Kuwait : Shaikha Huda Memorial Football Tournament held

Kuwait : Shaikha Huda Memorial Football Tournament held

Mangalore Today News Network

Press Release

Kuwait, Mar 7, 2011 :  Aldona United FC (Dubai, U.A.E) were crowned champions of the 1st Late Sheikha Huda Bader Mohammad Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah Memorial International 7-aside Football Tournament played on 25th February 2011 at the Baladiya Ground, Salmiya, Kuwait.

 

 

 

 

Aldona beat strong contenders Fahaheel Brothers "A" in the tie-breaker 3-2.

The grand tournament was sponsored and presented by newly formed Real Betalbatim Football Club under the patronage of Goan MLA Mr. Mickey Pacheco.

The Tournament kicked-off in the Misty morning at 07:30. At the start of the Tournament the Teams were introduced to the Guests present and Executive Committee of Real Betalbatim F.C. and a Minute silence was absorbed in Fond Memory of Late Sheikha Huda Bader Mohammed Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah. Further, his Excellency the Ambassador of India, Ajai Malhotra graced the occasion for a short period and in his speech he emphasized to keep politics aside and enjoy the sports and entertainment. A Sports Jersey Memento and a plague was presented to His Exec. Ajai Malhotra by the CEO, Robin Fernandes.

Sheikha Dalal Al-Sabah, sister of Late Shaikha Huda Bader Al Sabah was the chief guest at the function.

"I have no words to express my joy to see the memory of my sister being brought alive," said Sheikha Dalal Al-Sabah referring to tournament held in memory of late Sheikha Huda. Whilst congratulating the finalists for a great game of entertainment and appreciating the efforts of the organizers she further stated, "We support Indian football and we will support the next edition of the tournament as well."

 

 

 

 

 

 

Real Betalbatim President Derick Gomindes thanked the participating teams, IFRA Officials, Media, Sponsors and everyone involved in making the event a great success. He said, " it’s a privilege and honor for Real Betalbatim F.C. to organize such an event in fond Memory of Late Sheikha Huda Bader Mohammed Al-Ahmed Al-Sabah and to keep her Memories alive in our midst. He further stated that this is the first and will not be the last and that RBFC will continue to be associated with Al-Sabah Family for years to come". He also thanked Sheikha Dalal Al-Sabah and Sheikha Hanouf Al-Sabah for supporting Real Betalbatim F.C. in making this event a success and for accepting our invitation to attend the function in spite of her busy schedule. He also thanked IFF-K Council Members and Executive Committee for allowing RBFC to stage this event.

The day-long tournament attracted 22 select teams of Indian origin including 2 overseas teams from UAE. A number of top players from across the Middle East were seen in action. The matches were watched by a large number of holiday spectators with the games providing lot of drama and excitement.

The organizers Real Betalbatim Football Club left no stone unturned to ensure an entertaining tournament. The club formed in the year 2010 by well-known Indian expatriate football icons in Kuwait such as Robin Fernandes, Derick Gomindes, Teddy Pinto, Philip Ferrao, Vijay Gonsalves, Francis Fernandes, Joe Braganza etc, created history by becoming the first Indian organization to successfully organize an International football event in Kuwait. Real Betalbatim Executive Committee comprises of Robin Fernandes - CEO, Derick Gomindes - President, Francis Fernandes - Vice President, Teddy Pinto - General Secretary, Vijay Gonsalves - Sports Manager, Philip Ferrao - Team Coach, Joe Braganza - Asst. Sports Secretary, Sarto Baptist - Executive Member, Noel Pinto - Executive Member etc.

A total of 22 teams participated in the fiesta which coincided with the 50 Years of National Day Celebrations of Kuwait.

The participating teams were AVC -Kuwait, Don Bosco Oratory, Navelim Youth Centre, Goa Maroons, Veterans United, Real Betalbatim Football Club, Fahaheel Bros, DHL Football Club, SkyNet Raiders, Kuwait Goan Association, CRC Chinchinim, Big Boys, Indians FC, Friends Circle ,The English School, Domnic Savio Panjim,Guirim Boys and not forgetting Vaxim Divar and Aldona United F.C. from Dubai

The teams were divided into 4 groups for a round-robin league. Top two teams from each group qualified for the quarter-finals. The teams from U.A.E lived up to expectations although Vaxim Divar (champions of Gulf Goans Cup 2010) were eliminated in the quarter finals.

In the finals, Aldona United and Fahaheel Brothers were locked goalless. In the ensuing 3 penalty tie-breaker shootout Aldona came out victorious with their stand-in keeper Flackson Fernandes dazzling under pressure.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Earlier in the semi final, Aldona United beat a star studded DHL who had knocked out favorites Navelim Youth Center in a quarter final tie-breaker.

Prior to the finals, in an exhibition match of budding footballers, Real Betalbatim Blue beat Real Betalbatim White 3-1 in the tie-breaker, Decklon, Kevin, etc, excelled for the winners.

The tournament was officiated by Indian Football Referees Association, a professional Indian expatriate officiating body in Kuwait.

A number of distinguished dignitaries attended the event. In a memorable finale, the finalists Aldona FC and Fahaheel Brothers were introduced to the chief guest Sheikha Dalal Bader Al-Sabah . Colorful balloons were released in the skies amidst lively cheers while the National anthems of Kuwait and India were played with respect. And for the first time in Football history in Kuwait a catchy theme song of Real Betalbatim was also played to mark the event. The RBFC Theme song was written and composed by Mr. Theo Rodrigues. Earlier, Sheikha Dalal Bader Al-Sabah was welcomed by the Children and given a standing ovation by spectators present upon her arrival at the stadium. And a Memento Team Jersey and a Plague was presented to her by Vijay Gonsalves.

The day was brightened by the presence of DJ Cajetan Ferrao providing stimulating music. Alex Taylor and Merwyn Pereira kept the crowd alive by comparing the function while free refreshment to spectators were provided by LAYS CHIPS and LIPTON TEA

Following prizes were awarded:
Best Discipline Team - Vaxim Divar, Dubai;
Best Defender - Russell Rodrigues - Vaxim Divar
Best Goalkeeper - Flackson Fernandes of Aldona United FC;
Best Center Half - Ismail Konju - Fahaheel Bros.
Best Forward - Sony Gomes - CRC Chinchinim
Man of the Match (Finals) - Sonu Halanker - Aldona United F.C.;
Man of Match 3rd & 4th Place - Anthony Fernandes - CRC
Man of Match Semi-Finalist - Devendra Kauthankar (Aldona United and Ismail - Fahaheel Bros.
4th Place Team Winners - DHL F.C.
3rd Place Team Winners - CRC Chinchinim

The glittering Rolling Trophy was given away by Sheikha Dalal Bader Al-Sabah to the Champions Aldona United F.C. Captain and other prizes were distributed at the hands of William Gonsalves, Assumption D’Sa, Gasper Almeida, Gasper Crasto, Patrick Pereria, Adolf D’Souza, Junifer Rodrigues, Sarto Baptist, Fatima Gonsalves, Vinita Fernandes, Benedicta Fernandes, Ivan Barretto and the Executive Committee of Real Betalbatim F.C. The day’s events were Photographed by: Rivon Gomes and Videographed by Felix.