MARGAO
Fancied CRC Chinchinim dethroned MAC Kuwait after winning 3-2 via tie-breaker to claim the title for the second edition of All India 7-a-side football tournament organised by Xavierian Boys, Madel, Margao and held at Bayan grounds, Kuwait.
In the semi-finals, Chinchinim beat Capxem Boys while MAC overcame favourites Soccer Kerala. Chinchinim comprised of Loyd Mascarenhas, Pattu, Stevan Coreia, Peter, Vishal Kotak, Antonio Fernandes (goalkeeper and captain), Clinton, Jerry Mello, Carlos and Tiago Fernandes. Runners-up MAC consisted of Abdul Rahman, Shafeek (captain), Sajesh, Aneesh, Noufal, Ibrahim Kutty, Jamal, Ramees and Lukman.
The matches were officiated by Edward Dias, Victor Andrade, Rafi Islahi, George, Sameer, Arnold, James Rebello, Brazileo Rego and Agnel D'Cunha. In all 24 teams participated in the tournament.
Kuwait Indian Football Federation (KIFF) president Derick Gomindes was the chief guest at the event and spoke on the occasion. Lawry Pinto was the guest of honour. Other dignitaries present on the occasion included Austine Abreo, Sports secretary of KIFF and Lourdina Rodrigues.
Gomindes, while congratulating the winners, praised Xavierian Boys for organising "a grand tournament". Funds raised from the tournament would be donated for charity, according to Rafael Rodrigues, chief coordinator of the tournament.
The event was made all the more memorable with expert commentary by former Salgoacar footballer Gasper Crasto. In a noteworthy gesture during prize distribution ceremony, Madel Boys honored Manuel Rodrigues, one of the members of the organisation for his contribution towards Indian football and the Goan community in Kuwait and his undying support towards the tournament. The organisers Xavierian Boys also presented a special artefact memento to Madam Jomana Kamal Hana, a philanthropist and a supporter of the tournament.
The prizes were presented at the hands of Rafael Rodrigues, President of Xavierian Boys; Austin Abreo, Sylvester, James Rebello, Brazileo Rego, Yousuf of Tuskers FC, Manuel Rodrigues, Brazileo Rego, Felix Fernandes and Lourdina Rodrigues.
In the vote of thanks proposed, Lourdina Rodrigues of Xavierian Boys thanked all the participating teams, officials, sponsors and everyone who rendered their help in making the tournament a success. The tournament was sponsored by Oby Rodrigues, Melwyn D'Silva, Master Fayne Fernandes, Data.com Co, Brian Dourado, US Stars, T-Bush Int'l Films, Silvester Pereira, Lawry Pinto, Bosco Leitao, Gasper Crasto, among others.
Special thanks was conveyed to Derick Gomendis, Salvador Dias, James Rebello, Godwin Dourado, Gasper Crasto, Julio Cardoso, Michael Pereira, Philip Vaz, Marcel Fernandes, Austine Abreo, Tiago Fernandes and Nicholas, Joaquim Fernandes.
