Zarwan Johar and Mohamed Ramees have joined FA Cup Champions, Colombo FC for the 2015 season.
Colombo FC has made their intentions clear for the new season with these two high profile signings. Former Sri Lanka U19 captain and Manchester United trainee Zarwan joined Colombo FC from rivals Java Lane while veteran former Sri Lanka cap Ramees joined the Colombo club from Blue Star.
Ramees who has been with his childhood club Blue Star for the past 17 years was the skipper for the past two years, leading them to back to back FA Cup finals only to be denied the trophy by Army and by Colombo FC this year. It was rumoured that the veteran skipper was unhappy with the management decisions leading him to leave his beloved club.
“I needed to strengthen my defense and was looking for a good defender and I couldn’t have asked for a better choice than Ramees.” Colombo FC coach Mohamed Roomy told ThePapare.com.
Zarwan a star in the making has already proven his worth getting through to the national team at the age of 19 as well as being granted special training at Manchester United. He will be reunited with his school coach Roomy who coaches the powerhouse Zahira College, Maradana. Zarwan has the ability to play in a creative midfield position as well as striker and his versatility will be vital for Colombo FC during the season.
“I have coached him in school and no one doubts his talent, just that he needs to be more disciplined. If he sorts his discipline he can achieve greatness. Zarwan will add energy and is a creative force for our already dominant forward line.” Roomy added about his pupil Zarwan.
While Blue Star lost one of their key and inspirational figures, they have made amends to fill the void by bringing in veteran former Sri Lanka striker EB Channa and B.Shivanka from neighbours Super Sun SC. The former Ratnam prolific striker Channa will add much needed killer instinct in front of the goal which has been lacking from Blue Star last year while Shivanka will bring in his experience to the central defensive position.
They have also got back the services of African Nasiru Opayemi who was out for a year with injury. Opayemi formed a strong partnership with Ramees during the march to the FA Cup final in 2014 while Opayemi will now partner Rifkhan Raiz this year. Blue Star has replaced head coach Mohamed Hamsa with former Kalutara Park coach Laksiri Senevirathne. Hamsa is the elder brother of Ramees.
The two sides Colombo FC and Blue Star will meet once again on the opening day of the Champions League with a different look with Blue Star looking for revenge and Colombo FC to prove their might.
