Kani rises to the occasion as Don Bosco Oratory pip Kuwait Independents Hockey

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KUWAIT CITY, May 12: Don Bosco Oratory (DBO) beat Kuwait Independents Hockey (KIH) by a solitary goal in what looked like a one-sided affair during the initial stages but that was not be as the KIH fought tooth and nail looking for an equalizer. It was another good performance put up by both the teams, playing with fl are, tenacity and solidity in the first game of the tournament which is organized by DBO. In another encounter, it was indeed a one-sided affair as the KOC Blue humiliated the KH Kings by 7-0. In the first encounter, the KIH put pressure on the DBO defense looking for an equalizer especially in the last fifteen minutes but could not get through the rock solid defense. While the KIH defense ensured no further damage was done, brilliant goalkeeping by Kani rose to the occasion when the DBO forwards were all over the place.

DBO dominated possession of the ball and found the net in the first 36 minutes of the game from a penalty corner. The goal scorer was Shoaib Marouf. “I have a great set of players who understand me and are willing to work incredibly hard and we did win although some of our first choice players are on vacation,” said head coach Savio Richards after the game. Sherwin D’Souza of the DBO had to be replaced in the 3rd quarter because of an ankle injury.

Meanwhile, the KOC Blue had to thank their young rising star Yusuf Waseem who played an amazing game and was very instrumental upfront. Ahmed Waseem of KOC Blues’ said “I am happy and proud to see our senior’s performance and leading our young ones. The way we moved the ball around and playing attacking hockey is an amazing feeling.” At the award ceremony Christopher Fernandes, Vice-President speaking on behalf of the President Fr Francisco E. Pereira – sdb, thanked the Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) for the facilities offered to the hockey community. He also thanked the President of Kuwait Expat Hockey Association for the keeping the game of hockey alive in Kuwait. He went on to say “It is important and the whole purpose of these tournaments is to keep the spirit of hockey alive among our communities.” “Winning or losing is only a part of the game, but building friendships through sports is important. I am also proud and happy to see a lot of new faces on the field today and moreover to see our next generation of young players who I’m sure will keep this game alive in Kuwait,” he said.

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