The Football Federation of Sri Lanka together with the main sponsors of the FA Cup, Cargills Food City unveiled the brand new FA Cup trophy in a glittering ceremony at the Football House.
Cargills Food City kicked-off a new era in national football with its latest partnership with Sri Lankan edition of the FA Cup, a longstanding tradition of the game. The Cargills Food City FA Cup 2013/14 heralds the dawn of a new era and after 170 matches concluded is left with the semi finals and finals to play.
An iconic trophy
Cargills Food City is offering a brand new trophy for this year’s championship modeled on the English FA Cup along with handsome cash prizes as well awards such as the popular Golden Ball, Golden Boot, Golden Glove and the Fair Play Trophy.
The trophy though modeled on the lines of the famous English FA Cup has oriental motifs typifying the Sri Lankan intrinsic value and adding to the prestige of the trophy. The Silver trophy which weighs 6kg is 25 inches in height and 10.5 inches in width.
The Football Association Cup commonly known as FA Cup first initiated in 1871 in England, is a Knock-Out competition which is normally conducted by each National Football Association and is appropriately named after it – hence the title FA.
The FA cup is unique for football clubs as it involves clubs of all standards playing against each other where the possibility for the minnows from the lower divisions to become giant killers by eliminating top ranked clubs from the tournament and even win the prestigious FA cup. The fans did witness such performances from New Star SC and Quarter finalists SLTB who were unfortunate to go down to Army in the quarters.
Bright future for Football with Cargills
Speaking at the presentation Mr. Sidath Kodikara, Chief Executive Officer of Cargills Foods Company (Pvt) Ltd said the tie up was a part of a long term strategy of the Group to support the empowerment of youth through sports.
“Football is a game that touches ordinary people in extraordinary ways. In that sense the game’s spirit is aligned to Cargills Food City and our own philosophy of making an impact on the lives of ordinary Sri Lankans. “
Mr. Kodikara added that Cargills has been synonymous with youth development and the Group has in the recent past put its strength behind several national sporting events.
“Through our relationship with the Football Federation of Sri Lanka and FA Cup we would strive to build a new generation of outstanding Football players. We believe the game has a long way to go in Sri Lanka but it cannot reach its full potential unless the Football Association is able to rally the Country and specially the youth around it.”
“The success of games such as cricket and rugby has been how attractive the game is to young people in terms of the glamour and the prestige attached. This is a journey that Cargills has committed to partner in the long term, to help bring national football to the forefront,” he said.
Four teams in pursuit of glory
Army SC, Colombo SC, Navy SC and Blue Star SC are in pursuit of this trophy, with the semi finals to be played at the Sugathadasa Stadium on the 15th of February with kick off’s at 4.00 pm and 6.00 pm respectively.
Navy SC, the defending FA Cup champions won the pre quarter final against Kalutara Park on penalties after the match ended 2 all. In the quarter final they defeated 6 times winners of the FA Cup Ratnam SC with a convincing 2-0 win. They had a few injury problems in the past but are back to full strength.
Blue Star came into the quarter final with a hard fought 1-0 win against Dialog Champions League runners up Renown, avenging their semi final loss at the hands of the same opposition of that tournament with the same score line. Blue Star SC coached by former Sri Lankan Captain Dudley Steiwall is known for their resolute defending and counter attacking skills which they amply exhibited in Matara in their 3-0 quarter final win against Don Bosco. Blue Star’s African players Afis Olayemi and Daniel Arubizan are the players to watch out for.
Army had a heart in their mouth campaign as they had to overcome two penalty shootouts in the pre quarter and quart finals. Army had a thrilling pre quarter match and was taken to penalties by Solid SC after the match ended 3 all. They won the shootout 4-3. In the quarter final giant killers and Division I side SLTB took them all the way in another epic penalty shootout. Army missed the services of their aces strikers Mohammed Issadeen and Silva in the quarter final due to injury and they will be hoping to have the services of the two this Saturday.
The free scoring Colombo FC has had a phenomenal debut season with a quarter final visit to the Champions League tournament and now to the semi final of the FA Cup. They would want to continue the streak and grab the trophy. Colombo FC held off New Youngs in the pre quarter final with a 3-2 win and thrashed Matara City 4-1 in the quarters. Colombo FC is captained by former Sri Lankan captain Raumy Mohammed who had won the FA Cup 5 times during his captaincy in the 15 year career at Ratnam. His experience will come in handy for the young Colombo FC players who have the services of star man A.C. Frank who was the second highest goal scorer in the Champions League.
Semi Finals – 15th February at the Sugathadasa Stadium
Army SC v Colombo FC4.00 pm
Blue Star v Navy SC6.30 pm
