CR do not renew Marrikar’s coaching contract

By Shamseer Jaleel

The management of leading rugby club CR&FC decided not to renew the contract of its coach Inthisam Marrikar. They made their minds up two weeks ago and are now said to be looking for an overseas coach to serve as a suitable replacement for the 2016/2017 rugby season.

CR, who performed remarkably well with a young outfit, were taken into the top three of the club league table by Marrikar, who is considered one of the country’s finest coaches. CR finished the league competition trailing Kandy and Havies before progressing to the final of the Clifford Cup where they almost beat Kandy. 

Speaking to Daily FT, Marrikar said: “I was invited to CR by Christopher Jodache and Ajith Abeyratne to take over the coaching job. At that time only 12 players were available and CR was placed sixth. After taking over the Longdon Place club we beat Havies after five years and also entered the semifinals in the Clifford Cup knockout tournament after an equal number of years. We took some quality youngsters into the team. The problem started when the CR rugby committee wanted to get involved in team selections. Most of them did not even watch away games and were only present for home matches. They gave their feedback on how I should coach and select the team. Me and my two assistant coaches, Shamly and Musthaq, gave our heart and soul for the club. We had an ordinary, inexperienced outfit but I kept telling the committee to believe in the lads and give them time to settle and prove themselves.” Marrikar added that he even attempted to find sponsors and support for the team’s nutrition.