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Dubai football lovers received sad news of Moses
Colaco's death yesterday (Oct 27). A minute's silence
was observed at the three matches -- an exhibition
match between Goa vs Kerala, match for third and
fourth places, and the final for the Ligorio Trophy --
of the All-Star Entertainment/United Goans tournament.
I am informed that Moses died from a heart attack at a
park where he had gone for a picnic. I spoke with his
wife but since her voice seemed choked emotionally I
didn't ask for details. She said she knew who I was as
Moses spoke of me.
It was about a week ago I chatted with him on the
phone and asked him why he is not attending the
football matches. He said he was unhappy at the way
the two groups were engaged in hitting out at each
other in the media. I could sense the sadness and
anger in his voice. In one of my posts on Dubai
Football I mentioned about a person who was involved
in football for ages but does not attend any of the
two tournaments. The person was none other than Moses.
He was a man of conviction and resolve.
It was about two and half years ago I met him for the
first time. I don't remember who gave me his contact
number but I called him and he said we could meet at a
coffee shop at a mall. The main reason to meet him was
to ask him if he could arrange an all-Goans team to
Toronto. He said it would be very difficult without
sponsorships. However, SFX Old Goa/Jumeirah Hotels
wanted to go but sponsorship problems too prevented
the team from making the trip. Moses backed the team
full hilt to take the opportunity to play in Toronto.
Besides football, we discussed other issues related to
the community.
I am told he used to organise the football tournament
for the Goan Cultural Society and he did a good job
but the GCS was still not happy with him because he
was providing "goodies" for the teams such as free
water, etc. The GCS wanted to make as much profit as
possible. It seems most of the quarter-million dirhams
in the GCS's kitty came from the football tournaments.
Knowing him for a short time, I can say that Moses had
the players' well-being at heart. Being a player
himself before becoming a coach and manager, he knew
that players must be cared for, since almost all play
in Dubai Goan tournaments without any direct financial
benefit. Many players are given jobs by those who
"sponsor" them or by team management and fellow
players. Football stirred Moses's heart, the heart
that will no longer beat to the sounds of football
kicks on the playfield.
Last year he told me how he enjoyed his stay in
Toronto, where he has many friends from his days in
Tanzania. He said he enjoyed Viva Goa, the annual
event held by the Goan Overseas Association in
Toronto. I suggested Dubai could hold such an event
and he seemed receptive to the idea. I will miss
talking football and community affairs with him.
May his soul rest in peace.
Eugene Correia
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