The much awaited Kuwait Indian Football Federation (KIFF) Season 2018-19 kicked off 19th October 2018 at Bayan Grounds with an amazing opening ceremony.
In a memorable inaugural address to the public before the kickoff of the first match of the KIFF League between defending Champions All Kerala Football Club (AKFC) and Skynet Miracles S C, Honorable KIFF President Mr. Derick Gomindes emphasized unity and discipline to be maintained throughout the season.
A ceremonial cake was cut by the President along with his committee members, captains of both the teams and referees to mark the occasion.
While introducing the newly elected Managing Committee of KIFF, Mr. Gomindes thanked the teams, players, referees, and everyone involved in Indian football in Kuwait for supporting the federation.
Mr. Gomindes later declared the season open.
Mr. Bernard Fernandes conducted the proceedings as official compere. DJ Cheslee D’Souza provided sound and music. Mr. Revon Gomes of Goa-World provided Photography
A number of stalwarts were present on the occasion including Ex-KIFF Presidents, current Club Presidents, Founder Members, KEFAK Members
KIFF SEASON 2018 - 19
The new KIFF is made up of 12 strong teams for the season.
Players, coaches and teams give their best throughout the season to ensure they are top of their game, they spend many hours fueling their brain, going over tactics and set pieces, working on their confidence and motivating themselves and teammates to prove it on the field.
Apart from the 11-aside League, other 11 aside and 7-aside tournaments are also conducted by KIFF every Friday.
KIFF LEAGUE
The day kicked off with the KIFF League matches for Late J P D’Mello Memorial Rolling Trophy.
KIFF League consists of 12 teams divided into 2 groups playing in a round-robin league. Top 2 teams from each group qualify for the next phase of the league which will be a knockout.
A grand finale of the season is scheduled to be completed by April 2019.
PARTICIPATING TEAMS
The participating clubs for the season include:
GROUP A
United Goans Centre (UG Strikers)
Soccer Kerala
F C Sparx
Santos United
Goa Maroons
Pen Friends United
GROUP B
All Kerala Football Club (AKFC)
Skynet Miracles S C
Don Bosco Oratory
AVC Overseas Sports & Cultural Association
Indian Strikers F C
Goa Football Club
Matches held on the first day were from Group ‘B’.
In the first match Skynet Miracles S C defeated the defending champions All Kerala Football Club (AKFC) with score of 2-0, the winners led 1-0 at half time. Albin Joseph scored both the goals, who was later declared man of the match award presented to him by Ex- KIFF President Mr. Fidelis Fernandes
In the second match Don Bosco Oratory were held by Indian Striker FC 1-1.
Cleto scored for Don Bosco Oratory in the first half, substitute Jithin equalized for Indian Strikers coming off the bench in the second half
Baby John of Indian Strikers FC was declared the man of the match award presented to him by Santos United V. President Mr. Salvador Dias
In the last match, Goa Football Club beat AVC Overseas Sports & Cultural Ass by score of 2-0.
Bazilio of Goa Football Club was declared man of the match award presented to him by Ex- KIFF President and Founder member Mr. V. K Vohra.
The matches for the day were officiated by KIFF Referees Rosario, George, Rafeque, Bernard, Sameer, Shafeeq, Robert, Romeo etc
Late J. P. D’Mello memorial league is sponsored by Gulf Cable and Electrical Industries Co.
KIFF League Fixtures for 26th October 2018
6.30am: Santos United v/s Pen Friends United
8.00am: Goa Maroons v/s F C Sparx
9.00am: United Goan Centre v/s Soccer Kerala