Fazil tipped to be appointed as Head Coach

By Shamseer Jaleel

Former Kingswoodian, Kandy SC, national sevens, fifteens player and current Sri Lanka XV’s three quarter coach, Fazil Marija is tipped to take over the defending League champions, Kandy SC in the Inter Cub rugby league season which is scheduled to kick off in November.

The 34 year old Fazil Marija is considered as a rugby legend in the country after great Hisham Abdeen. Marija comes from a sporty family of Ibrahim’s and Buksh where more than 25 of them in two generations representing Kingswood, Navy SC, Kandy SC and National rugby teams ins even and fifteens.

Marija made his country debut against Hong Kong at Nittawela while being a schoolboy (16 years) in 2000 at the Junior Asiad later made his senior representation against the visiting Hong Kong at Nittawela in 2003. He started playing for Kandy in 2004 and continued representing the Up Country club for 14 long years without any cross overs. He led the side in 2010. Marija represented the Randles Hill School from Under 13 to Under 20 leading the side in 2004 which became the triple champions.

Marija is the most caped sevens player in the country with over 150 matches under his belt. He was only the second layer to be invited by the Asian Barbarians in Hong Kong. He got training with Auckland Blues, Ireland and South Africa for Coaching. Fazil led the country in the Commonwealth Games and won the Shield at the 2014 Games Rugby Sevens at Glasgow, Scotland.

Fazil Marija who was under studying Sean Wijesinghe for the last two seasons is expected to be appointed in the near future. 

Viraj Prassana forwards Coach

 Former Isipathana player, Viraj Prassana will take over the forwards coaching position after the departure of Sean Wijesinghe. He played for his school in 1990-1991 and later represented CR & FC and the National team at sevens. His last assignment as forwards coaching was with CH & FC. 

Nalaka to continue as kicking coach

Former Kingswood and National kicking sensation, Nalaka Weerakody will continue as the kicking coach of the Kandy SC.