Jubilant AVC Overseas Association after the victory.
Kicʞbacks - by Gasper Crasto
Kuwait - June 2013: AVC Overseas Association inscribed their name for the first time on the coveted NYC trophy with a 5-4 tie-breaker victory over Don Bosco Oratory in the finals of the prestigious 23rd edition NYC Trophy football tournament played at M.O.H Ground, Shuwaikh on 7thJune 2013.Both teams played exciting football and kept the spectators on tenterhooks till the end. The result had to be decided with a tie-breaker after the teams failed to break the deadlock in the normal and extra-time. AVC emerged victorious in the ensuing shootout 5-4. AVC shooters Anthony Rodrigues, Sydney Monteiro, Leslie Alemao, Liston Raju and Xavier D’Mello were all on target while goalkeeper and man of the match Alvaro Dias, who excelled throughout the match, saved the spot-kick of Don Bosco’s Alexandro Gomes. Scorers for Don Bosco were Godfrey Aguiar, Lloyd Mascarenhas, Rony and Alido Gomes.
AVC consisted of Alvaro Dias, Savio Fernandes, Braulio Rodrigues, Leslie Alemao, Anthony Rodrigues, Luciano D’Souza, Sydney Monteiro, Melvy Fernandes, Joseph Quadros, Vincy Pereira, Agusto Monteiro, Mathew D’Mello, Liston Raju, Nicolas Sequeira, Kevin Vaz, Xavier D’Mello, Peter Fernandes, Hector Coelho, Francis Rodrigues, etc.
AVC, in their 12 year history, will also be crowned Season Champions of KIFF for the 5th time for their stupendous performance this season.
Don Bosco were made up of Alido Gomes, Alex Sequeira, Godfrey Aguiar, Roshan D’Souza, Vicky Wagmare, Rony Fernandes, Gavin D’Souza, Lloyd Mascarenhas, Alexandro Gomes, Ashton Fernandes, Michael Dias, Basil Kuriakose, Vinay D’Souza, Valenky Rodrigues, Philip Duarte, Leo Rodrigues, Gilbert Fernandes, Anthony Rebello, Salman M, Christopher Rodrigues, etc.
Navelim MLA & Goan Minister for Labor & Employment and Fisheries Shri Avertano Furtado - graced the occasion. He was introduced to players of the two finalists by Navelim YC President Agnello A.S. Fernandes. Goan MLA from Velim constituency Mr. Benjamin D’Silva, also on a visit to Kuwait, was a special invitee at the finals. Presidents of various participating clubs were among the dignitaries present on the occasion. Kuwait Indian Football Federation (KIFF) president Mr. Fidelis Fernandes was also present on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion Shri Avertano Furtado, while congratulating the new champions for their skillful game, appreciated the efforts of Navelim and KIFF in organizing high-standard Indian football in Kuwait and providing an opportunity for many Indians to display their skills. He thanked his Navelim villagers for inviting him to Kuwait.
Over the years, Navelim Youth Centre has left no stone unturned in bringing the Indian community together in friendship. Over the past years, Navelim has built a solid foundation of history, strength and success which has become synonymous with Indians, particularly Goans living in Kuwait.
Sponsors, Awards and Prizes:
The tournament was organized by Navelim Youth Centre (NYC) under the auspices of Kuwait Indian Football Federation (K.I.F.F) and supported by Mr. G. Pawar, BASF Chemical Company, Capricorn Bar & Restaurant – Navelim, Mr. Seby Colaco – Germany, Mr. Brazil Diniz, and Kuwait’s Gulf Custody Company, one of the biggest fund custodians in the Middle-East.
All matches of the tournament were officiated by IFRA referees. Philip Ferrao supported by Julio Cardoso and Pascoal Fernandes officiated the matches.
Navelim YC instituted NYC Icon Player Award was presented to Alfred Pires, NYC player who has donned the colors for the club since 1994. An award of Appreciation was presented to Sanford Cardoso, Navelim player on a visit to Kuwait.
Following other prizes were awarded:
Top Scorer of the Tournament: Anthony Rodrigues (AVC-Kuwait)
Promising Player of the Tournament: Gavin D’Souza (Don Bosco Oratory)
Man of the Match: Alvaro Dias (AVC-Kuwait)
Individual prizes for the Winners, Runners-up and referees were also awarded.
The prizes were presented at the hands of Neeta Fernandes, Tase Noronha, Eusebio Fernandes, Norman Noronha, Mario Carneiro, NYC Vice-President Luis D’Silva, NYC President Agnello A.S. Fernandes, special invitee Benjamin D’Silva and the chief guest Mr. Avertano Furtado.
The NYC Trophy was handed over to the champions at the hands of Navelim President Agnello Fernandes and chief guest Mr. Avertano Furtado.
Earlier, an especially composed NYC anthem-song was released at the hands of Mr. Avertano Furtado.
DJ Cheslee provided lively music between the breaks. The moments were captured on camera by professional cameramen Simon Dias and Augusto Fernandes. Gasper Crasto compered the function and later proposed a vote of thanks.
Participating Teams:
Eighteen teams affiliated to Kuwait Indian Football Federation (KIFF) contested for the coveted trophy instituted by Navelim Youth Centre in the year 1993. Hosts Navelim Youth Centre have won the trophy for a record 7 times since its inception while Goa Maroons have won the tournament 5 times.
The participating teams for this edition were AVC, C.R.C. Chinchinim, Curtorcares United, D.H.L, Don Bosco Oratory, FC Sparx, Goa Maroons, Indian Strikers, KGA, Malabar United, Kerala Challengers, Navelim Youth Centre, Real Betalbatim, Santos United, Skynet Raiders, United Friends Club, United Goans Centre, and Rising Stars.
Navelim Youth Centre Managing Committee:
President: Agnello A.S Fernandes
Vice President: Luis D’Silva
Gen. Secretary: Gasper Crasto
Treasurer: Eusebio Fernandes
Sports Secretary: Avelino Dias
Asst. Sports Secretary: Duarte Ferrao
Team Manager: Seby Colaco
Asst. Sports Manager: Mauricio D’Costa
Team Coach: Victor Fernandes
Social Secretary: Allan Fernandes
P.R.O: Simon Dias
Auditor: Sydney Rodrigues
Advisor: Norman Noronha
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