MARGAO
The Kings School Sao Jose De Areal, Manovikas H.S. Gogol and Perpetual Succour Convent Navelim emerged champions in the 6th Late Sir Jawaharlal Da Costa Memorial Interschool Football Tournament 2026, organised by United Sports Club of Seraulim at Seraulim Panchayat Ground.
In the boys U-14 final, The Kings School Sao Jose De Areal edged Rosary H.S. Navelim 1-0, with Rafael Pinto scoring the decisive goal. Goalkeeper Avner Fijardo produced a series of fine saves to keep his team’s clean sheet and ensure victory.
Manovikas H.S. Gogol clinched the boys U-12 title after overcoming Regina Mundi H.S. Chicalim 4-2 in the tiebreaker. The teams were locked in a goalless draw at the end of regulation time.
The girls U-14 final also went into a tiebreaker, with Perpetual Succour Convent Navelim prevailing 5-4 against Fatima Convent H.S. after the match ended goalless.
Winners and runners-up in each category received trophies, medals and cash prizes of Rs 12,000 and Rs 8,000 respectively. Individual awards were also presented.
In the boys U-14 category, Avner Fijardo of The Kings School was adjudged Best Goalkeeper of the Finals, while Joshua Da Costa won Best Defender. Clive Colaco of Rosary H.S. Navelim was named Best Midfielder, with Rafael Pinto of The Kings School bagging Best Striker.
In the boys U-12 category, Lashem Fernandes of Regina Mundi H.S. Chicalim won Best Goalkeeper, Akshaj Desai of Manovikas H.S. was named Best Defender, Reuben Fernandes of Regina Mundi H.S. claimed Best Striker, and Rilan Fernandes of Manovikas H.S. received Best Midfielder.
In the girls U-14 category, Shreeja Naik of Perpetual Succour Convent Navelim was named Best Goalkeeper, Jaezel Barreto of Fatima Convent H.S. won Best Defender, Alaine Vaz of Perpetual Succour Convent was adjudged Best Striker, and Shirleen Rodrigues of Fatima Convent H.S. claimed Best Midfielder.
Capt. Venzy Viegas, MLA of Benaulim constituency, was the chief guest, while Rev. Fr. John Gonsalves and Dr. Celso Fernandes were the guests of honour. Special invitees included Andrew Ferrao, GFA vice-president Antonio Pango, Seraulim Sarpanch Sima Shanke and GFA referee in-charge Melwin D’Costa.
Members of the Da Costa family — Ruban, Prakash, Ashok, Gita, Perpetual, Saloni and Bridgit — were also present and distributed the prizes.
