publish time

07/03/2017

author name Arab Times

publish time

07/03/2017

Winners Soccer Kerala
KUWAIT CITY, March 6: Soccer Kerala beat Kerala Challengers in an exciting final of the ‘Veterans Trophy — 2017” 7-a-side football tournament organized by the Kuwait Indian Football Federation (KIFF) played at Bayan Grounds, Kuwait on 24/02/2017.The exciting annual veterans tournament organized for non-registered Indian players above 35 years of age feature teams that included AVC Kuwait, Curtorcares United, Don Bosco Oratory, DHL FC, FC Sparx, Skynet Miracles SC, Santos United, United Goan Centre, Goan Overseas Association, Soccer Kerala, Indian Strikers -A, Indian Strikers Rising Stars — B, Santos Football Club, Kerala Challengers and Kuwait Goan Association. Soccer Kerala won through a brace scored by Thomas and Shoby who were outstanding. Thomas was later adjudged Man of the Match for his excellent performance. The atmosphere and interest created by this tournament is always the best seen at the grounds.A number of star icons of yesteryears were seen in action displaying great footballing skills. Tony Dias, President of Santos FC, one of the pioneers in establishing this tournament, was the chief guest at the finals. In his speech he applauded the finalists and all teams for their sporting spirit and undying hunger. During the presentation ceremony, Vice-President of KIFF Austen Abreo thanked the participating teams, sponsors, referees and KIFF Committee who helped to organize the tournament on a grand scale. In a 5-a-side tie-breaker tournament that was played simultaneously, Skynet Miracles SC beat Indian Strikers to emerge champions. Glittering trophies were presented to the winners and runners-up apart from individual trophies.Prizes were distributed at the hands of Tony Dias, Salvodor Dias, Ruzario Lawrence, Robert Barnard (KIFF PRO), Ruzario Colaco (KIFF Sports Secretary, Rafael Rodrigues (Exec. KIFF), Sameer Nasri (KIFF Registrar), Claro Fernandes (KIFF Asst Sports Secretary), Derick Gomindes (Ex-KIFF President), B.M Viegas (Ex- KIFF President) and V. K Vohra (Ex- KIFF President). Following prizes were awarded: Oldest Player of the Tournament — Tony Dias (Santos FC) Best Striker of the Final — Thomas (Kerala Challengers) Best Midfielder of the Final — Shoby (Soccer Kerala) Best Defender of the Final — Ashraf (Soccer Kerala) Best Goal Keeper of the Final — Shakir (Soccer Kerala) Gasper Crasto compered the day’s proceedings. The tournament was officiated by Kuwait Indian Football Federation (KIFF) referees.