Bens-Zahira final should be a thriller

By Leslie FERNANDO

SOCCER: Traditional rivals in the game of football Zahira College, Maradana and St. Benedict’s College, two of the most famous schools soccer outfits will clash in the final of the All-Island Inter-School Invitation Football Tournament for the Reborn Challenge Trophy.today (Sunday), at the Sugathadasa Stadium. Kick-off at 5 p.m.

The tournament is being conducted by Hameed Al Husseinia College, Colombo who are celebrating 125 years.

The final should produce high class performance as both teams displayed superior soccer skills in the preliminary round games. Both teams are well balanced. Equally strong in both attack and defence.

But Zahira team strikers with better shooting ability will make every effort to score quick goals and prevent their opponents surging ahead.

The outcome of the final could not be predicted as the team with better methodical play should come out victorious.

The soccer crazy fans are assured of witnessing top class soccer today.

Trophies will be awarded for the best player, best goalkeeper, highest goal scorer of the tournament and the most valuable player of the tournament.

The champions will be presented the Reborn Challenge Trophy.

Nirmala Kotalawala. Minister for Educational will be the chief guest and will give away the awards.

Teams:

Zahira College: M. Rasheedh (Captain), M. Fazal, A. Najeemullah, C. M. Rizny, R. R. Rizny, M. Hijaz, F. M. Fayazil, M. M. Sameer, R. M. Safran, Abdul Khair, N.M. Naflan, S. M. Rilwan, S. Ahamed, M. M. Arshad, M. A. Aslam, M.M. Sadam.

St. Benedict’s College: Tharindu Rukmal (Captain), Nishan Madushanka, Rumesh Shalinda, Jerom Grero, Sanjaya Gihan, M. Richard, Pasindu Tharaka, Asela Tharanga, S. N. Madushanka, Harshana Dilshan, S. Kamaldeen, S. Chandrasiri, S. Buddhika, Janith Piumal, Susitha Priyankara, Lahiru Dananjaya, Bilan Victoria, Rajitha Suranga.