By Gasper Crasto / Kuwait
Daijiworld Media Network - Kuwait (SB)
Kuwait, Aug 20: Livrament Boys (Benaulim) emerged champions of the Alvernaz-Lalush Memorial Trophy 7-a-side football tournament played under floodlights at the Sur’ra Stadium here, recently.
Livrament beat Navelim Youth Centre in the tie-breaker 3-2. The grand tournament sponsored by Churchill Brothers, Goa was presented by Navelim.
Valanka Alemao could not make it to Kuwait due to her prior commitments and tight schedule in Goa and therefore Dr Wanda Alemao-Dangle, the other daughter of Goa’s PWD minister Churchill Alemao was the chief guest at the function. She was accompanied by her husband Dr Pravin Dangle. “We wish to have the memory of our uncle and aunt to live with us,” said Dr Wanda referring to tournament held in memory of late Alvernaz and his wife Lalush Alemao.
Whilst congratulating the finalists for a great game of entertainment she stated, “We support Indian football and we will support the next edition of Alvernaz-Lalush Memorial Trophy in Kuwait as well.” What
is commendable is that inspite of hot and humid weather Dr Wanda and her husband Dr Pravin watched the entire proceedings from quarter finals till the closing of the event and even at times were seen cheering the teams which goes to show their love for this game.
Navelim president Agnello A S Fernandes thanked the participating teams, media, sponsors Churchill brothers patron Churchill Alemao and everyone involved in making the event a success. He said, “We are
indebted and honored for having been requested by the honorable minister to conduct this tournament and we have left no stone unturned to ensure the event becomes successful”.
The tournament with the theme ‘Friendship through Sports’ attracted 20 select teams of Indian origin. A number of top players living in Kuwait were seen in action. Although the spectators for the final phase were sparse mainly due to the humid and hot weather, the games provided lot of drama and excitement.
In the finals, Navelim YC scored first from their ace striker Cruzedio Rodrigues (1-0). Bernard Pires drew level for Livrament Boys with a long range shot, one of the best goals scored in the tournament (1-1). In the ensuing 5 penalty tie-breaker Livrament Boys came out victorious with their captain and goalkeeper Nicholas standing strong under pressure.
Earlier, Livrament Boys beat a star studded Kuwait Goan Association (K.G.A) in the quarter finals and got the better of U.S Stars in the semi-finals. U.S Stars had shocked AVC-Kuwait in their quarter final
match with a lone goal scored by Rummel Dias. Navelim Youth Centre (NYC) captain Nilesh Pawar won 2 consecutive tosses in the quarters and semis against tournament favorites Don Bosco Oratory and Goa Boys respectively after the tie-breakers were tied. Goa Boys had advanced to the semis beating CRC Chinchinim with a convincing victory.
Prior to the finals, in an exhibition match of budding footballers, Indian Public School (IPS), Salmiya beat Carmel Stars 1-0. The match winner was scored by Vazil off captain Ihab Khairy’s through pass. Ibrahim,
Bilal, Rifan, etc, excelled for the winners. The evening was brightened by the presence of DJ Mario providing stimulating music. Gasper Crasto compered the function.
Following prizes were awarded: Best Discipline Team – Goa Boys; Best Goalkeeper – Britto Pereira of Navelim Youth Centre; Highest Scorer –Kevin Vaz of AVC; Man of the Match (Finals) – Bernard Pires (Livrament Boys); Best Striker – Cruzedio Rodrigues (Navelim YC). The prizes were distributed at the hands of Abu Abdullah, Raul Pereira, Marianinha Crasto, Avelino Dias, Elva Rodrigues, Neeta Fernandes, Tase Noronha, Mario Carneiro, Luis D’Silva, Eusebio Fernandes, Agnello A S Fernandes and Dr Wanda Alemao.