Renown SC is one of Sri Lanka’s most famous clubs, having won the league on 4 occasions to go alongside 6 FA Cup championships.
In recent times they have been known to play the most attractive brand of football in the Sri Lankan league, and only the silverware is needed to bring Coach Mohamed Amanullah’s hard work into fruition.
After narrowly missing out on both the DCL and FA Cup in 2015, the DCL 2016 could be the opportunity Renown have been looking for to win some much deserved silverware.
Quick Facts
Home Ground – Kelaniya Football Complex
Club Captain – Mohamed Rifnaz
Coach – Mohamed Amanullah
2015 Campaign
Renown SC had a pretty ordinary group stage campaign in the DCL 2015 qualifying for the Super 8s in 4th place with 5 wins, 3 draws and 2 losses.
However, it was during the Super 8s that they really exploded into form as they were finally able to fit the pieces of the puzzle together to produce some tremendous results.
They were unbeaten in the Super 8s and only the lack of bonus points carried forward cost them the title after a fantastic Super 8 campaign.
A 2-1 win over Colombo FC, which ended Colombo FC’s 23 match unbeaten streak, and a 5-4 win over Navy were some of the highlights of a stunning run for the team.
The 2015 FA Cup ended in heartbreak again for Renown where they lost 3-1 to Army in the final in which they took the lead, but were pegged back by a controversial equalizer which was followed by a red card soon after.
“We were unlucky last season, losing on goal difference and because of the bonus points scheme which is not in play this season. We have trained continuously from the FA Cup, where we were also unlucky to lose in the final after that red card. This year we have played well and won 7 of our 8 games and I’m pleased with our team spirit” commented Captain Mohamed Rifnaz.
Colombo FC aiming for back to back Championships
Colombo FC entered the history books when they clinched the 2015 edition of the Dialog Champions League
2016 Campaign
Renown breezed through the group stage to top Group B with ease registering 7 wins, and a shock 2-1 loss to Navy was the only blip on their campaign.
New forward Job Michael and center back ‘T-boy’ Francis have slotted into the team seamlessly alongside new signing from Java Lane Afam Akram.
26 goals from 8 games have seen them become the highest scoring team in the group stages with Job Michael, Afam Akram, Mohamed Fazal and Mohamed Rifnaz all contributing the goals.
Speaking to ThePapare.com Coach Mohamed Amanullah had this to say;
“Ever since the Super 8 stage of last season we have clicked offensively and morale has been high in the squad ever since. Our players are really skillful and my job really is just to polish them up a bit. We attack and defend as a team, and I’m happy with the way we have played.”
Key Players
Mohamed Rifnaz – Mohamed Fazal – Job Michael – Dimuthu Priyadarshana – Hakeem Kamil
Skipper Mohamed Rifnaz had been an inspiration in the middle of the park for a Renown team that rely a lot on their midfield for contributions in terms of goals.
Rifnaz, Fazal and Afam Akram have all stepped up to the plate this season in terms of goal scoring and have played key roles in their successful run.
Up front striker Job Michael provides the holdup play that Renown often demands from their striker, whilst also finding the back of the net regularly throughout the season. His finishing could be better, but all in all he has been a perfect fit for Renown this season.
At the other end of the field, Dimuthu Priyadarshana has been a revelation at right-back, improving on his solid showing last season. Good going forward as well, his crossing and combination play with Fazal has been brilliant which has enabled Renown to pose a constant threat down the right.
Super 8 expectations
“All the players, including my reserves have played really well and they want to be champions. They missed out on this the last two years, but they’re trying their level best to win this year. Most importantly though, this group of players will never give up and during the Super 8s I think they will be better than in the group stage,” said coach Amanullah whilst speaking to ThePapare.com.
Renown possesses the best midfield in the local football arena, and that is by far their biggest strength going into the Super 8 stages. They will keep possession of the ball well but may struggle if teams sit back and stay organized in defense. They do like to commit men forward when attacking and can be vulnerable on the counter.
Renown go in the Super 8s as one of the favourites to win the DCL 2016, however they need to be composed, not let the pressure get to them and ensure they play to their potential which is a lot easier said than done. This could be the year Renown finally end their trophy drought.
Squad 2016/17
