Gasper Crasto, Kuwait
Kuwait, Sep 26: Kuwait Indian Football Federation (KIFF) inaugurated its season 2019~20 on September 20 at Bayan Grounds.
In a hot and humid weather, the inauguration ceremony was attended by presidents of affiliated clubs, former KIFF presidents, various invitees and supporters.
After the National Anthems of Kuwait and India, in his address, President Derick Gomindes complimented his managing committee members along with all affiliated members for re-writing the tournament rules for the season.
Gomindes also emphasized the respect and discipline warranted on the field of play. Thereafter, the President declared the season for the 23rd edition of J P D’Mello Memorial KIFF League open.
Kuwait Indian Football Federation is sponsored by M/s Gulf Cable & Electrical Industries Co.
Inaugural match
In the inaugural match, the last year’s runner-up, Aqualite AKFC was held to a goalless draw by United Goan Centre 0-0.
Both the teams were guilty of missed opportunities during the match. UGC should have won it in the last minute, but missed a golden opportunity from the six yard box when their striker shot straight into the goalkeeper’s hands.
John of Aqualite AKFC was awarded man of the match trophy presented by Carmo Santos, president of Santos United.
Indian Strikers prove their superiority
In the second match of the day, Indian Strikers FC got the better of Pen Friends United 3-1.
Indian Strikers were by far the better team on the day, Sabu Cyrus being the difference between the teams scoring two classic goals. Biju Titus scored the other goal for the Strikers while Sadiqali reduced the margin for Pen Friends United.
Sabu Cyrus was awarded Man of the Match presented to him by Norman Noronha, president NYC.
Matches were officiated by KIFF referees namely Jerry, Marcelino, Arnold, Bawa, Rosario and Sameer.
The inaugural ceremony was compered by Gasper Crasto with sound by DJ Cheslee D’Souza and photography by Rivon Gomes.
KIFF managing committee
President - Derick Gomindes (Goa Maroons)
Vice-president - Ziddik Sharafudeen (Pen Friends United)
General secretary - Christopher Fernandes (Don Bosco Oratory)
Sports secretary - Micheal Pereira (Goa Football Club)
Treasurer - Robert Bernard (Indian Strikers)
P R O - Muhammad Sidiqque (AKFC)
Registrar - Abdul Sameer (Football Club Sparx)
Executive member - Tristan D'Souza (Avc)
Asst sports secretary - Adely D'Lima (United Goans Centre)
Auditor - Xavier Furtado (AVC)
Auditor - Tony Alphonso (United Goans Centre)
Referee administrator - Bernard Fernandes
Referee coordinator - Jerry Demello (Goan Overseas Association)
Referee coordinator - Mashook (Pen Friends United)
Participating teams
Participating clubs for the league include: AVC Sports & Cultural Assc, All Kerala Football Club (AKFC), Don Bosco Oratory, FC Sparx, Goa Maroons, Goa FC, Indian Strikers, Pen Friends United, Jahra XI, Warriors FC, United Goan Centre.
Fixtures - September 27
Goa Football Club v/s Goa Maroons - 6.45 am
F C Sparx v/s Jahra XI F C - 8.00 am