The much awaited Kuwait Indian Football Federation (KIFF) Season 2017-18 kicked off on 27th October 2017 at Bayan Grounds with an amazing opening ceremony.
In a memorable inaugural address before the kickoff of the first match of KIFF League between Soccer Kerala and Curtorcares United, newly elected KIFF President Derick Gomindes emphasized on unity and discipline to be maintained throughout the season.
A ceremonial cake was cut by the President along with the Managing Committee 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.
Miss Penny Rebello and Gasper Crasto conducted the proceedings as official comperes. DJ Cheslee D’Souza provided music.
A number of stalwarts were present on the occasion including Ex-KIFF Presidents, current Club Presidents, Founder Members, IFRA Members, KEFAK Members etc.
Earlier, the day began with the teams lined up in respect to the national anthems of Kuwait and India followed by a short prayer recited by Miss Penny Rebello.
An oath was pledged by players and representative players of all teams participating in the league; compere Gasper Crasto read the oath.
KIFF Managing Committee for the season consists of:
Derick Gomindes – President
Manuel D’Costa – Vice President
Christopher Fernandes – General Secretary
Austine Abreo – Sports Secretary
Robert Bernard – Treasurer
Executive Members:
Bernard Fernandes - Registrar
Majid PA – Asst. Sport Secretary
Ahmed Khan - PRO
Max Gomes - Reliver
KIFF SEASON 2017~18
The new KIFF season is made up of 14 strong teams that include 4 new entrants in Goa FC, Pen Friends, All Kerala FC and Tuskers FC.
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 packed into the KIFF program for the season.
KIFF has been conducting football for Indian expatriates since 1994.
KIFF LEAGUE
The day kicked off with the KIFF League matches for JP D’Mello Rolling Trophy.
The League is 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 held in April 2018.
PARTICIPATING TEAMS
The participating clubs for the league include:
GROUP A
Soccer Kerala
Curtorcares United
Indian Strikers FC
Skynet Miracles SC
United Goans Centre (UG Strikers)
Goa FC
Pen Friends United
GROUP B
Don Bosco Oratory
FC Sparks
AVC Overseas Sports & Cultural Association
Goa Maroons
Santos United
All Kerala Football Club
Tuskers FC
Matches held on the first day were from Group ‘A’.
In the first match, Soccer Kerala drubbed Curtorcares United 5-0, the winners led 4-0 at half time.
Ramsheed Basher scored a hat trick for Soccer Kerala, he was later adjudged man of the match; the award was presented by Mr. Lawrence Pinto.
Shafek Mohammed and Nidhish Balakrishnan were other scorers for the winners.
In the second match, Indian Strikers beat Pen Friends United 3-1.
Mijith, Arun and Shine scored a goal each for Indian Strikers; Vinoj pulled one back for Pen Friends.
Shine of Indian Strikers was awarded man of the match; the trophy was presented by Mr. B.M. Viegas.
In the last match, Skynet Miracles beat Goa FC 3-1. Ajay, Joel and striker Diago scored for Skynet; Declan scored for Goa FC.
Skynet’s Diago was awarded man of the match at the hands of Mr. Salvador Dias.
The matches for the day were officiated by KIFF referees Jerry D’Mello, Rafiislahi, Sameer, Arnold, Victor Andrade, Bernard Fernandes, Edward Dias, etc.
FC Sparx were the day’s organizers.
KIFF League Fixtures for 3rd November 2017
6.45am: Don Bosco Oratory v/s F C Sparks
8.00am: AVC v/s Tuskers F C
9.00am: Goa Maroons v/s AKFC
10.00 am: United Goan Centre v/s Pen Friends United