bangalore, Darjeeling, etc, and performed for top directors such as Prem Kumar, Roseferns, Jacob, Menino de Bandar, Pascoal Rodrigues, C.D. Silva, John D' Silva, Ben Evangelist, Rosario Rodrigues, etc, apart from all the directors in Kuwait. He also did a short musical stint playing live music at Dubai's famous Viva Goa hotel.

Shahu's most challenging one-man performance was in Mini Mario's 'Kiteak Ho Bazar Cholta?' staged in Kuwait in 2007. "I had to pick-up the notes on the troupe's arrival on the morning of the show and I can proudly say that I played to perfection without proper rehearsals," says Shahu, adding further, "with musical notes handy, I can play non stop music for over 8 hours.

The young maestro can be aptly described as a consummate artist with an alluring passion and drive for music. Undoubtedly his heart thumps 'musical' beats, for when it comes to music he is simply indefatigable, endowed with an amazing genius -- coupled with a prodigious memory for music.

Shahu reached the highpoint of his career when he was roped in as the music composer by the doyen of Konkani stage, the legendary Rosario Rodrigues wherein his captivating rhythm set aflame many of the unforgettable hits like 'Hanv Kallukant Sandlim' where Shahu pioneered the unique 'one man band' concept providing the entire spectrum of music on a single keyboard! Under the ace director's able tutelage Shahu had a free rein toying with refreshing, innovative ideas which enabled him to break new grounds by pushing hard the frontiers of Goan music.

With sky being the limit, Shahu went on to produce innumerable chart busting scores for numerous hit dramas and musicals which gained him popularity of a household name.

Music apart, Shahu is an intensely endearing and an adorable human being who attaches great value to friendships and family ties. Blessed with a wonderful wife (Clemmie) and a cherubic son named Aerosmith, and daughter Acasia, Shahu is a devoted husband, a doting father and a dutiful son.

Sensitive and devout to the core, Shahu plays for the Holy Family Cathedral Church choir (Kuwait) for the 8.00 a.m mass every Friday since 1999. Time and experience have greatly enriched his remarkable musical abilities and today Shahu continues to add increasing complexity and refinement to his astounding gift of music which is sure to hold the audience in a thrall for years to come!

Photo courtesy: Rivon Gomes - www.goa-world.com

 

---

Find the right PC with Windows 7 and Windows Live. Learn more.

G.O.A THANKSGIVING MASS

G.O.A. THANKSGIVING MASS

Goan Overseas Association (Goa Maroons)- Kuwait would like to invite members and their families, supporters, friends and well wishers to attend the annual thanksgiving mass offered by the Association at the Holy Family Cathedral, Kuwait City in honor of Blessed Jose Vaz on Friday, 6th November 2009 at 6:00pm

Goan Overseas Association
P.O.Box 21390
Safat Kuwait
http://www.goa-maroons-kwt..org/