United Friends Club (UFC) continued their admirable form to edge strong contenders DHL by a solitary goal to lift the inaugural St. Francis Xavier Unity Cup (SFX Unity Cup) in an exciting weekend final played at the Digital Grounds (Kuwait City) .
UFC captain, Teotinio proudly received the glittering trophy from the hands of the chief guest Mr. John Alcott the headmaster of The English School Salmiya, who graced the occasion along with his wife. Earlier, playing for the third and fourth place, Duler Boys beat Livrament Boys in the tie breaker after normal time had ended goalless.
UFC who started the tournaments as strong favorites after getting the better of Navelim Y.C in the first round, continued to play their style of neat and clean possession soccer with Teotinio , Edwin and Hemant having any outstanding tournament. Special mention must also be made of Martin the UFC goalkeeper who time and again pulled of great saves to keep his team in contention.
The final was a lively affair and DHL in spite fielding the likes of Calado, Godfrey, Elvis and Terry could not make any inroads in the UFC defense. The lone goal for UFC was scored by Godwin Fernandes, a player to watch out for in future. Speaking on the occasion, Fr. Lionel Braganza the guest of honor congratulated the winners and runners-up as well as all the teams that participated in the tournament. As usual, using humor to make his points he hoped that soccer in the community would flourish and youth encouraged to play the game.
The organizing committee made up of Albert Pinto, Nazy Azavedo, Mariano Fernandes and Joe Pereira thanked the chief guests Mr & Mrs Alcott, Fr. Lionel Braganza the guest of honor, special invitee Mr. Tony Gonsalves, IFRA referees who officiated the entire tournament, sponsors, well wishers, supporters and all participating teams for their kind support and cooperation. The event was supported by Mariano Fernandes, B. M. Viegas, Raymond D’Sa, Manuel DÇosta, Dominic Mendes, Caje (Sky net Raiders), Albert Pinto, Rubin Fernandes, Manoj Pai, Jovleena Pillay, Tony Dias (Al-Shuwaikh Electrical Co.), Sydney Furtado, UFC, NYC, UGC, CRC, AVC Kuwait, Curtorcares United, Veterans, Mario (DHL), Livrament Boys, Xavier (Nana), Fidelis Fernandes (KIFF President) and other contributors including Lino Fernandes (photography), and Gaspar Almeida of Goa World.Com. The organizers have decided to forward the proceeds of this tournament to a charitable institution in Goa (India). The event was well hosted by popular Goan personality, Manuel D’Costa. As promised by the organizers, prizes were distributed in the following categories: The winners, UFC and runners up DHL received gold biscuits as well as trophies, while the third place winners Duler boys and fourth placed Livrament Boys received trophies. Fair play was awarded to CRC Chinchinim, 1st Goal of tournament – Hemant of UFC, upcoming player – Schubert Norohna of UG, most promising player – Sandy of Duler Boys, best player of the tournament – Martin of UFC, best goal of the tournament – Steven Correia of SFX, oldest player of the tournament – Casmiro D’Souza of Veterans, 1st goal of the final Godwin Fernandes of UFC, best goalkeeper in the final – Joaquim Pillay of DHL, best defender – Godfrey Aguier of DHL, Best midfielder – Calado of DHL, best forward – Edwin of UFC and the surprise gift (last touch of the ball) went to Calado of DHL.
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