Football is one sport among expatriate Indians in Kuwait that brings people of different cultures and societies together.
In an exciting finale to the Kuwait Indian Football Federation (KIFF) League, Skynet Miracles FC were crowned champions of Kuwait for the prestigious J. P. D’Mello Memorial Trophy - season 2018~19.
Skynet Miracles beat defending champions All Kerala Football Club (AKFC) 2-1 in a pulsating final played at Bayan Grounds on 12th April 2019.
The league was sponsored by M/s Gulf Cable & Electrical Industries Co.
Pradeep Varghese scored first for Skynet while super sub Duresh Naik scored the winning goal late in the dying minutes of the game. Striker Shanavas scored for AKFC midway into the second half.
AKFC played an attacking, fast-paced game all throughout with Shanavas Puthiyedath, Jamsheel and Inzamam excelling in front, however Skynet defence was well-organized and stood strong with goalkeeper Martin Dias in great form.
ALBIN AND KUTTAPPU DAZZLE
Skynet’s Pradeep dazzled with an exceptional all-round display. His ball distribution was amazing and he took the lead for Skynet; he was rightly adjudged man of the match.
For AKFC, young Jineesh Kuttapu was outstanding with amazing touches, ball control and footballing technique.
THE CHAMPIONS: SKYNET
Martin Dias, Marcos Costa, Jackson Cyrus, Rollan Fernandes, John Mellow, Sonu Xavier, Pradeep Varghese, Joel Camara, Albin Joseph, Reagan Fernandes, Sabu Cyrus, Aneesh Anto, Neves Carvalho, Xavier Pereira, Duresh Naik, Morris Simoes, Mack Faria, Jafar Ampayathingal.
Team Manager: Melvin Fernandes
President: Cajie Fernandes.
RUNNERS-UP: AKFC
Amees Ahammed (Goalkeeper), Shafeeq, Mohammed Siyad, Noushad, Anthony, John, Shanavas Puthiyedath, Krishna Chandran, Inzamam Nazer, Rafeek, Jineesh Kuttapu, Sanil, Riyas, Jamal, Subithlal, Samil, Mansoor, Manirsha, etc.
Team Manager: Mansoor
KIFF PRESIDENT ADDRESSES
As per the tradition of the federation, KIFF President Mr. Derick Gomindes was chief guest on the occasion while Mr. Nasser Al Kanaan (Executive Director of Gulf Cable & Electrical Industries Co was the guest of honor.
Mr. Abdul Rahman Al Muraiki, Business Development Manager - Gulf Cable was a special invitee along with KIFF Ex-Presidents and presidents of affiliated clubs.
A number of other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.
In the Presidential address, Derick Gomindes thanked the sponsors especially Gulf Cable, KIFF Managing Committee members, guests, affiliates and everyone associated with KIFF for the support rendered towards Indian football in Kuwait.
The President also acknowledged his thanks to the Technical Committee of KIFF, Auditors, KIFF Referees, other Tournament sponsors, Public Authority of Sports, KEFAK and its Managing Committee.
OFFICIALS FOR THE SEASON
The final was officiated by Jerry D’Mello assisted by Rosario Colaco and Bhava on the lines; Bernard Fernades was the fourth official.
The referees for the season were appointed from different clubs affiliated to the federation. Referees body was run by chief coordinator Bernard Fernandes and assisted by Robert Bernard.
SPECIAL MEMENTOS
Long-serving footballer and popular personality Julio Cardoso, who has been playing and supporting Indian football in Kuwait, was honored Santos United.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Cardoso acknowledged his thanks for honoring his contribution and achievements. The stalwart would be leaving Kuwait for good, shortly.
Another memento was given to United Goans player Prince Puthusery who is also leaving Kuwait for good.
Sponsors Gulf Cable were also presented with a memento.
FAIR PLAY AWARD AND OTHER AWARDS
Glittering individual prizes and trophies were presented at the prize distribution ceremony.
Skynet Miracles bagged the prestigious Fair Play Award; the trophy was collected by Skynet President Cajie Fernandes.
Albin Joseph (Skynet Miracles) bagged the Top Scorer of the Season Award. He was presented with a trophy and a gold gift by Mr. V.K. Vohra.
Pradeep Varghese won the Man of the Match.
The prizes were given away at the hands of KIFF President Derick Gomindes, Guest of Honor Mr. Naser Al Kanaan, Mr. Abdul Rehman Al Muraiki, V.K. Vohra, Fidelis Fernandes, Tony Alphonso, Carmo Santos, Robert Bernard, etc.
COMPERE & DJ
Gasper Crasto compered the evening and the prize distribution ceremony.
KIFF Vice-President Robert Bernard proposed a vote of thanks.
DJ Cheslee provided the sound and music. The moments were captured on camera by Kuwait’s well-known photographer Rivon Gomes of www.goa-world.com.
Goa Caterers (Bernard) provided catering services.
J.P. D'MELLO KIFF LEAGUE
Kuwait Indian Football Federation (K.I.F.F.) was established in 1984.
The League played under the auspices of KIFF provides Indian players with the opportunity to showcase their football skills against the best competition, while emphasizing teamwork, discipline and fair play.
J.P. Memorial Rolling Trophy - KIFF League is named after late Jerome Pascoal D’Mello, an ex-FIFA referee, Member of Asian Football Confederation Referees Committee, and Ex-Hon. Secretary and Member of Bombay Referees' Association.
A founder President of the federation, J.P was the prime architect in conceiving the idea of forming KIFF. His memory is kept alive by KIFF through affiliated Indian clubs by naming the KIFF League after him.
LEAGUE FORMAT AND PARTICIPATING TEAMS:
The league was played on a round-robin divided into 2 groups. Top 4 teams in each group played the knockout phase.
Teams participating for the league included All Kerala Football Club (AKFC), AVC Sports & Cultural Association, Don Bosco Oratory, FC Sparx, GOA Maroons, GOA FC, Indian Strikers, Pen Friends United, Santos United, Skynet Miracles SC, Soccer Kerala and United Goans Centre.
KIFF MANAGING COMMITTEE
KIFF managing committee for the season consists of: Derick Gomindes (Goa Maroons) – President, Robert Bernard (Indian Strikers) – Vice-President, Michael Pereira (Goa FC) – Sports Secretary, Ziddik Sharaf (Pen Friends United) – Treasurer, Majeed P.A. (Soccer Kerala) – Asst Sports Secretary, Fouad (All Kerala FC) – Reliever, Clarence Pires (Don Bosco Oratory) – P.R.O, A. Sameer (FC Sparx) – Registrar, etc.
KIFF LEAGUE CHAMPIONS SINCE THE YEAR 2000~01
2000/01 – GOA Maroons
2001/02 – Navelim Youth Centre
2002/03 – United Friends Club
2003/04 – Bombay Boys
2004/05 – AVC Overseas Association
2005/06 – Navelim YC
2006-07 – Kuwait Goan Association
2007-08 – Navelim YC
2008-09 – Goa Maroons
2009-10 – United Friends Club
2010-11 – GOA Maroons
2011-12 – Don Bosco Oratory
2012-13 – Navelim YC
2013-14 – AVC Overseas Association
2014-15 – Don Bosco Oratory
2015-16 – Soccer Kerala
2016-17 – Kuwait Goan Association
2017-18 – AKFC
2018-19 – Skynet Miracles FC