Make way for the Champions - St. Xavier's College

St. Xavier’s College, Mapusa laid their hands on the glittering Chowgule Golden Jubilee Cup after defeating Don Bosco College, Panjim 1-0 in the final played at Chowgule college ground on Monday.

The all important goal came in the dying moments of the match. St. Xavier’s striker Synter Pereira was anxiously waiting to latch onto Edberg Sequeira’s cross. However a Don Bosco defender intercepted in between to do the needful.

The Mapusa side enjoyed more ball possession but their classy moved, somehow, could not be transferred into goals.

Gopal Shirodkar and Edberg played a key role for Xavier’s in the final. Both the midfielders ensured that the side played like a well oiled unit. Similarly their defence marshalled by Shane Temudo made no errors in the task allotted to them.

This triumph makes St. Xavier’s the favourites for the Xavier’s Gold Cup which is played at their own den. It also gives the Xavierites a psychological advantage for the Goa University tournament which is expected to commence soon.

St. Xavier’s coach Fausto Lobo certainly needs a special mention. The player-friendly coach has managed to get the best out of the boys even if he had a weaker squad to work with. “I am extremely happy with their performance. Everyone is working hard and that is important. The journey is not over yet. In fact it’s just begun. Our eyes are set on the university tournament,” said the jubilant coach.

Following were individual prizes awarded:

Tiger of the tournament: Micky Vaz (Government College, Pernem)

Man of the final: Alber Gonsalves (St. Xavier’s)

Best striker: Snyter Pereira (St. Xavier’s)

Best Goalkeeper: Soma Korgaonkar (Don Bosco)

Best midfielder: Joel (Don Bosco)

Here are a few captured moments of the prize distribution function

[slideshow]

Pictures Courtesy: Mr. Caje Pinto