Zahira College, Colombo and Mahajana College Jaffna victorious at Samaposha U-15 Schools Football Ch

Samaposha stepped forward for the seventh consecutive year to sponsor the ‘Samaposha Under-15 Inter-school Football Championship 2015’ which has now established itself as a key sporting event in the school sport calendars. While Zahira College Colombo beat Kinniya Central College Trincomalee to clinch the boy’s title, Mahajana College Jaffna emerged champions in the girl’s category beating Kavisigamuwa Central College Kurunegala. The grand final was held from 23-25 January in Colombo. The event was organised by the Sri Lanka Football Federation and the Sri Lanka Schools Football Association.

Boys’ Champions Zahira College Colombo receiving the Samposha trophy from the Chief Guest Vasantha Chandrapala (GM – Plenty Foods)

Commenting on the successful completion of the event, President of the Football Federation of Sri Lanka Anura De Silva stated: “Samaposha as a brand has been supporting the Under-15 Inter-school Football Championship tournament for the past six years and this year too we are grateful for their generous sponsorship of this island-wide event. Uplifting school football is one the key priorities of the Sri Lanka Football Federation and initiatives of this nature cannot be fulfilled without the support of conglomerates like CBL. We wish to continue this partnership and support the school football players of this country.”

The under-15 football teams of 410 boy’s schools and 160 girl’s schools from all over the island were in action at this year’s tournament. The preliminary rounds took place in 32 locations covering all 25 districts.

Girls’ Champions  Mahajana  College Jaffna receiving the Samposha trophy from the Chief Guest, Vasantha Chandrapala (GM – Plenty Foods)

Awards were presented to the best goalkeeper as well and the most valuable male and female player of the tournament. M. Zakil from Zahira College Maradana won the award for the best goalkeeper boy’s category while Heshani Saumaya Jayasuriya from Kavisigamuwa Gamini Central College Kurunegala emerged the best goalkeeper in the girl’s category. The most valuable male player award was won by Sajik Naufer from Zahira College, Maradana and the most valuable female player of the tournament was K. Archika from Mahajana College Jaffna.

Speaking on the tournament’s success, Plenty Foods Ltd. Director/CEO Shammi Karunaratne, stated: “Considering the event and its reputation for identifying budding football players from schools across the country, we are glad to have once again sponsored the Under-15 Inter-School Football Championship for the seventh consecutive year. Samaposha remains committed to supporting young talent throughout the country and therefore we look forward to a long and fruitful partnership with the Sri Lanka Football Federation and the Sri Lanka Schools Football Association.”

Speaking on the Samaposha’s contribution to football, Plenty Foods Ltd. General Manager Wasantha Chandrapala who was the Chief Guest on the occasion stated: “Football requires sacrifice, perseverance and dedication coupled with a well-balanced nutritional intake. Samaposha, the flagship cereal brand of CBL contains all essential nutrients such as proteins, carbohydrates and vitamins required for budding football players.”