Air Force SC has been competing in the Sri Lankan top flight over a long period of time. They have always been amongst the contenders for the title, fully reaching their potential in 2013/14 when they emerged champions.
The team has always boasted of a strong core of local players and this year too, the Air Force SC team boasts some of the top local players who are also regulars in the national team.
Quick Facts
Home Ground – Air Force Grounds, Ekala
Club Captain – Kavindu Ishan
Coach – Sampath Perera
2015 Campaign
Air Force had an impressive campaign in the DCL 2015 qualifying in second place in Group A behind Army for the Super 8 stage.
They ended a long undefeated run for Army during the group stages and lost only to Solid SC on the way to 21 points in 10 games.
They came unstuck in the Super 8 stages though and ended up in 4th place with 2 wins, 2 draws and 3 losses. Their 2015 FA Cup campaign lasted till the Quarter Final stage where they were knocked out on penalties by Army SC after an entertaining 2-2 score-line at full time.
Captain Kavindu Ishan his experiences over the past two years as follows,
“We had a few shortcomings last season and hence were unable to challenge for the title in the Super 8s. This year with our new coach we are better prepared physically and mentally. Our win at the defense forces tournament where we beat Army to win the championship, gave us a big confidence boost in the build up to this season’s Super 8s.”
2016 Campaign
Air Force SC brought in former national coach Sampath Perera to take charge of the team for the 2016 season and his effect on the team was clear for all to see.
Air Force qualified for the Super 8 stages with a game to spare from a tough group despite losing to Super Sun SC and Java Lane SC in shock defeats. Their 4-1 demolition of Navy at Welisara was undoubtably the highlight of the group stage campaign in which they registered 4 wins, 1 draw and 3 losses.
Coach Sampath Perera had this to say regarding his time as Air Force coach so far,
“We lost 3 games this season and we have identified the reasons behind these losses. We are working on a game plan to keep ball possession and play our game. We have three players in the national team who have proven their worth to us throughout this campaign.”
Key Players
Kavindu Ishan – Nipuna Bandara – Dilshan Fernando – Ruwan Arunasiri
Air Force skipper Kavindu Ishan and his deputy Nipuna Bandara have terrified defences all season long as the two Sri Lankan national team members have formed a deadly attack force for the Airmen. Pace, control and trickery are just some of their key strengths and they have regularly featured on the score sheet or assist list this season.
At the back Dilshan Fernando has been solid as ever, contributing the odd goal from the set piece as well to prove himself to be a vital part of Sampath Perera’s defensive set up at the club. National team goalkeeper Ruwan Arunasiri has also been a key performer for Air Force making crucial saves at critical points throughout their campaign to ensure they have remained on track for DCL glory.
Super 8 expectations
“I think this year it is going to be more competitive this season when compared to last season’s Super 8. We have brought in a new player for the Super 8s so hopefully we can change the game when we need to. I can’t make plans for the tournament as a whole, but we will plan for the tournament on a game-by-game basis, adjusting our strategies as needed,” commented Sampath Perera whilst sharing his opinion on the Super 8s with ThePapare.com.
Air Force SC have the attacking prowess to trouble any team in the Super 8 stage. However they have been found vulnerable on the counter attack which was their undoing in the Java Lane game earlier in the season.
They also may struggle against more physical teams as without any foreign players in the team to hold up the ball, a high pressing game with a physical approach may make life difficult for them.
In summary, Air Force have a great opportunity to win silverware this season, but they will need to be solid when defending, especially on the counter. Their matches against Army and Renown will likely decide whether they will be in with a chance to finish in the top spot or not.
Squad 2016/17
