Report by Gasper Crasto
Photos: Felix Fernandes
Kuwait, Apr 11: Goan Cultural Centre (GCC-Kuwait) extended a warm farewell to 3 super Goans – banker & football club president Amaldo Fernandes, footballer Philip Ferrao and Fr Franco Pereira SDB, who are set to leave Kuwait for good, shortly.
The individuals have resided in Kuwait for a long time and excelled in their field, and especially in football; Fr Franco has served the church and other activities in the Middle-East with utmost dedication and devotion.
The function held at Avanti Palace, Salmiya on April ‘9, along with Easter celebration, was organized by GCC under its dynamic and popular president Carmo Santos.
A number of distinguished Goans from the community were present on the occasion.
MERITORIOUS AWARD FOR AMALDO
In a remarkable gesture, Amaldo Fernandes was presented with a specially inscribed memento for his commendable contribution towards Indian football & the Goan community in general.
Amaldo has been founder member of the famous Curtorcares United Club in Kuwait for which he served as president for over 15 years.
Amaldo also took to the field whenever he got the opportunity especially to play in the annual veterans football tournament in Kuwait.
Born to Maria Santan and Pedrinho Fernandes, Amaldo grew up with 2 sisters Ema and LuziaFernandes.
After his studies at St Rita High School, Maina, Curtorim, and graduation through Chowgule College, Margao, Amaldo worked for a short stint with Dena Bank, Goa before landing in Kuwait as a young lad in April 1979, over 4 decades ago.
He served the prestigious National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) since the time of his arrival – for 43 years, out of which over 10 years as Manager – Trade Finance & L/G Dept.
Happily married to Maria Gorretty Fernandes, Amaldo has 2 children – daughter Nadia and son Pierson Fernandes.
While daughter Nadia is a proud owner of Wedding Craft Bridal Accessories - Wedding Gowns, & Events Management (Margao); son is a Managing Director of two European Bar Tendering Schools (affiliated to European Institutions of Spain) one in Goa and the other in Delhi.
An ardent lover of Tiatr and Goan traditions, Amaldo has always rendered help to Goan organizations in his personal capacity.
"I am leaving with fond memories of Kuwait and of friends that I have made over the years," said Amaldo in his farewell speech.
Fr Franco Pereira SDB – A LIVING EXAMPLE
Fr Franco Pereira Sdb., hailing from Tivim, Goa, has been very popular with the youth and the catholic community.
He has served as president of Don Bosco Oratory Football Club which participated and won the Kuwait-Indian League and other trophies on a number of occasions.
Fr Franco, who first set foot in Kuwait in May 2009, has served as assistant parish priest of St. Terese Church, Salmiya. He has also been the Administrator of Don Bosco School, Kuwait; and held the prestigious position of catechetical director of the Middle-East churches.
Acknowledging the invite and blessing everyone, Fr Franco stated, “I am touched by the love and respect shown by everyone around, hope we all continue to spread love & friendship wherever we go.”
Philip Ferrao – AN EVERGREEN PLAYER
Philip Ferrao was emotional in his farewell speech whilst recalling a number of unforgettable milestones and incidents during his football career.
A player who has been playing active football till date and now aspires to be a football coach, Philip Ferrao hails from Velsao, Cansaulim.
Philip is a former first division player with Churchill Bros, MRF, & Vasco Sports Club, he also played at inter-village level with the famous 90s champions batch of Velsao Pale.
He donned colors for Goa as well in the Under-21 nationals.
Philip initially worked in Dubai for a short while in 1993, before landing in Kuwait in January 1994. He played for a number of clubs in Kuwait and was instrumental in forming the famous Kuwait Goan Association (KGA club).
Philip owns a sports shop called TRIUMPH which has been functioning since 2016 and offers a wide range of top quality jerseys, trophies, awards, event items, plaques, printing on mugs, and T-shirts for special events like Wedding Roce, picnics, stage-shows, etc.
Philip, with his wife Victoria, are renowned jive-dancers and have won many prizes. They have a daughter named Dale who is a doctor, and a son. The couple are set to leave Kuwait for good, shortly.
CCOLADES, MUSIC AND SPEECHES
The evening was set in motion by live music by Maestro Shahu Almeida and Kuwait’s nightingale Michele Rebello.
There were fabulous performances on stage throughout the party. ValankaFerandes performed a unique Bharat Natyam dance while Comedian Bunu de Areal had a standup cracker; Gasper Crasto&Esparansa, and Carie Santos sang some songs as well.
Earlier, a moments silence was observed for the soul of Anthony Rebello, Goa’s legend of player who passed away recently.
The function was compered by Gasper Crasto.
Speaking on the occasion GCC President Carmo Santos said, “It is a pleasure to bid farewell to dynamic personalities like Amaldo, Philip and Fr. Franco who have been part of the Goan community and Goan life in Kuwait for years.”
Others who spoke included Cajetan Pinheiro (GCC Founder Member), Salvador Dias (KGA President), Tony Dias (Santos Football Club), Derick Gomindes (Goa Maroons), Glen D’Souza (AVC/Bombay Boys), Bernard Fernandes, Tase and Norman Noronha (Navelim), CajieFernandes (Skynet Miracles), etc.
The moments were captured on camera by Felix Fernandes, famous Goan photographer & videographer in Kuwait.