The much anticipated KIFF season kicked off in a grand style on 17th October 2014 at the Bayan grounds. The highlight of the opening day was the elaborate opening ceremony put up by the KIFF Managing Committee headed by Mr. B. M. Viegas, President of KIFF. The compere Mr. Julio Cardozo gave a brief introduction of the Chief Guest Mr. Ozgur Kutay, C.E.O of Citibank, Kuwait and also announced the KIFF program for the entire season. The ribbon was cut by the Chief Guest to enter the field of play. Mr. Viegas escorted the guests and bouquets were presented to the Chief Guest and KIFF President. A specially made KIFF cake was cut and the Indian National Anthem was played to mark the occasion. The KIFF President Mr. B.M. Viegas welcomed the guests, teams and the public in general. Chief Guest Mr. Kutay praised the efforts of the affiliates and the KIFF Managing Committee and wished everyone involved a fair and exciting season. Rev Fr. Franco Pereira blessed the entire Indian football fraternity. After the photo session, KIFF ceremonial balloons soared in the sky and the actual action got under way for the famous Late J.P. D’Mello Memorial Rolling Trophy.
The first match of the season was between defending KIFF League Champions AVC – Kuwait and Skynet Raiders. Both the teams started the game on a cautious approach. Skynet started off the blocks first and attacked, but AVC held firm and the first half ended goalless. In the second half AVC came back with a momentum but could not open the scoring. Both the teams played a goalless draw to open the account in Group ‘A”. Ismail of Skynet Raiders was adjudged the Man of the Match
The second match of Group ‘’B’’ saw Don Bosco Oratory take on Y.R.C Rising Stars. DBO dominated the entire proceedings and scored two goals in the first half. Rising stars totally relying on medio Bernard Pires could not enforce a breakthrough. DBO scored the third goal in the second half and ended the match in their favor 3-0. Goals for DBO were scored by Nikhil 2 and Allwyn
1.The Man of the Match was awarded to Nikhil of Don Bosco Oratory.
The final match was played between Santos United and Kerala Challengers in Group ‘’C’’. Kerala Challengers mounted attack from the beginning and scored two goals in quick succession.
Santos United staged a remarkable comeback and equalized to end the first session 2-2. In the second half Kerala Challengers went ahead only for Santos United to equalize in a dramatic fashion and scored again to forge ahead and win the thrilling encounter 4-3. Francis Xavier 2, Edward 1 and Anthony Rego 1 scored for Santos United and Shabbir Ali 2 and Anas 1 were the scorers for Kerala Challengers. Francis Xavier of Santos United was the man of the Match for his two wonderful goals.
All the matches were officiated by IFRA.
The Schedule for 24th October 2014:
Curtorcares United v/s Indian Strikers @ 6.30am. DHL F.C v/s Navelim Youth Center @ 7.40am. F.C Sparx v/s Soccer Kerala @8.50am