KUWAIT CITY, Oct 3: Churchill Bros sponsored Kuwait Goan Association (KGA) became one of the few teams in the history of CRC Chinchinim’s 19 year old tournament to successfully defend their title. Winners of the previous edition, KGA defeated Don Bosco Oratory by a solitary (1-0) goal in the final to emerge champions of the 19th edition 9-aside football tournament played at Al Nassr Stadium, Abhasiya.
The all important goal was scored by Edward Dias in the second half off a free kick. Don Bosco played their hearts out to draw level but the equalizer eluded them till the final whistle. KGA defended convincingly throughout the match and their goalkeeper Connie Rodrigues was at his best making point blank saves while the goal post too played a part in denying Oratory on a couple of occasions.

Well-known Goan personality Tome Gracias was the chief guest at the event. In his speech Gracias applauded the efforts of both teams in displaying attacking, skillful football. Earlier, CRC President Mr. Bosco Leitao introduced the finalists to the chief guest. KIFF President Fidelis Fernandes, Fr Francisco Pereira, etc, were some of the dignitaries present at the prize distribution ceremony. Also present were CRC Chinchinim Managing Committee members Olvin Leitao, Anthonio Viegas, Anthony Fernandes, Alfred Antao, Vosky Leitao, Nester Coutinho and Felix Pereira. Vice President of Chinchinim Venancio Pereira proposed a vote of thanks while Gasper Crasto compered the function.

KGA goalkeeper Connie was adjudged man of the match while Steven Correia of Don Bosco was awarded best defender of the finals. The Winners cups were sponsored by Miss. Rapuzelle Pereirra (from Goa). The Best Defender prize was sponsored by Anthony Rebello. Americo awarded ‘Athlete of the Year 2011’. CRC Chinchinim tournament is played under the auspices of Kuwait Indian Football Federation. All matches are officiated by KIFF Referees. The prestigious ‘Athlete of the Year’ established by Chinchinim was awarded to popular Goan player Americo Fernandes for his commendable services towards Indian football in Kuwait. Hailing from Taleigao-Panjim, Americo has been a dedicated footballer for the last 27 years ever since his football career sparked off with Don Bosco Oratory during his school days.

Before playing for Senior Division in Goa, he played at the Inter-village level with ardent dedication. The first club he played was Apollo Club Taleigao in the year 1984 with the inspiration of well-known Goan goalkeeper Brahmanand Sankwalkar who made him believe that one day he would shine in football.
Playing for clubs such as Vasco Sports Club, Salcette Football Club and Dempos from 1986 to 1993, he fought against all famous Indian teams such as Mohan Bagan, JCT, Mahindras, East Bengal, Air India, Kerala Police, Mohammedans all over India. During his time with Dempos, he won some of the major tournaments in India as well a International tournament in Maldives.
While playing for Dempo, he suffered a knee injury, which made him to move to Kuwait in the year 1994. With faith and determination, and love for football, he recovered from his injury and till plays competitive football for Navelim Youth Centre after donning colors for Royal Sports and United Friends Club.

Following is the list of ‘Athlete of the Year’ award winners.
1. Alcantra Barretto (Navelim Youth Centre) —1994-1995
2. Francis Machado (CRC Chinchinim) — 1996
3. V.K.Vohra (ex-President of KIFF) — 1997
4. Inacio Faleiro (ex-President of KIFF) — 1998
5. Tony Coutinho (GOA Maroons) — 1999
6. Judas Fernandes (CRC Chinchinim) — 2000
7. Cajetan Godinho (Veterans XI) — 2001
8. Joseph Salema (United Goans Centre) — 2002
9. Sarto Baptista (United Friends Club) — 2003
10. Gasper Crasto (Navelim Youth Centre) — 2004
11. Gajendra Pillay (GOA Maroons) — 2005
12. Tony Dias (ex-President KIFF & Santos FC) — 2006
13. Julio Cardoso (GOA Maroons) — 2007
14. Tony Gonsalves (United Goans) — 2008
15. Avelino Dias (Navelim Youth Centre) — 2009
16. Anthony Rebello (Curtorcares United) — 2010
17. Americo Fernandes (Navelim Youth Centre) — 2011