The Zahira Veterans Football Club Tours Malaysia today

Text and pic by Ruzaik Farook

The Zahira Veterans Football Club, is to embark on their maiden tour of Malaysia to play two encounters against Malaysia’s Veteran team — two most prestigious matches to take place in Petaling Jaya, Selangor Malaysia — organised by the Petaling District Football Association to foster friendship and sportsmanship.

The team will be led by Muhiseen Ariff a legend & former Captain of Zahira College Colombo which won the Brazil Cup Championship in 1969. Ariff has vast experience in the field as a player. He also captained Victory Sports Club in the 1980s, and is a dynamic Ex FIFA referee who had refereed many tournaments internationally and locally. Ariff who could still show his prowess in the field has currently been engaged by the FIFA as Referees’ Development Officer for South Asia and central region.

He will be assisted by Mohamed Imran Thaam as vice captain on this tour.

Former National player, Naina Mohamed who had played for the Zahira College team and also represented the country when he was 19 years old, is a skilful player with a very good record.

Fouzul Hameed, Chairman of the Board of Governors of Zahira College Colombo who is an old boy, is representing the country on the Malaysian tour is also tipped to play in the team.  This will be a historic tour for the team and is sure to be etched in letters of gold in the annals of history.

Mohamed Illiyas, Alavy Mohamed Hussain, Isha Bin Rohan, and Alavi Mukthar had captained the Zahira College football team and also represented the Sri Lanka schools with Fouzul Hameed.  The  team consists of many experienced “A” division players such as Hassimdeem Haleem, Mohamed Saffan, and skillful players such as Sharan Laffir, Hameed Nawshad, Mohamed Shafeek, Tuan Chuncheer, Mohamed Rizvi, T. A. Rasiff, Niyas Abubaker, Aslam Thowfeek, M.R. Abdeen, Feroze Inham, Mohamed Amaan, and M.J.M.Fawmy.

This historic tour to Malaysia is a result of the recognition that has been gained by the school and the Veterans Club.  The elderly players are fit and rich in skills and haven’t lost touch with the game.

This tour is sure to turn out to be a fantastic tour with a mixture of veteran players, and it is our hope that the Veterans’ Football Team will emerge victorious and make Zairians proud.

Tour Manager of the Club Alavi Mukthar, Secretary of the OBA and Member of the Board of Governors.