KUWAIT CITY, May 8: Hosts Navelim Youth Centre (NYC) claimed the coveted NYC Trophy for the 7th time beating Curtorcares United 4-0 at the finals played under floodlights at Sabah Hospital Grounds on 30th April 2010. The tournament played under the auspices of Kuwait Indian Football Federation (KIFF) was sponsored by international corporate houses Gulf Custody Company, Axis Bank and My Money Mart.
PWD Minister Shri Churchill Alemao, one of Goa’s famous personalities on a visit to Kuwait, was the Chief Guest at the event. He was given a rousing welcome by the spectators on arrival at the ground. In his speech, Alemao complimented Navelim for their activities in Kuwait and inculcating friendship among the community through the sport. Whilst congratulating the teams for some quality football he reckoned his dream to take India into the World Cup in the near future.

Churchill Alemao handing over the NYC Trophy to the winners.

It was also announced that Navelim would hold Churchill Brothers sponsored Late Alvernaz-Lalush Alemao Memorial football tournament during the next Ramadan. Earlier, Alisha Fernandes, daughter of the NYC President welcomed Alemao with a bouquet of flowers and President Agnello A.S. Fernandes introduced the chief guest to the finalists. In a statement Agnello said, “I am overjoyed to note that NYC has created a sort of a hat-trick of coincidences and an unique one too, by having amidst us a Navelim constituency MLA for a Navelim run tournament in which Navelim played the finals.” The President also thanked Alemao for accepting the invitation and attending the event despite having to catch a flight back to Goa later that evening.

Navelim displayed an attacking game, tremendous stamina and fire-power scoring at regular intervals. Former Salgaocars/East Bengal/Churchill Brothers player Bernard Pires scored Navelim’s first goal with a solo effort finishing off with a volley to the far right of Curtorcares goalkeeper Olavo (1-0). Bernard was later declared man of the match.  Left wing back Godfrey Aguiar increased the lead while mid-field maestro and top scorer of the tournament Duarte Ferrao scored another before striker Cruzedio Rodrigues, one of the most consistent scorers in Kuwait, finished off with a brilliant goal. The final match was officiated by P.A. Tony and supported by Jerry D’Mello and Derrick Gomendes on the lines.

The Champion team - Navelim Youth Centre comprises of Britto Pereira, Adrian Goes, Godfrey Aguiar, Christi Pires, Joaquim Rodrigues, Wilson Pires John Furtado, Alfred Pires, Nilesh Parmar, Bernard Pires, Americo Fernandes, Simao Gaonkar, Duarte Ferrao, Cruzedio Rodrigues, Seby Barbosa, Ivo D’Costa, Sydney Rodrigues, Inacio Fernandes, Savio Furtado, Gasper Crasto, etc. The team is managed by Avelino Dias and coached by Johny Luis. Curtorcares United included Olavo Monteiro, Laurent Furtado, Savio Rebello, Sebastiao Oliveiro, Camilo Azavedo, Rony Dias, Zico Fernandes, Roland Fernandes, Christovam Vaz, Minguel Mouro, Felon Gonsalves, Francis Fernandes, R.V. Murthy, John Vaz, Benjamin Pereira, Christi Menezes, Francisco Costancio, Mario Viegas, etc.

Icon Player Award
Former Dempo Sports Club player and Navelim captain Americo Fernandes, hailing from Taleigao, Goa was awarded the NYC Icon Player Award. The award instituted by Navelim is presented to a player who has served football for a number of years. Americo who started his career with Salcete Football Club way back in 1989, has been playing for Navelim from the beginning of this decade.

Earlier, in an exhibition match played prior to the finals, Indian Public School (IPS), Salmiya defeat Navelim Juniors 6-0. Captain Ihab Khairy scored 4 goals while Shawn Braganza and Ibrahim Diab scored a goal each.  A minute’s silence was observed at the start of the final as a mark of respect to Peter Colaco, founder member and ex-footballer of NYC, who died on 13th April onboard a Kuwait Airways flight whilst returning back from India.

Present on the ocassion were a number of eminent personalities, that included KIFF President Fidelis Fernandes, UFC President Cajetan Pereira, Rising Stars President Lawry Pinto, UG President Tony Gonsalves, Santos FC President Tony Dias, GWS President Wilson Coelho, GCC President Carmo Santos, etc, and other distinguished guests. Gasper Crasto compered the function and proposed a vote of thanks. DJ Brian enlivened the evening with some hyped-up music including Konkani dulpods.

Prizes and Awards
The prize distribution ceremony was sweet and brief. The awards were presented at the hands of Chief Guest Shri Churchill Alemao, NYC President Agnello Fernandes, Luis D’Silva (Vice-President - NYC), Norman Noronha, Eusebio Fernandes, Avelino Dias, Mario Carneiro, Mrs. Neeta Fernandes and Cleema Carneiro.

Following prizes were awarded:
Fair Play Award - Indian Strikers, Kerala.
Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament (offered by Mrs. Wendy Gomes in memory of her late husband Flobert Gomes) - Melvin of United Goans Centre.
Best Defender of the Tournament — John Furtado of Navelim Y.C.
Best Mid-fielder of the Tournament — Zico Fernandes of Curtorcares United.
Best Striker of the Tournament — Cruzedio Rodrigues of Navelim Y.C.
Highest Scorer of the Tournament (offered by Mrs Wendy Gomes) — Duarte Ferrao of Navelim Y. C.
Man of the Match (offered by Succor Colaco) - Bernard Pires — Navelim Y.C.