Police SC coach ASP Nizam Jamaldeen was relieved of his duties as coach by the Rugby committee of Police SC. The decision was taken by the committee following the defeat against the UpCountry Lions.
Police acquired the services of Jamaldeen at the start of the season to bolster their rugby programme which has been lagging in the past few years. It was said that his years as a Police and National player, together with his experience in coaching and refereeing would provide a new lease of life to Police SC.
ASP Nizam Jamaldeen played fly half for Isipathana College in 1983 and 84 and represented the Police from 1986 to 1995, leading the side in 1993 where they were runners up to CH & FC. An ace place kicker, Jamaldeen set the highest score for a single club player in a single season which was in 1992, and surpassed the earlier record of 202 points by late Charles Wijewardana.
Police started their season in heart breaking fashion as they lost to Army 15-10 with a last minute try. However they were no match to the all conquering Navy losing 40-10 in the second match. Police turned things around with successive wins against new comers Hambanthota Sharks (12-09) and Air Force SC (20-11) but went down fighting against Havelocks SC (27-06). Against the UpCountry Lions they squandered a 19-06 lead to lose the match 39-22.
According to reliable sources close to Police SC, the reason for the Rugby Committee to replace coach Jamaldeen has arisen when, during the the UpCountry Lions match where they were leading 19-06, Arshad Jamaldeen’s mistakes let way for the Lions to close in on them and that there were orders from senior officials in the committee to replace Arshad which never happened. Arshad also had a disappointing outing against the Havelocks SC where he missed a few penalties. Days following the Lions match the committee decided to replace Nizam Jamaldeen as coach. We also learnt that there were a few fractions in the team as well but had nothing to do with the dismissal of Jamaldeen.
When contacted by ThePapare.com about the dismissal ASP Nizam Jamadeen had this to say, “I thought it was enough with the coaching and will now continue with refereeing.” Jamaldeen was back in action officiating the match between Havelocks SC and Upcountry Lions during the past weekend.
Thepapare.com also learnt that the contracts of Mohammed Inshaf, Ijaz Bohoran, Anushka Uthpala and Arshad Jamaldeen were also terminated.
Speaking to us about the matter Police SC manager Mr. Chandralal Samarakoon, “We terminated the contracts of Anushka Uthpala and Mohammed Inshaf as their performance was not upto standard. As for Ijaz Bohoran and Arshad they stopped attending practices after the coach was dismissed.”
“Currently Police SC center Lapana Makapelu will act as coach along with Sudath Sampath. The committee will make a decision about a permanent coach soon.” Mr. Samarakoon also added.
