A.M.M.Muzammil
COLOMBO- Zahira College Colombo, commonly referred to as the “Kings of Football” dethroned the much fancied Hameed Al Husseinie College by 6 goals to nil at the recently concluded under-18 All Island Renown President school football championship at the Sugathadasa Stadium on Sunday, on May 7. Zahira College was crowned as the worthy Champion!
Football at Zahira is not just a sport – it is a passion ingrained deep within the culture for more than 100 years, and Zahirians play the game zealously and as naturally as a duck takes to water.
The College has, to this day, produced a galaxy of gifted football players who have all represented the national team and earned a high reputation while proving their prowess at soccer.
Zahira entered the finals brimming with hope after drubbing Jaffna Central College by 8 goals to 2. Pure adrenaline gushed through Zahirians’ veins when the College team made many inroads and played the game with grit, determination, and persistence never allowing Hameed Al Husseinie College to gain any momentum.
Scoring 6 goals at the final is no mean feat. It demonstrates the Zahira College team’s fearless, relentless, and attacking approach and how they adroitly controlled and play the game till the very end.
Mohamed Mushtaq, Zahira College’s goalkeeper as agile as a leopard was the standout player who single-handedly saved nearly 4 goals including a penalty. Subsequently, Mushtaq was awarded the ‘Golden Glove” as the “Best goalkeeper” of the tournament with Mohamed Shahil from Zahira as the “Player of the Final”.
It is pertinent to mention that the Zahira College football coach Imran and assistant coach Fazul Rahuman (who both represented the Sri Lankan National football team) together with Usman, the goalkeeper coach worked tirelessly for the last 4 months for this tournament and trained players to attain fitness and mental toughness.
The boys showcased their exceptional talents and fitness by playing 2 full matches (on Saturday in the semi-final and on Sunday played the final) within 26 hours. Indeed, a remarkable feat.
All in all, the victory produced a ripple effect in the form of a tidal wave of euphoria
