Zahira’s re-entry to Div.I rekindles fires for past glory
Zahira is back among the top Rugby playing schools
Zahira College, a pioneer in schools Rugby since 1924, will look to regain their past glory, following their promotion to Division I ‘A’ category, as a result of a successful season in 2016.
Zahira finished in the top 4 of Division II or Plate segment in 2016, and was promoted to Division I. The team also made a big impact at the Sri Lanka Super 7s Tournament last year, with impressive victories over S. Thomas’ College and St. Peters College, to finish 3rd in the 2nd Leg.
This year, the team, led by 5th-year player and powerful second-row forward Azhar Irfan, have a set of experienced and power packed players. This year too, the team is coached by former Isipathana, CR&FC and National player Shamlie Nawaz, who was instrumental in guiding the team into Division I this year, with his professional approach to coaching.
He is well supported by officials of the school which include Chairman- Board of Governors, Fouzul Hameed, Principal- Trizviiy Marikkar, Sports Council Chairman- M.S. Mazeer, Rugby Committee Chairman- Riza Abdeen and Prefect of Games- M. Mushiseen Ariff.
This year, Zahira is sponsored by Phoenix Industries Ltd, with KFC as their Food Partner and RBN as their Clothing Partner. A ceremony to hand over the sponsorships was held at Zahira College recently. With a rich Rugby history of over 93 years, the school was in the forefront dominating the Sport in the 1960’s, when it emerged League champions in 1962. Since then, it has been a gradual decline without any major titles under its belt, though maintaining their presence in the top League. The last major achievement for Zahira was when they reached the President’s Cup final in 1998.
Zahira College Rugby Squad
- Â Props: Muammar Deen, Mohamed Amjad Faumy, Dilshan Mannaperuma, Mohamed Shazaan, Mohamed Ibrahim Aniff
- Â Hookers: Tuan Shameem Nassar, Maas Youhana Musharraf Nallawangshe
- Â Locks: Mohamed Azhar Irfan (Captain), Mohamed Faiz Mohamed Salman, Haaziq Fhuazi
- Â Flankers: Mohamed Atheeq Alawdeen, Mohamed Nizlar Mohamed Nizran, Tuan Zaid Thajudeen, Abdul Rahuman Husni, Mohamed Fowzulhaq
No.8: Ahamed Ateeq Aslam, Mohamed Akeel Kudhoos, Hamied Safu
- Scrumhalf: Tuan Shifaz Amath, Mohamed Iqbal Shameer
- Fly-half: Mohamed Zaid Sinhawansa
- Centres: Hassan Razick, Mohamed Arshad Kitchilan, Mohamed Minhaj Samsudeen, Mohamed Shamahil Soewito
- Wingers: Mohamed Yuzraan Lantra, Ahamed Rushdi Abdeen, Mohamed Farhan Suhaib, Abdul Salam Abdul Hakeem Zakariyya, Mohamed Mubashshir
- Fullbacks: Ahamed Rahuman Ariff Booso, Mohamed Shamil Furkhan, Mohamed Nauzer, Mohamed Fazal
- Officials: Shamlie Nawaz (Head Coach), Dilan Soyza (Backs Coach), H.D. Kariyawasam (Master-in-Charge), Herathge Karunarathne (Fitness Trainer), Mohamed Ifhtikar (Physiotherapist)
General Manager- Marketing, Phoenix Industries Ltd, Rimaz Marzook (3rd from L) presents the main sponsorship to Zahira College Principal, Trizvi Marikkar. Others in the picture (L-R) M. Azhar Irfan (Captain), M.S. Mazeer (Chairman- Sports Council), Riza Abdeen (Chairman- Rugby Committee), Shamlie Nawaz (Head Coach, Consultant - Zahira Rugby).