KIFF League For J. P. D’mello Trophy Powered By Gulf Cable & Electricals Co., got off to a rip rocking start with last season’s champions taking on Don Bosco Oratory in the first match of the day with honors shared equally in a fiery 2-2 draw. In the second match, Kuwait Goan Association with some important signings in the new season, easily beat Indian Strikers 5-1, while DHL labored hard to edge United Goans Centre 1-0 in the final match of the day.

Earlier is a brief opening ceremony attended by ex-presidents and representatives of the 13 affiliates the guests were introduced to the players and the President Dominic Pereira while welcoming all to the new season emphasized on the importance of maintaining discipline and good will and wished all participants the best of luck in the new season. Vice. President Austin Abreo than declared the tournament open to the cheers of all those gathered.

In the inaugural match, Champions Soccer Kerala missing some of their star players found themselves a goal down early in the game when DBO’s opportunistic striker Valenky Rodrigues made no mistake to send shock waves in the Kerala dug out. Soccer Kerala however found their rhythm as the game progressed and Sharath put them in the lead with two important strikes. However the never say die attitude of the DBO players ably led by Loyed Mascarenhas, Godfrey Aguair and Liston Raju ensured the teams shared equal points and the match ended 2-2 when Loyed scored from the penalty spot when a DBO player was brought down on the edge of the penalty area. Sharath was declared man of the match and the award was presented by Mervin Franco of Gulf Cable and Electric Co. The match was efficiently handled by Rosario Colaco and he was assisted by Sameer and George on the lines.

During the break, the Federation along honored Glen Fernandes the Vice President of AVC Sports & Cultural Association for yeoman service to soccer in Kuwait. Glen who will be leaving Kuwait for good shortly was presented with a memento on behalf of the Federation by Carmo Santos the president of Santos United.

In the second match, KGA with a host of new signings including Bernardo Pires, Martin Dias, Anas K, and Rafiq easily beat Indian Strikers 5-1 with man of the match Rafiq scoring the first hat-trick of the league with three brilliant strikes. Sanu Sulaiman scored the other two. Akhil A. pulled one back for Indian Strikers in the second half. The man of the match was given to Rafiq by Julio Cardoso, the V. President of Goan Overseas Association (Goa Maroons). The match was officiated by Jerry Mello and assisted by Leslie and Clarence on the lines.

Nisar ensured DHL FC went home with all three points when they edged out United Goans Centre 1-0 in the final match of the day played in hot and humid conditions. Both teams had their opportunities and used up all their substitutions. Man of the match was Nisar of DHL F C and the award was presented by KIFF committee member Raphael Rodrigues. The match was officiated by Robert Barnard and he was assisted by Dylan and Adilo on the lines.

The opening ceremony was efficiently handled by the witty Gasper Crasto and eloquent Penny Rebello and will feature the following 13 teams this season: Don Bosco Oratory, Soccer Kerala, Goa Maroons, Santos United, kerala Challengers, Kuwait Goan Association, United Goans Centre, Curtorcares United, DHL FC, AVC, FC Sparx, Skynet Miracles Club and Indian Strikers. For the first time, all 13 teams will be playing each other in a ‘complete’ KIFF league and the league toppers will be declared as KIFF League Champions. Teams ranked 2 to 9 will thank play a knock out play off for the super league. Further, the Toppers of the super League will play the KIFF League Champions for the Super League Final.

Kuwait Indian Football Federation is led by Dominic Pereira as President, Austin Abreo as V. president, while Rosario Colaco is the Sports Secretary. Other executive members are Sameer, Raphael, Claro and Robert Bernard.

All the matches were played at Salmiya Sports Club and coming Friday, 23/9/2016 the following matches will be played:- 6:30am Goa Maroons v/s Santos United, 8:00am Skynet Miracles v/s United Goans Centre, 9:15am Curtorcares v/s AVC Sports & Cultural Association. All teams are requested to report on time.