In a fast-paced two-day tournament, six teams competed with intensity and determination, delivering thrilling encounters from start to finish. The compact format ensured high-energy matches, quick transitions, and moments of individual brilliance that kept spectators fully engaged. From the group stages to the knockouts, every game added to the excitement, reflecting the competitive spirit that such local tournaments continue to nurture.

Emerging as Champions were Naka Boys, who displayed exceptional consistency, teamwork, and composure throughout the competition. Their performances, particularly in the decisive stages, set them apart as worthy winners. Malamal Boys finished as Runners-Up after an impressive campaign, while Bandukwalas secured the Second Runners-Up position.

Individual performances also took centre stage, showcasing the talent emerging from within the community. Arnold Monterio was named Best Player of the Tournament for his outstanding contributions across matches, while Krysbur Pereira earned recognition as Best Defender for his solid presence at the back. The future looks promising with Manuraj being awarded Young Player of the Tournament, keeping in mind the importance of providing platforms for young players to shine.

Events like these create opportunities for players to compete, gain exposure, and build confidence, while also bringing communities together through a shared passion for the sport. The electrifying atmosphere around the ground, with strong local support and enthusiastic crowds, reflected how deeply football is becoming embedded in everyday life.With increasing participation and rising standards, tournaments like VVPL are not just events—they are stepping stones for the future of Indian football at the grassroots level.

Final Standings:
Champions – Naka Boys
Runner-up – Malamal Boys
Second Runner-up – Bandukwalas

Individual Awards:
Best Player – Arnold Monterio
Best Defender – Krysbur Pereira
Young Player – Manuraj

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The knockout tournament was spread across two days, with 9 players per team and twenty minutes per half.
HDFC Bank who play in the 1st Division of the MDFA football league, which is its third tier surprised everyone as they beat another surprise package Century Rayon from the 2nd division 5-4 on penalties after both teams were tied at 0-0 after end of regulation play in the final.

Century Rayon who was a relatively younger outfit started the better of the two teams as they earned their first corner in just the 3rd minute of the game thanks to some neat work by Thelihan Vasum and Manohar Shakiya.

After failing to make the most of the corner, Century Rayon won a free kick just outside the penalty area a minute later, when Thelihas Vasum’s mazy run drew a foul from the HDFC defender. Bishow Thapa struck a fine free kick which was cleared off the line by a HDFC defender marking the far post.

HDFC weathered the early storm and started getting into the game around the 12th minute as their wide man cut inside and unleashed a shot at the Century Rayon goalkeeper, who made a fine low save.

Three minutes later, Thelihan Vasum again dazzled his way into the box, battling a HDFC defender only to see his weak effort collected by the HDFC goalkeeper. The striker had a brilliant first half and created plenty of problems for the HDFC backline.

Two minutes later, HDFC produced the best move of the half when Blaise Fernandes forced a fine save off the Century Rayon goalkeeper after Sheldon Benny controlled a Nigel D’Souza cross to lay off for Blaise Fernandes.

HDFC ended the first period on the front foot. It was a good half of football with both teams having their moments.
HDFC’s Nigel D’Souza nearly opened the scoring as he narrowly sent a free kick wide in the 25th minute. Three minutes later, Century Rayon wasted a great chance to take the lead when Thelihan Vasum failed to contro the ball after being through on goal. Just seconds later, Zongshopam Lungleng failed to apply a finishing touch after being in a one on one position for Century Rayon.

HDFC took control of the game in the final ten minutes but failed to drive home the ascendency as the referee signaled the end of the regulation time meaning, a penalty shootout was needed to settle the tie.

Ketan Kalgatkar was the first to step up for HDFC and he failed to convert as his effort rattled the left hand side post. Thelihan Vasum who was the star of the game, made no mistakes as he converted emphatically to put the 2nd Division outfit in the lead.

Nelson Cardozo restored parity for HDFC with a coolly taken spot kick, but Zongshopam Lungleng’s brilliant spot kick put Century Rayon back in front.

HDFC’s Tushar Anchan scored with a neat penalty in the bottom corner before Chihanring Khmarang sent his kick flying into the roof of the net to give Century Rayon a 3-2 lead.

Shelton Benny made it 3-3 with a neatly taken penalty. Bishow Thapa put Century Rayon on the brink after a cracking spot kick in the top corner. Prakhyat Shetty somehow managed to keep HDFC alive after his penalty went in despite the Century Rayon goalkeeper getting a hand to it.

MD Sanshah stepped up for Century Rayon but lost his balance at the crucial time as he sent his spot kick horribly wide to allow HDFC back into it. Avlian N. put HDFC in front for the first time in the final after converted the first spot kick in the sudden death.

Gulzar M.D though couldn’t convert as HDFC were crowned champions of the 8th BFRA Fair Play trophy. Both teams had displayed great football, throughout the tournament and surprised everyone by dismissing the challenge of the higher division teams while getting to the final.

Century Rayon was an amazing story as they entertained everyone present at St. Xavier’s ground with their enthralling football, but it was HDFC in the end who lifted the trophy.

The tournament brought the best out of knockout football as the two day event proved to be very successful and full of entertainment.

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An open rink Football tournament for men and women is one of the key event of ‘The Talent Andheri Mahotsav’. It invite teams to participate and won good prizes.

Time and date for women – 7.00 am to 5.00 pm, 24th January 2015. The venue – Divine Child High School, Andheri-Kurla road, Adheri East.

Time and date for Men- 7.00 am to 6.00 pm, 24th and 25th January 2015. The venue – Param Pujya gaggangiri maharaj play ground, near mistry complex, JB Nagar, Andheri East.

Entry Fees Rs. 500 for women and Rs. 1000 for men.

Rules of the competition are as follows

A- Players 5+3 = 8
B- Durration 10 minutes each half, and 5 minutes break.
C- In case of draw there will be penalty shoot out.
D- All players must be in full Kit.
E- Team requested to be there half an hour before their game.

Two Finalist team (Women) will be awarded a prize money of Rs. 10000 and Rs. 5000 respectively.
Two Finalist team (Men) will be awarded a prize money of Rs. 15000 and Rs 10000 respectively.

There will be individual prize for the good performer. Best Striker, Best defender, Best midfield, Highest scorer, Best Goalkeeper.

Interested team can contact Dennis sir – 09664125878/08080888770

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The game got off to a great start, as both teams played quick and slick football and were full of running. Indian Navy’s No.3 Sumesh, unleashed a venomous drive which was well collected by the Dilbahar goalkeeper.

Indian Navy started to get a grip on the game and had a good spell of possession as they moved the ball quickly, giving the Dilbahar rearguard plenty of problems.

Dilbahar finally cracked, as Indian Navy took the lead in the 9th minute through Priyokumar who gets a gift from the Dilbahar defender which he gladly accepts to put Indian Navy in front.

Indian Navy’s Sumesh nearly doubles the lead as his volley is inches wide after he connects to a cross from the left flank. Dilbahar defender is almost embarrassed as he nearly put the ball in his own net in the 17th minute after Indian Navy skipper Akash send a dangerous cross, across the face of the goal.

Indian Navy were bossing the game in terms of possession limiting Dilbahar’s goal mouth action. But Dilbahar’s Aniket Jadhav flicks on a goal kick to send forward Sachin Patil through on goal, but the Indian Navy keeper was alert of the danger and he collected the ball before Sachin Patil in the 21st minute.

The opening spurred on Dilbahar as they caught the Indian Navy backline sleeping. Javed Jamador sends in a beautiful cross from the left wing which is brilliantly finished by Aniket Jadhav to bring Dilbahar level.
The goal gave Dilbahar Kolhapur the impetus as they finished the half strongly. Despite being the better side, Indian Navy went into the break on equal terms, thanks to a moment of brilliance from Dilbahar.

Indian Navy started the second half with great swagger in their as it took them just four minutes to regain the lead as Priyokumar scores again after a delightful pass from No. 5 Raman from the right flank.

The duo combined again two minutes later, when Priyokumar’s flick went just over the crossbar. Indian Navy had stepped it up in the second half and Dilbahar Kolhapur needed to match that intensity.

Dilbahar managed to stay in the game after great goal mouth defending ensured the lurking Indian Navy forwards were denied a third goal in the 44th minute.

Dilbahar finally succumbed to the series of attacks seven minutes later when substitute Riyad made it 3-1 with an emphatic finish in the top corner. Indian Navy were firmly showcasing their superiority as they relentlessly attacked the Dilbahar goal with long spells of possession.

Riyad got his second of the night when curled past the Dilbahar goalkeeper after a great run to make it 4-1 in Indian Navy’s favor. The goal capped a fantastic second half display from the Indian Navy. But there was to be more attacks as No.6 Riyad nearly got his hat-trick after his ferocious strike was tipped over the bar in the 59th minute. A minute later, another substitute Bibak Thapa struck the crossbar with a header from a corner.

The referee drew Dilbahar out of their misery as he blew for full time without adding any stoppage time. Indian Navy were deserved winners as Dilbahar faced a long journey back home after a heavy defeat ended their challenge.
Indian Navy will face the Western Railways in the Quarter Finals later today at the RCF Sports Complex.

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Despite arriving in Mumbai just hours before the kick-off, JCB Bhilai Brothers took to the field immediately after a short warm up session. The fatigue was evident in the opening minutes as Kenkre FC were out of the blocks much quicker.

Four minutes into the start of the play, Kenkre FC winger Arish Sutaria skipped past the Bhilai right back and his cut back was met by forward Taha Kachwala. But his shot was brilliantly blocked by the Bhilai Brothers’ defence.

Bhilai Brothers’ Celestine was booked for a late challenge in the 8th minute. Bhilai Brothers were slightly off the pace in the opening period. Just a minute later, Kenkre’s Kamran Siddhique capitalized on some sloppy play by the Bhilai Brothers’ backline and drove at the Bhilai defence and his cross required a good intervention by the Bhilai Brothers defence.

Despite the early hick ups, Bhiliai Brothers stunned Kenkre FC as they took the lead in the 10th minute via striker Wasim who was played in on goal before he controlled beautifully to beat the keeper and squeeze his shot in from a narrow angle. The goal was completely against the run of play and Kenkre FC were rattled.

Two minutes later Bhilai Brothers almost doubled their lead after a swift counter attack set Wasim through on goal again but this time his first touch let him down as the Kenkre FC keeper was able to collect.

Wasim suddenly was the center of all the Bhilai Brothers’ play as he very nearly got on the end of a through ball. The goal had lifted the Bhilai Brothers and they were finding spaces behind the Kenkre FC defence and they very nearly made that count.

The game had turned on its head as Kenkre’s Francisco Domnic had a horrible moment in the 20th minute, when his back pass was met by Bhilai Brothers’ goal scorer Wasim who shot inches wide. A huge let off for Kenkre FC.

Bhilai Brothers had found an obvious weakness and were exploiting it. Kenkre FC constantly held a high line, resulting in plenty of space to exploit behind them and Bhilai Brothers were getting a lot of joy there especially with Wasim’s movement up front.

Striker Wasim is involved yet again as he played in Satya Prakash but he put his shot in the final minute of the first half.

Referee blew for half time as Bhilai Brothers went into the interval a goal to the good after brushing off a slow start. For Kenkre though, it could have been worse as their high backline was constantly exposed. The Kenkre midfield needed to step it up and press the opposition in a better way to stem the flow of chances for Bhilai Brothers.

Kenkre FC got straight back into the game as they equalized seconds into the second half, after confusion in the Bhilai Brothers’ defence left Kamran Siddhique with a tap in and he obliged to pull Kenkre level and give them a huge boost so early in the second half.

But their joy was short lived as Bhilai Brothers hit straight back, regaining the lead as striker Wasim got the second of his night with a neat chip over the Kenkre keeper after being sent through on goal. Kenkre’s offside trap had failed and they paid the price for failing to execute the high back line yet again.

The goal flattened Kenkre as their keeper Sabeesh A.V made two great saves to deny Bhilai No.10 Celestine twice in the space of as many minutes. Kenkre defence was all over the place as Bhilai created chance after chance. Fortunately for Kenkre FC, they did not make it count.

Two minutes later, Kenkre miss a great chance to equalize as Derrick Joseph blasts over a cushioned header from substitute Shailesh Jadhav from a Nitesh Aswani free kick. A rare opportunity went begging for Kenkre FC.
But they were to get yet another chance and an even better one as Kenkre were awarded a controversial penalty as he adjudged Celestine to handle the ball in the 52nd minute of the match.

Rugved Yeole stepped up only to put his spot kick wide. A huge disappointment for Kenkre who missed a great chance to equalize with just eight minutes left and being second best for most of the game.

But they were awarded another window of hope when referee Rosario sent off Celestine for a second bookable offense as he thought his reaction after awarding Kenkre a penalty was too overboard. It was stupid from Celestine, who put his team in a spot of bother.

But the missed penalty played on Kenkre’s mind as ten men of Bhilai Brothers dominated proceedings. Their dominance was rewarded in the final minute of stoppage time as substitute Praveen Sharma made it 3-1 after a swift counter attack from Bhilai Brothers. It was the very least which they deserved.

The referee blew for full time as Bhilai Brothers became the first outstation team in the last eight of the RCF Premier Cup.

Earlier in the day, another of the outstation teams, P.T.M. Kolhapur were knocked out by Dena Bank who came from a goal down to win 3-1 with goals from Mario Fernandes, Pramod Yadav and Shoeb Vindani after Rushikesh Methe had given the Kolhapur outfit the lead.

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The start of the game was delayed by more than an hour because of presiding events, but the game eventually kicked off as KSA started the brighter of the two sides, working the Western Railways’ goalkeeper Nisar Khan who punched away a dangerous looking cross in the 3rd minute of the game.

Two minutes later, there was a stoppage in the game as one of the lights went off, but the officials quickly addressed the issue and play resumed with the Western Railways keeper on the toes again as he cleared a long ball aimed at KSA striker Arihi Uchela in the 7th minute.

The first real attempt on goal came two minutes later when Arihi Uchela played in winger Valentine Perreira who unleashed a ferocious shot at the Western Railways’ goal. But goalkeeper Nisar Khan was equal to the task again as he saved brilliantly to deny KSA.

A minute later, he is called upon again as he saves from Arihi Uchela. Western Railways conjure their first real opening of the game in the 15th minute, when Somi P.T shoots straight at the KSA goalkeeper after meeting Prakash Patil’s cross.

Western Railways buoyed by the previous attempt almost take the lead two minutes later when Linekar Machado is picked out by a brilliant long ball from defense to send him through on goal, only for the former I-League star to fire wide. The best chance of the game had fallen the Western Railways’ way but they failed to capitalize.

After a bright start by KSA, Western Railways had found their feet and gave KSA some problems. But overall it was a fairly even game. In the 27th minute Keniertan of Western Railways forced a double save out of the KSA keeper.

The half drew to a close with an injury to KSA goalkeeper Manish Kajania after he collided with a Western Railways forward before collecting a loose pass. But he recovered as the referee blew for half time.

The second half had a similar pattern wherein both sides worked the opposition keeper briefly in the opening minutes of the second period. With very few clear cut chances, the game started getting physical and more of a midfield battle.

KSA’s Valentine Perreira sparked into life in the 52nd minute when he went past the opposition left back with a great piece of skill to set up striker Arihi Uchela who shot over. It was breathtaking play for Valentine Perreira who was having a good evening so far.

Two minutes later, Western Railways’ Somi P.T. sent his shot across the face of the goal. Both teams were sensing a winner and the game suddenly had a lot of life about it as we approached the end of the second half.

But neither side could break the deadlock as we headed for the penalty shootout.
Western Railways were the first to shoot and Somi P.T. stepped up for them and slotted home the spot kick in the top right corner as the keeper dived the other way. But KSA failed to level the score as substitute Shabbir Shaikh sent his kick wide. Western Railways found themselves 2-0 up as Somnath Mandal scored in the bottom right corner giving the KSA shot stopper no chance.

Umer Fabian restored KSA’s hopes as he pulled one back as he scraped his kick through in the bottom left corner just escaping Nasir Khan’s clutches. But Linekar Machado soon regained the two goal cushion as he struck his kick in the bottom left corner. Hitesh Karkera kept KSA’s hopes alive as he send the keeper the wrong way to bring the score at 3-2 in Western Railways’ favor.

Manish Kajania almost saves Pratik Patil’s spot kick as it goes in off the post to get Western Railways on the brink. Keeping in mind the importance of the next spot kick, KSA’s star frontman Arihi Uchela steps up to slot home in the top right corner to keep the game going.

Charanjit Singh finally seals the victory for Western Railways as his spot kick finds the back of the net despite the KSA keeper getting a hand to it, to send Western Railways through.

Western Railways edged a very tight game as they showed better composure in the shootout. They will now await the winners of Dilbahar FC and Indian Navy in the Quarter Finals to be played on Saturday.

Earlier in the day, Great Mother F.C and Premier Indian Football Academy Colaba sealed their passage through to the Quarter Finals through the same route of penalty kicks as Western Railways.

Great Mother saw off hosts Rashtriya Chemicals & Fertilizers after a dramatic sixty minutes, which saw both sides take the lead and lose it as Kevin Patrick’s late leveler for RCF saw a shootout which G.M.F.C edged 4-3 after Raju Meetei’s opener for the hosts was cancelled out by goals from Suchil Ranade and Michael Idewele which game G.M.F.C the lead.

The second game between P.I.F.A. Colaba and Mumbai Customs was a roller coaster ride. Elvis Ozawara gave P.I.F.A Colaba the lead which was cancelled out by a Mathias Coutinho penalty before half time. Mumbai Customs rallied to a 3-1 lead after the break with goals from Mathias Coutinho and Jinto Jose before P.I.F.A. fought back to level the tie at 3-3 as Elvis Ozawara completed his hattrick. Mumbai Customs never recovered from this setback as they lost the shootout 4-1.

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The game started brightly as both sides had efforts, neither of which troubled either goal keepers. The first real chance of the game fell Companeroes’ way as Nikhil Pal was in acres of space after he was found by a low cross from the right flank. But his shot was bravely saved by the Central Railways’ goalkeeper Pradeep Kumar in the 16th minute.

Central Railways nearly profited from a confusion between Companeroes’ goalkeeper Vatsal Bhatia and defender Umair Shiakh, as the both collided. But luckily for the duo, the ball rolled wide.

Companeroes just edged the possession but in terms of chances, the game was very even.

The teams went into half time deadlocked. It was a very even game with very few chances as the day’s tradition of a penalty shootout as the game decider was looking likely to continue.

But the second half exactly the opposite as Companeroes took the lead in the very first minute of the second period. Substitute Shabaz Khan nicely controlled a cross from Fazil Sheikh after goalkeeper failed to collect it and slotted home neatly to send the Companeroes’ camp celebrating.

Central Railways reacted with a change bringing on Arun E.K for Chetan Waghela in the 36th minute. They were rewarded three minutes later as Sumesh Nair was found in acres of space in front of the goal after he picked up a cross from the left flank as he finished in the top right hand side of the goal, to pull Central Railways level. The Companeroes’ keeper could have done better.

The game was sparked into life with two quick fire goals, but there were to be more as Central Railways turned it around two minutes later as Shafique P. profited from a mix-up in the Companeroes’ defence to coolly fire past Vatsal Bhatia who was partner in crime yet again.

His woes were compounded as Central Railways got another one a minute later, with Shafique P. scoring again after he drove at the Companeroes’ defence to hit his shot past the helpless Vatsal Bhatia to make it 3-1.

Vatsal Bhatia was relieved of his misery as he was taken off in the 47th minute. Two minutes later, Shafique P. who was looking for his hat-trick danced his way through the Companeroes’ defence but could not beat the new goalkeeper.

Central Railways were enjoying great support from their supporters as they had a little contingent who had made their way to the RCF Sports Complex to cheer their team.

Those three quick goals had knocked the stuffing out of Companeroes as Central Railways were pretty much in control. Nikhil Pal nearly ensured a grand stand finish when he shot over from close range. It was a great chance wasted to pull a goal back.

The missed chance got all the more glaring when Companeroes were awarded a penalty in stoppage time which Shabaz Khan put away to make it 3-2. But it proved to be a mere consolation for Companeroes as referee blew for full time just after the restart.

Central Railways quick fire goals were enough to secure a quarter final berth as Companeroes were left wondering what might have been. Central Railways will play the winner of Bhilai Brothers and Kenkre FC game on Saturday.

Earlier in the day, Great Mother F.C, Premier Indian Football Academy Colaba and Western Railways sealed their passage through to the Quarter Finals through the route of penalty shootout at the expense of hosts RCF S.C, Mumbai Customs and KSA respectively.

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This tournament to be played under floodlights, the top 8 women teams from the city and 16 men teams, including top-tier Elite Division clubs and a couple of outstation teams, fighting it out for the top honors. The winners and runners-up will be rewarded with glittering trophies and handsome cash prizes.

This annual feature event is being organised by RCF Colony Boys’ Krida & Sanskruti Mandal in collaboration with RCF Karmachari Sena.

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Rink football 5+ 3 players.
Prize 1st 20000 & 2nd 10000.
Entry fees 2500.

For more details please contact Augustine 9821422223 or Khanna 9820587147

As entries are limited and it will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

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St.Joseph’s Mira Road Crowned Champions At Willingdon Catholic Gymkhana

St.Joseph’s Mira Road drew first blood through striker Shravan Shetty, all against the run of play in a half dominated entirely by the Mahim side. The 2nd half started with a bang, two quick fire goals, the first, a clever solo run from the defence by Suraj Negi caught all the Victories players off guard as he did well to finish the ball past Johnson De Silva. The second came from their talisman Aaron D’Costa as his clinical strike left Our Lady Of Victories trailing by the 3 goals.

But the defending champions were not going to give up easily, chasing the game they committed forward with wave after wave of attacks on the Mira Road goal. Their efforts paid dividends as Fabian Fernandes pulled one back for Our Lady Of Victories. At 3-1 the story of the game could have been a lot different had Fabian converted another brilliant opportunity from Brolin D’Souza’s goal bound cross which could have reduced the margin. Brolin then grabbed another goal for Victories to make the score 3-2 with another 2 mins left to play.

Some brave defending and outstanding saves by Nevil D’Souza helped St.Joseph’s Mira Road see out the final few minutes as they emerged victorious to take home their maiden title.

For all his good work under the bar, St.Joseph’s Mira Road’s shot stopper Nevil D’Souza was awarded the ‘Best Player Of The Final’.

Their hard working striker Shravan Shetty was awarded the ‘Best Player Of The Tournament’. Undoubtedly these two were the key performers amongst the others, for the Mira Road side as they went on to upset some of the big names in this tournament to be crowned champions

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