:::Kuwait Goans finish 2nd, Rising Stars take 3rd place::: By Gasper Crasto Kuwait: Goan Overseas Association (G.O.A) popularly known as Goa Maroons won the prestigious J.P. D’Mello Memorial KIFF League Trophy defeating Kuwait Goan Association (KGA) 4-3 in the final played at the ‘Peace & Friendship’ Stadium on 10th June 2011. The season ending match of the Kuwait Indian Football Federation (KIFF), was balanced in terms of performance in the first half. However it was Maroons who surprised KGA with an early lead. Prolific scorer Kennedy Ferrao broke the KGA off-side trap by a mile and took his time to round off the goalkeeper before tapping into the empty net. On the other hand Maroons goalkeeper Guilerme Gomes was able to defend on a number of occasions. KGA who steadily organized themselves in the second half showed class, character and a superb fighting spirit, attacking from all ends with medio Bernard Pires dazzling in the centre. Ismayil, Luis Dias Vitorin Menezes, Valente, Jacob Dias, Edward Dias, Cristo Colaco, Tiago Fernandes, Anil Thakuri and Vico D’Souza also excelled for KGA. With minutes left for the final whistle KGA drew level through Josse Fernandes who headed home from a corner kick taken by Bernard (1-1). The extra-time produced no result which sent the teams into a penalty shootout. Maroons, already declared season’s champions for a super performance throughout, were determined to finish on a high. Goalkeeper Guilerme saved the last penalty in the tie-breaker to clinch victory for the Champions. Ian D’Souza, Gabriel Fernandes and Bonny Niasso scored for Maroons, while only Valente and John Costa were on target for KGA. Later, Goa Maroons President Raymond D’Sa expressed great joy in the victory and on winning the Trophy, a record equaling fourth time for Maroons in the League history. Navelim Youth Centre is the other team with maximum titles. Maroons coach Julio Cardoso told that such achievement comes with great efforts by the players, noting that the title was a remarkable end to a memorable league by KIFF which is played on league cum knock-out basis. :::The Champion team::: Goa Maroons comprised of Guilerme Gomes, Carlos D’Sa, Ian D’ Souza, Gabriel Fernandes, Regi Rodrigues, Sandy Fernandes, Terence Carvalho, Patrick Pinho, Bonny Niasso, John Ferrao, Elvis D’Souza, Joe Rebello, Joseph Correia, Albert Pereira, Jose Savio Pereira, Everest Rodrigues, Valentine Gonsalves, Jerry Mello, Julio Cardoso, Steven Rodrigues and James Figueira. Coach: Julio Cardoso Team Manager: Assumption D’Sa The final was officiated by John Furtado supported by Victor Andrade and Roland Fernandes on the lines. Shri Vidhu P. Nair, Charge D'Affaires Indian Embassy was the chief guest at the event while Mr. A. C. Roy, Chief Operating Officer Gulf Cable and Electrical Industries Co. Was the guest of honor. Special invitees present on the occasion were Mr. Huzefa (Asst. Marketing Manager of Al Mulla Exchange) and Kevin Simoes, Joseph and Elvira D’Souza, ex-President of KIFF Mr. V.K. Vohra, UFC President Cajetan Pereira, CRC Chinchinim President Bosco Leitao, Navelim Vice-President Luis D’Silva, Rising Stars President Lawry Pinto, Cajie of Skynet, etc. The teams were introduced to the guest of honor Mr. A.C. Roy and other dignitaries. National Anthems of Kuwait and India were played with great respect and honor while a set of white doves were set free to mark the event a minute’s silence was observed in remembrance of J.P.D’Mello. A special attraction of the evening was a dance program performed by about 20 children from Ballerine's School of Dance under the direction of Choreographer Sudhi Frantero. DJ Mario entertained the spectators with some catchy numbers. The function was compered by Gasper Crasto. KIFF President Fidelis Fernandes addressed the teams and emphasized on the need for unity and support to the federation to carry out KIFF activities smoothly. While applauding the support he received from his committee, he expressed wholehearted gratitude towards Gulf Cable and Electrical Industries for backing the Federation, and also thanked Al Mulla Exchange for their tremendous support all season. Mr. A.C. Roy also voiced his appreciation. KIFF Vice-President Clifford Pinto proposed a vote of thanks at the prize distribution ceremony thanking the sponsors, affiliates, referees and specially the media for the coverage given to Indian football in Kuwait. The news on the league has been covered by Kuwait’s Arab Times, www.indiansinkuwait.com, http://mangalorean.com/, http://www.goa-world.com/, etc, among others. Earlier, Rising Stars beat United Friends Club (UFC) 3-0 to win the hardline finals for a 3rd position in the league. Prakash, Shafeeq and Lusiano scored for Rising while UFC were strangely found wanting, conspicuous by the absence of some star players. An exhibition match of young kids from the Salmiya Community Services was also held during one of the breaks. The high profile Fair Play Trophy was won by Skynet Raiders for their overall discipline and respect to the game. Apart from the new-look J.P. D’Mello Memorial Trophy, following prizes were awarded: Season Champions – Goa Maroons Fair Play Trophy – Skynet Raiders Player of the League – Vitorino Menezes Top Scorer of the Season – Kennedy Ferrao Man of the Match (Finals) – Ian D’Souza Mementos were presented to Jerry Mello, P.A. Tony and Gasper Crasto for their assistance towards the functioning of KIFF Referees Body since its inception. Glittering individual trophies were presented to the winners and runners-up, while the KIFF referees were presented with medallions. KIFF President Fidelis Fernandes handed over the coveted J.P. D’Mello Trophy to great jubilations of Goa Maroons fans. KIFF Committee for the season consisted of: Fidelis Fernandes (President) Clifford Pinto (Vice-President) Michael Fernandes (Secretary) Bernard Fernandes (Sports Secretary) Nicholas Rodrigues (Registrar) Pascoal Afonso (PRO) Seby Dias (Treasurer ) William Stronach (Releiver). :::For complete coverage & photo album:::
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