MARGAO
The Goa Football Association (GFA) has condoled the sudden and untimely death of Match Commissioner Armando Gabriel Pires of Telaulim, Navelim, on Sunday. He was 55 and leaves behind his wife Adv Sunita Goes and children Estella and Gabinaz.
Armando had reported on Sunday morning for the fitness training at the Fatorda astro turf ground. Before the start of the programme, he sat on the bench but suddenly collapsed. He was administered first aid by his colleagues before an ambulance was summoned. However, the doctor at the District Hospital in Margao on examining said that he was brought dead.
Condoling the official's death, GFA President Churchill Alemao said that Armando, who was a panch of VP Telaulim, was a dedicated GFA referee for several years and after his retirement from active football refereeing, was appointed as Match Commissioner. "He discharged his duties with great sincerity and dedication and was always available to render his services for the cause of football. Armando displayed his immense love for football and it is sad that he breathed his last on the football field when he tried to prepare for the fitness test," said Alemao.
GFA officials, Gregory D'Sousa, Chairman of Referees and Assistant Referees Committee, Maurice Almeida, vice-chairman, Frankie Fernandes, vice-chairman and head of referees department, Anthony Pango, vice-president, Domnic Pereira, chairman of competitions committee, whilst condoling the death of Armando, highlighted the great qualities of head and heart of the former match commissioner. Both as a referee as well as match commissioner, he had a distinguished career, they recalled. Pires' funeral will be held on Monday, March 14 at 3 pm at Rosary Church, Navelim.
