On 17th March (Eid Holidays), on my visit to Dubai, I had the chance to witness the 7-a-side Goan soccer tourney at Creek FC Ground organized by the Gulf International Promotions-Dubai as part of ongoing Dubai Shopping Festival.

This participation in the tournament was open only for Goans. The main force behind organizing this tournament was Rahul Fernandes who is one of the leading Goan personalities there, working at the British Embassy as Vice-Consul; and ably assisted by Mickey Fernandes who was the coach cum manager of the
UAE Goans Team at the Goan Cup 2000 Tournament in Goa.

The seven a side tourney was sponsored by Antalia Real Estate, and supported by All-Star Entertainment Dubai, Sam & Fly, and GEMACO & Company.  

In all 15 Goan teams participated namely Goa-Seven, Aldona, Varca, Uttorda, Vanxim Divar, Ambelim, United Goans, Morjim, Jolly Boys of Goa, Guirim, Panjim, Maina Sports Club Yellow, Benaulim, Navelim, and Saligao.

The inaugural match was started at 8.00 AM while the final between VARCA & UTTORDA was played at 2.00 PM.

VARCA won the final in a tie breaker (3-2) when both the teams failed to clinch the decider during the normal time.  The final was attended besides others, by the  2 representatives - both UAE nationals - of Gulf International Promotions - Dubai, who were introduced to the finalists by Rahul Fernandes before the start of the final.  
 
The matches were supervised by Mr. Jassim (UAE national), Horatio Fernandes and Merwyn Teles - both Goans.  

Mrs. Maria do Ceu e Fernandes with her melifluent voice compered the proceedings.

A. Veronica Fernandes
(Source: GoaNet)

{Edited by Goa-World Team}