By Gamini Perera
The Zahira College, Colombo, "Group of 80" 6-a-side football tournament worked-off on Poya Day (August 22), certainly achieved its purpose: to foster fellowship and strengthen the college spirit among the past pupils of Zahira College, Colombo. A large number of past and present Zahirians gathered in their numbers to witness this tournament, which produced a carnival-like atmosphere.

The highlight of the day was the exhibiition match between the Colombo Veterans and the Super Veterans 6-a-side match, which saw a number of ex-national stars in action like, former national skipper, Sampath Perera, Arumugam Devendran, Mohamed Zaheer, in action.

This keenly-contested match was won by the much-experienced Colombo Veterans, who defeated the Super Veterans, most players hailing from Slave Island, to the tune of 3 goals to 1.

For the winners, T. S. Sudar and A. Devendran (2) of Renown fame scored the goals, while the losers got their solitary goal through M. T. Azeez

6-a-side champs

The 6-a-side tournament, at which 16 teams participated was won by young Six SC from Maligawatte, received a glittering trophy.

The runners-up were Old Six SC from Mattakkuliya.

The 15 minute final saw both teams levelling the tally at2-2.

The result was decided on the tie-breaker penalty kick competition, where the winners netted in 3 goals to their opponent’s 2.

A panel of referees comprising Jayaweera, Premadasa, Burah and Kumara officiated at the matches.

The organisers presented a cash donation to Mohammed Zaheer, a former Victory SC stalwart and a national player.

The winners were awarded the S. M. M. Nameez Memorial Trophy, designed and turned out by M. S. M. Azmi, a former Zahirian soccerite.

Former Zahirian College, York SC and national ‘striker’ A. M. Naina Mohammed, the tournament chairman told The Island that the Soccer Sixes was in his mind since the day the "Group of 80’ of Zahira College organised the cricket sixes.

Rizmi Riyal, chairman/ managing director of The Traveller was the chief guest at the final.

All in all, the inter-Zahirian 6-a-side football tournament was a rousing success.