------------------------------------------------------- CONVENTION OF THE GOAN DIASPORA FROM GOA INTO THE WORLD Lisbon, Portugal June 15-17, 2007 Details at: http://www.goacom.org/casa-de-goa/noticias.html -------------------------------------------------------
Eugenia, mother to a football family dies Francis D'Souza bereaved HERALD SPORTS REPORTER PANJIM, May 14: Sports Authority of India coordinator for Goa Francis D'Souza was bereaved after his aged mother Eugenia Luiza de Souza passed away today. Mrs de Souza, aged 89 years, mother of a football-loving family, passed away at 2.30 this morning, at her residence in Sequeira Vaddo, Saligao, after a brief illness. Mrs de Souza mothered five sons, who are all well known in football circles, having played and officiated the game at various levels. The eldest sone, Melwyn, based in Delhi, is a well-known FIFA referee officiating at the World Cup level during the Maradona era. He also officiated Asian Games, AFC's Asia Cup and the Junior World Cup held in Japan. Melwyn was voted the best referee on many occasions. He also played for the famous Academica during the colonial Portuguese era and later played for Bombay Goans in Bombay in the sixties. Melwyn is currently the Technical Advisor of the Delhi Development Authority Football Promotion Scheme. Her second son, Newton de Souza played for the famous Panvel Sports Club in the early seventies, rubbing shoulders with the likes of none other than the greats of Goan football, like Domnic, Catao, Andrew, Bernard and Sudhir to name a few. Newton later played for Central Railway after moving to Bombay. He represented Maharashtra at the Nationals. Her third son -- Roland de Souza -- also played for Central Bank, Bombay and represented Maharashtra at the Nationals too. He later took to officiating the game and qualified as a National referee having officiated all top-level National football tournaments. Her fourth son, the late Professor Nelson de Souza, who though did not excel in football, was a fine athlete and hockey player at the University level, before compromising sports for academics. Her fifth son -- Francis de Souza -- needs no introduction, playing at the top-most level in football, representing the country in the seventies and eighties. He was among the first Goan professional footballers who ventured to Calcutta to play football. He was the stalwart in Goa's first ever Santosh trophy victory, in 1984 and was the livewire for Dempo, Mohan Bagan and Mohammedan Sporting in the eighties. Francis is also a qualified national referee and also coached the India schools football team in the nineties. Employed with the Sports Authority of India, he is holding charge as the coordinator and incharge of sports hostel and schemes in Goa. She also leaves behind four daughters and their families. Many sports personalities were seen visiting the Saligao residence, paying their respects to Mrs de Souza. Mrs de Souza, will be laid to rest tomorrow, May 15, at 4.30 pm,at Saligao, after the last rites at the Mae de Deus church are performed. (ENDS) Herald May 15, 2007. ------------------------------------------------------- Goanet recommends, and is proud to be associated with, 'Domnic's Goa' - A nostalgic romp through a bygone era. This book is the perfect gift for any Goan, or anyone wanting to understand Goa. Distributed locally by Broadway, near Caculo Island, Panjim & internationally by OtherIndiaBookStore.Com. For trade enquiries contact [EMAIL PROTECTED] -------------------------------------------------------
