In an exciting KIFF League soccer final for J.P. Memorial Trophy played at Al Arabi Stadium in Kuwait on Friday 27th June, United Friends Club defeated Navelim Youth Centre by a solitary goal scored by Jose Rod in the 7th minute of first half. Earlier master dribbler Ijaz dribbling past two defenders from extreme right hit such a powerful grounder that Navelim custodian could not intercept it but unfortunately for Izaj the ball hit the post and rebounded into play. Due to early setback Navelim did not lose hope but on the contrary increased the pace of the game in which their skipper and brain behind the team midfielder Gaspar Crasto played a stellar role. His clever moves, intelligent distribution and powerful shots made the spectators enjoy the game. In the middle of this session in a very clever move receiving the ball from his colleague evaded past one defender and hit a powerful right footer which surprised Olavo under the bar of UFC but fortunately for him the ball hit inside part of the bar and rebounded into play. During the second half again Navelim increased the pressure on their opponents but UFC did not lose hope, they played well as a homogeneous entity and defendrd their citadel wellpropped up by safe goalkeeping by Olavo under their bar. Olavo was later on chosen as man of the match. Interestingly during this session Navelim to the delight of its supporters brought in from the bench veteran Cajetan Godinho who had great distinction of completing playing 25 years of soccer in Kuwait at a very good level. During his hey days at Sour Ground he was one of the best midfielders amongst the Indians. He was always decent and clean game player having unique style of scoring goals from powerful direct free kicks. That he is still shining on the field is admirable. It was sheer pleasure to play not only along with him but also against him as I did from the time of inception till many more years untill I stopped playing. He was not only a great foot-baller but also a great temper-pacifier of his colleagues on the field and supporters outside. If we had few more like him in every team our soccer would be very peaceful and attractive. The final was refereed by Derek assisted on the lines by Julio and Eric. The prize distribution was done thru the hands of Mr. Colaco.
Earlier for the third and fourth spots, AVC defeated G.O.A. Maroons in a tie-breaker. The match during the regular and extra time remained goalless. The match was refereed by Fazil Salahuddin the Class II Indian Referee in Kuwait who was assisted on the lines by Dileep and Tony.
Before the start of the match The Chief Guest Mr. Alberto Colaco, Hon. Secretary of All India Foot-ball Federation hailing from Goa along with the Guest of Honour Mr. Mohammed O. Al-Failakawi, Hon. Secretary of Kuwait Foot-ball Association were introduced to all the 4 teams. Mr. Colaco is a well known soccer personality not only in Goa and India but also in Asia as he is the member of Technical Committee of Asian Soccer Confederation. Mr. Colaco was a special invitee of Kuwait Indian Foot-ball Federation and also the Guest of Kuwait Foot-ball Association. During his 4 days stay in Kuwait he attended 2 receptions one organized by KIFF and the other by KIFF Referees. On Saturday he along with Vice President of KIFF Mr. Tony Correia and KIFF Referees Administrator Mr. Fidelis Fernandes had a special meeting with the officials of Kuwait Foot-ball Association which according to information turned out to be very fruitful. Later on Mr. Colaco was honoured by KFA for his contribution in the development of Asian Soccer. This meeting was also attended by Mr. Asad Taqi - The Senior Vice President, Chairman Competition Committee of AFC, Executive Committee Member of UAFA & Member FIFA Disciplinary Committee and other senior officials of KFA. Before leaving Kuwait on Saturday night, he said he was overwhelmed by the affectionate welcome he received in Kuwait not only from the Goan community but also from other members of Indian community and especially from Kuwaiti soccer officials who made him feel at home.
A. Veronica Fernandes, Kuwait.
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