Holy Spirit Margao Goa, Pasha Boys and Le Blues victorious in GFL opening day

KUWAIT CITY, Aug 6: 2nd August, 2019 was a great day in history of Goans in Kuwait in fantastic opening ceremony of the “Goan Football League (GFL)” 7-a-side two-leg league Season 1 which was organized by a newly formed Goan Football Association, Kuwait (GFAK) at Daiya Turf Ground.

The league consists of 12 teams divided into 2 groups for a double league.

The innovative idea of the league has been masterminded by Manuel D’Costa and Austine Abreo.

The day started on a wonderful note by compere Marvin Pereira with a warm welcome and the opening ceremony followed by the National Anthems of Kuwait and India. A brief introduction was given on Goan Football Association Kuwait (GFAK) and its members; how it was formed by Manuel D’Costa and Austine Abreo and later joined by other like-minded people like Carlos Fernandes, Marshal Fernandes, Cajetan Fernandes, Melvin Fernandes, Agricio D’Mello, Gasper Crasto and Salvador Dias. This is a unique association where all equally work for the love of football and GFAK has set a goal that in future, there won’t be any positions in the association. The main motto of this association is “Friendship through Football”.

Later Marvin introduced the registered clubs along with their officials.

Fr Franco Pereira graced the ceremony with a beautiful prayer and welcomed the gesture of GFAK for the Goan community in Kuwait saying this unique event will definitely bring all Goans in Kuwait under one roof. So far I was a part of all Goan cultural activities and today onwards I am also a part of Goan football.

It was a historic moment for all 12 teams lined up in the middle of the ground donning their beautiful and colourful team uniforms in hot weather which was a clear indication and reflection of their love towards football.

Manuel D’Costa greeted everyone on behalf of GFAK and thanked all the distinguished guests, sponsors, registered clubs, players, supporters, well-wishers and committee members. Also special thanks was rendered to our media supporters Gasper Crasto and Rivon for beautiful photography. Also rendered was a special thanks to John Fernandes of Arab Times who designed the beautiful logo of the association.

GFAK members along with the distinguished guests cut the cake and released the balloons as a mark of open season.

Guests present: Fr Franco Pereira, Fedelis (Ex-KIFF president), Derick Gomendis (KIFF President), Lawrence Pinto, Bosco Laithav, Norman Noronha, Avelion Dias, Mario Katty and many other prominent Goans along with their family members.

Event was compered by Marvin Pereira, sound and music provided by Hudson.

Matches are officiated by GFAK approved referees – Agnel D’Cunha, Ruzario, Jhon assisted by Marcelino, Arnold, James, Melvin and Benjamin Pereira, Francis.

Participating Teams:

Although most Goan players are already involved in playing under Kuwait Indian Football Federation (KIFF) which has been pioneering Indian football over the years, the GFAK will provide added opportunities for more Goans to play within the arena.

The participating teams in the new league are as follows:

Group-A

St Rita Maina, Holy Spirit Margao Goa, Miracles S Club, Pasha Boys, Navelim Stars and Capxem Boys

Group-B

CRC Chinchinim, Goa Strikers, St Christopher FC, Dynamos FC, Le Blues and Amigos de Jardine

Match Results

Group A Matches:

Holy Spirit Margao Goa beat Rita Maina by 3-0

Goal scorers – Richard Nary Rodrigues (2) and Damiao Godwin Fernandes (1)

Man of the Match: Richard Nary Rodrigues Holy Spirit Margao Goa

Pasha Boys beat Navelim Stars by 2-0

Goal scorer – Shawn B. Rodrigues (2)

Man of the Match: Shawn B. Rodrigues of Pasha Boys

Miracles S Club and Capxem Boys settled for a 1-1 draw

Goal scorers – Siddarth Sudakar (1) for Miracles SC and Melvin Fernandes (1) for Capxem Boys

Man of the Match: Jeston Fernandes of Capxem Boys

Group B Matches:

CRC Chinchinm and Goa Strikers settled for a 1-1 draw

Goal scorers – Adward Anthony (1) for CRC, Rony Fernandes (1) for Goa Strikers

Man of the match: William Colaco of CRC Chinchinim

St Christopher FC and Amigos De Jardine ended in a 1-1 draw

Goal scorers – Martin Gomes (1) for St Christoper FC, Rollan Fernandes (1) for Amigos FC

Man of the Match: Martin Gomes of St Christopher FC

Le Blues emerged victorious by beating Dynamos FC 2-1

Goal scorers – Samuel Barreto (1), Hacon Pereira (1) for Le Blues and Noah Fernandes (1) for Dynamos

Man of the Match: Elton Pereira of Le Blues

Matches to be played on Friday, Aug 9th.

Group A Matches:

Miracles S Club vs Pasha Boys: 6:30 am

St Rita Maina vs Capxem Boys: 7:10 am

Holy Spirit Margao Goa vs Navelim Stars: 7:40 am

Group B Matches:

St Christopher FC vs Dynamos FC: 6:30 am

CRC Chinchinim vs Amigos de Jardine: 7:10 am

Goa Strikers vs Le Blues: 7:40 am