Police SC Head Coach Nilfer credits team work for Clifford Cup win after 3 decades

Police SC rugby outfit 

By Shamseer Jaleel

In a stunning display of perseverance and determination, Police Sports Club emerged as champions of the prestigious Clifford Cup knock out rugby tournament after a long wait of 33-years. The last Cops claimed this historic title was in 1991, under the captaincy of Hemantha Yatawara. This year, the Police side, led by Mohan Wimakarathne and expertly coached by Nilfer Ibrahim, has paved the way for an unforgettable comeback in the 2024 edition of the tournament.

With an illustrious rugby history behind them, the Police Sports Club has always been recognised as a formidable team, consistently showcasing exceptional talent on the field. However, their long absence from the winner’s circle had left many wondering if they could regain their former glory. The 2024 Clifford Cup tournament proved to be the perfect opportunity for the club to showcase their true potential.

The Police Sports Club exhibited exceptional teamwork, relentless determination, and unmatched skill throughout the tournament. Equally instrumental in the team’s success was the role played by Coach Nilfer Ibrahim. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and emphasis on robust training regimes, Ibrahim instilled a winning mentality within the squad. His astute coaching strategies, combined with the players’ unwavering commitment to his game plans, proved to be a winning formula for the Police Sports Club.

The Police Sports Club achieved the unthinkable this season. Many wrote them off even before the season started. They started off well but a few decisions in their league games went against them which cost them very badly in their participation in the Cup segment in round 2 and were pushed into the Plate segment. But the Cops who never gave up wanted to prove something this season. After accounting for the Plate win in the league encounters, they came into the Clifford Cup knock out rugby. After edging out Air Force in a tense quarter final encounter they met the Unbeaten league champions CR and FC in the semi-final.

 No one gave a dog a chance for the Cops. They ended by handing off Red Shirts but in the end they did it in grand style not only overcoming the Longdon Place club but also ending their unbeaten run this season. Then they continued their good work with a win over Havies in the final to end their drought of the century plus years old Clifford Cup.

Speaking exclusively to Daily FT, Police SC Head Coach Nilfer Ibrahim said: “We had a tough start this season. Many decisions on the field went against us but still we feel they were human errors; we continued our focus till the end. We were very unfortunate to lose out on the Cup segment finish in the league. After winning the Plate with one more super round game to be played we gave exposure for the youngsters as they too worked hard throughout the season. The win was a teamwork effort plus top class discipline shown by the lads. All the players, seniors and juniors all rallied around and worked as a unit. We got ample support from Rugby Chairman Senior DIG Ranmal Kodituwakku who put his heart and soul for the team. We are thankful for the support staff and sponsors of our team.”

Police beat Navy 41/22, Army 19/10, Air Force 34/20 and lost out to CR 6/19, Kandy 19/33, Havelock 5/16 and CH 12/18. In the Super Round of the Plate round, they beat Navy 37/7 and Army 42/37 and lost to Air Force 5/26. Beat Air Force 29/27, CR and FC 40/16 and Havelock 19/12 to win the Clifford Cup knockout after 33 long years.

Police Squad: Hafiz Thabeeth, Deshan Fernando, Amjad Fawmy, Udaya Sanjula, Mohan Wimalaratne (Capt), Lahiru Thilakarathne , Shanaka Harischandra, Vihanga Pavithura, Primesh Danushka, Prince Chamara, Sujan Kodithuwakku, Hirantha Perera, Akash Madushanka , Sachith Silva, Shane Hopwood, Danushka Edirisuriya , Vihanga Shaveen, Hashan Fernando , Sameera Jayasinghe, Chamoth Iroshan, Mithun Hapugoda, Naveen Kanishka, and Rukshan Madusanka.

Head Coach           

Nilfer Ibrahim

Asst Coach           

Dulanjana wijesinghe

Manager              

Chamika Ranasinghe

Trainer               

Hashan Gomes

Assistant Trainer       

Azmi Thaseem

Physio               

Manuth Gunarathne, 

Manoj Silva

Manager Overall        

Kumara Samarakoon

Team Doctor          

Dr. Mithila Ruwang

Support staff

Nandika Ranathunga, 

Nalaka Sampath and 

Singith Sandaruwan

Chairman 

Rugby SDIG 

Ranmal Koduthuwakka

Secretary   

SSP Nizam Jamaldeen