Sri Lanka soccerites in Nehru Cup tourney Aug 19 to 31

by Leslie FERNANDO

FOOTBALL: Sri Lanka soccerites will dribble at the ONGC Nehru Cup International Football tournament to be held from August 19 to 31 at Ambedkar Stadium, New Delhi, India. The tournament is conducted by the All India Football Federation.

Sri Lanka team will leave on Monday, August 17 led by versatile midfielder Chathura Maduranga of Ratnam SC fame.

Participating countries are India, Lebanon, Palestine (Group 'A'), Syria, Sri Lanka, Kyrgysatan (Group 'B').Match schedule: August 19 - India vs Palestine; August 20 - Syria vs Sri Lanka; August 21 - Palestine vs Lebanon; August 22 - Kyrgyzstan vs Sri Lanka; August 23 - India vs Lebanon, August 24 - Syria vs Kyrgyzstan; August 27 - Winner of Group 'A' v Runner-up Group 'B'; August 28 - Group 'B' vs Runner-up Group 'A', August 30 - 3rd place match and on August 31 - Final.

Sampath Perera, Head Coach of the Sri Lanka National team said that the team is in good shape after undergoing several training programs.

Most of the players were also involved in Premier League soccer tournament matches and the Holcim FA Cup matches concluded recently. Four of our 'key' players Chatura, Channa, Raumy and Ruwanthilake have gained lot of experience playing as professionals in the Maldives. They were back from Male a couple of days back.

Sri Lanka Team : Chatura Maduranga (Captain), M. Asmeer, Sanjaya Pradeep Kumara, Dimudu Hettiarachchi, B.A.R. Jayawilal, D. Ruwanthilaka, Tharaka Silva, S. Sanjeev, M.N.M. Issadeen, Chathura Gunaratne, H.M.A. Kumara, Asanka Viraj, Tharusha Rangana, R.M.J.D. Rathanayake, R.T.G. Raheem, Chrysteen Feranndo, K.M.T.N. Kumara, S. Setheeswaran, A.B. Warakagoda, E.B. Channa, R. Mohideen, K.L.K.C. Kumara.

Rear Admiral B.A.J.G. Peiris (Manager), Sampath Perera (Head Coach), Sumith Walapola (Trainer), D.J.S. Karunaratne (Goalkeeper Trainer), S.N.P.K. Silva (Masseur).