Pasha Boys stun Soccer Kerala for title
KUWAIT CITY, Oct 1: In a fitting tribute to a man who contributed most of his life to promoting soccer in Kuwait, Goan Overseas Association conducted a one day football 7-a-side extravaganza in memory of late Assumption D’Sa, one of the founder members of the club in Kuwait. The open tournament played on Sept 29 at AlBayan grounds featured 24 teams and was won by Pasha Boys when they edged mighty Soccer Kerala 1-0 in the final. Earlier, AVC B defeated Raia Tigers 2-0 in the tie breaker to claim the third and fourth place respectively.
On a warm sunny day, Goan Overseas Association set the benchmark for organizing one day tournaments in Kuwait with all matches played on schedule with the support of IFRA (Indian Football Referees Association) and the participating team. The 24 participating teams in the tournament were FC Dynamos, Soccer Kerala, Salcette United Goa, Don Bosco Oratory Blue, GOA Yellow, Xavierian Boys, Outcasts, Santos United M. P. Boys, 3 Kings Nagoa Verna, FC Mishreef, AVC A, AVC B, Pasha Boys, S.S.C, Amigos De Jardine, Don Bosco Oratory Red, Knight FC, Al Shabab FC, Raia Tigers, GOA Maroons, T.S.F.C, Capxem Boys and Curtorcares United.
The tournament featured for the first time in Kuwait ‘Tie Breaker Shoot-out’ with teams having to use their skills to score from the center directly or with one bounce into the goal without a goalkeeper. Kick-in instead of throw-in also helped to make the games more competitive. During a break after the quarter-final matches, a Konkani comedy film CD of wellknown Goan stage artiste Jose Fernandes ‘Mughe Zanvoim Tughe Sunn’ was released with the ribbon being cut by widely known personalities of the Goan Community in Kuwait. A housie was also conducted and was won by Aveson Pereira.
On their way to the finals, eventual champions Pasha Boys the dark horses in this tournament overcame S.S.C, Amigos De Jardine, AVC A and Raia Tigers. Joaquim who was the star player in the team was declared ‘Man of the Match’ and received his award from the hands of Raymond D’Sa the brother of late Assumption D’Sa, who flew in especialy from Goa to grace the tournament. The third and fourth place medals and trophies were given away by B M Viegas, Fidelis Fernandes, Suzan Pinto, Cleta Rodrigues and Rosario
Runners up Soccer Kerala
D’Sa. The highest scorer of the tournament was won by Sarath of Soccer Kerala and he received his award from Michelle D’Souza. Runners Up individual and team trophies were given away by Reji Rodrigues, Joe Pereira, Roland and Coretta D’Sa, while Zina Cardoso and Derrick Gomindes gave away the winners individual trophies. The winner’s trophy was collected by the Captain of Pasha Boys, Datta from the hands of Julio Cardoso, Ian D’Souza, Joe Pereira and Steven Rodrigues, the executive committee members of G.O.A.
In his closing address, the president of Goan Overseas Association Julio Cardoso paid glowing tributes to late Assumption D’Sa and spoke about his dedication and love of the game. He thanked the participating teams, the many sponsors, special invitees including the children and close family and friends of Assumption D’Sa who all graced the occasion, IFRA, the G.O.A Managing Committee and the ladies who managed the canteen. He also thanked the day’s compere Remmie D’Souza who hosted the event brilliantly.