MELBOURNE
Tivim Tigers overcame a stiff challenge from Candolim to win 2-1 in the finals of Australia’s first 7-a-side Goan inter-village Ely Lobo Memorial soccer tournament organised by the Goan Association of Australia in Melbourne on Sunday.
A total of 6 teams -- Siolim, Vasco da Gama, Nagoa, Porvorim, Tivim and Candolim registered to play in this year’s tournament. The winner’s trophy and other prizes were sponsored by the owner of Physio Elements Clinic, Nisha Monte Cruz Faleiro.
Liam Monteiro was awarded the best player at the tournament. All matches were officiated by Terence Carvalho, a veteran of the inter-village tournaments in Kuwait and the Middle East. Terence plays veterans hockey and represents Victoria all over Australia.
The chief guests for the day were Melbourne-based Nisha Monte Cruz Faleiro and Lloyd Faleiro, the directors of Physio Elements Clinic based in Kilsyth, Melbourne. Nisha is the daughter of the former sports minister of Goa, Monte Cruz, who was responsible for the development of Nehru Stadium at Fatorda.
Dubai-based Pioneer Sports Academy (PSA) made their presence felt by sponsoring the Viva Vasco team for the tournament. PSA hopes to tap young talent in Australia for future sporting events held overseas.
Earlier, Goan Association of Australia in Melbourne president Gerard Lobo welcomed the gathering, thanked the participating teams for the support, and urged the Goan diaspora in Melbourne to work to build a stronger Goan community.
