The official press meet for the 10th annual President’s Cup organized by the Hameed Al Husseinie Group of 80’s was held today. The tournament is to commence on the 7th of January at the Race Course international stadium in grand fashion.
The press meet featured the organizing committee of this year’s competition along with the representatives of the Schools’ Football and Football Federation of Sri Lanka. I.Deals Pvt Ltd partnered up as the title sponsors for this year’s competition which will comprise of 21 renowned school teams from around the island. Along with the curtain raiser, the semi-finals and finals will be hosted at the Race Course international stadium, while the preliminary games to take place at the City League grounds at Kew Points Road.
It’s also worth mentioning the fact that the competition features one of the biggest trophy’s on display in any form of competition in the sport in the Island standing at 3 feet tall which also proved to be another highlight of this momentous year.
Speaking to the gathered the principle of Hameed Al Husseinie mentioned “As sportsmen these young boys need guidance, therefore, the group of 80’s have come forward in organizing this competition to nurture and cultivate this raw talent for the future of the game in this country”.
Expressing their thoughts the captain of Royal College Colombo Chathura Avishka stated “Although it was mentioned the football is known as the poor man’s game it is certainly isn’t so, as it has many riches to offer as a sport. Competitions like this help develop not only the sport but also it bring football of this country to a certain position. It is a great initiative and as a school and a team we will provide the best support possible”.
Further, the Captain Pramuditha Gunesekara mentioned “I have taken part in this competition in the past couple of occasions and it has been a good experience for me. Also this year we will come forward with our best football to make the competition a great success”.
Further, Mr. Anthony Balendra the general secretary of the Football Federation of Sri Lanka said “Our ultimate goal is to make football the most famous sport in the country come the year 2020, which is why we have joined hands in lending our support in this year’s competition in building the young talent of the country”.
In a statement issue during the press meet it was mentioned that 3 schools out of the 24 stated schools which were invited for this year will not take part in the competition. Namely, St. Joseph’s College Colombo, St. Patrick’s College Jaffna and heavyweights Zahira College Colombo have withdrawn from the competition for various reasons, henceforth the competition will move forward with the 21 remaining schools which were invited.
It was mentioned that the draw for the competition will be held at the Hameed Al Husseinie College premises with the presence of the school principal and the organizing committee of the batch of 80’s. The tournament will take place in a knockout basis narrowing the teams down for the finale to be held on the 22nd of January with the presence of the Hon. President Maithripala Sirisena as the chief guest.
