Bahrain Goans Soccer League To Kick Off The Bahrain Goans Seven A Side Soccer League for Fr. Felicio Diniz Trophy kicks off at the Al Qadisiya grounds in Salmaniya on Wednesday (13th April 2005) at 7.45 p.m. In the inaugural match a star studded Navelim takes on Tivim, while Margao plays Verna in the second match of the day at 8.30 p.m. The league scheduled to begin on April 6, was postponed by a week as a mark of respect for the departed soul of His Holiness Pope John Paul II.
Goa, the touristic coastal state of India ranks very high in the Indian football arena. Football is one of the identities of Goans. Many Goan players who have played for topmost soccer clubs in India are based in Bahrain. The league is a project of Bahrain Goans under the patronage of Konkan Singers Club in answer to pleas by a large number of Goan football followers here. Eight teams, involving around 100 players have registered for the league and a soccer fiesta is on the cards. The league will be played in two phases. The first phase will last till mid June, and the second phase will resume in September with a summer break for July and August. Matches will be played every Wednesday at the Al Qadisiya grounds with a kickoff at 7.45 p.m. Matches will also be played every Friday at the open grounds next to East Riffa stadium with a kickoff at 3.00 p.m. On Friday in the first match at East Riffa Benaulim will clash with Vasco and Canacona youngsters will play Chinchinim in the second match. Former Expatriate Football League refree Sadanand Naik, with assistance of Joy Corda and Seby Fernandes will officiate the league matches. Edward D�Almeida, the President of Konkan Singers Club will be the chief guest for the inaugural match at Al Qadisiya grounds on Wednesday at 7.45 p.m. G.R.Crasto/Bahrain Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.goa-world.com/goa/credits/ The Goan Forum http://www.colaco.net/ �Maie mogan nomoskar, mozo noman. Maka khuxalkai bogta tumche sangata missachi bhett somorombunk.� (I offer you my greetings of love. I am happy to partake in this eucharistic celebration with you) - Pope John Paul's introductory speech in Konkani during his visit to Goa in February 1986.
