KUWAIT'S GOA MAROONS TOUR BAHRAIN
 

On the 22nd of February 2002, after creating history on the Soor Grounds by having both their teams, Goa Maroons and Goa Yellow playing each other in the finals of the Bombay Boys 7-a-side Soccer Tournament, a feat they repeated for the second time within two months, Goan Overseas Association (Goa Maroons) embarked on a 'Friendship Tour' to Bahrain to play a series of matches from the 23rd until the 25th February. The first stop was the Nomo Pests' 5-a-side 'Ring Football' tournament for expatriates, organized by the Indian Club of Bahrain, which was held on 23rd. Playing for the very first time in a 'Ring Football' tournament, where the rules prohibit the keeper from venturing out of his box, heading of the ball, sliding tackles, or raising the ball above chest level, Goan Overseas Association which fielded 3 teams, Goa Maroons, Goa Yellow and Goa Supporters found the going tough against opponents who were well used to such kind of soccer, and narrowly missed qualifying to the semi final stage. The lads from Kuwait did have numerous chances to qualify, but erratic shooting and unfamiliarity to the type of soccer played was their undoing. Favorites Aldona Boys won the tournament by beating Nomo Pests in the tiebreaker after normal time ended goalless. During the prize distribution ceremony, Raymond D'Sa, the G.O.A. president, who was the guest of honor, presented Francis Corriea a popular Goan in Bahrain with a 'Kuwait Towers' memento for his efforts in organizing and arranging the trip to Bahrain. On the 24th, Goa Maroons took on a DHL Select XI at the Rugby Club (Sahara), and managed to hold their strong opponents to a 1-1 draw. The DHL team exclusively made up of Bahraini nationals put up an impressive display of individual skills, but Goa Maroons with James, Godfrey and Ian in the defense managed to resist all attacks till the end of full time. Dominic scored for the visitors, while Ahmed was the scorer for the Bahrainis.

The highlight of the trip was however the match on the 25th, at the Al-Wehda Club in down town Manama against a Select Goan XI from Bahrain put together by Vincent, a Goan soccer enthusiast. The Bahrain Goan team, made up of seasoned players from Goa including Cyril Barretto of Churchill Bros, Godwin, Henry and Emelio were however no match for the Goa Maroons team, and went down tamely 0-5. Ian opened the floodgates for Goa Maroons when he converted a penalty in the 10th minute of the first half, and soon afterwards, Vincy made it 2-0. Derrick, Godfrey and Dave completed the rout in the second half. At the closing ceremony, Raymond D'Sa thanked the Bahraini Goans for their hospitality. He hoped that such trips would foster a strong bond of brotherhood between Goans in the Gulf and also enrich the game of soccer. G.R.Crasto, a popular Goan in Bahrain thanked the visitors from Kuwait on behalf of the Goans in Bahrain. A memento to commemorate the occasion was presented to the Bahraini Goans by the Kuwait team. The team along with their contingent of many supporters returned to Kuwait on the 26th of February 2002 to a deliteful ovation of well-wishers and friends at the Kuwait International Airport.
 

- courtesy: The Times