Phoenix sponsors Zahira Rugby

Zahira College, one of the pioneer schools in the country to play rugby commencing from 1924, will look into regain their past glory with the support of Phoenix Industries Ltd., which has come forward to be the Main Sponsor of the team this year.

Apart from Phoenix, KFC will be the Food Partner along with RBN, the Clothing Partner of the team. A ceremony to hand over the sponsorships was held at Zahira College recently.

Phoenix Industries General Manager Marketing Rimaz Marzook (third from left) presents the main sponsorship to Zahira CollegePrincipalTrizvi Marikkar. Also present from left:ZahiraCollege 1st XV Rugby TeamCaptain M. AzharIrfan, Sports CouncilChairmanM.S. Mazeer, Rugby Committee ChairmanRiza Abdeenand Zahira RugbyHead Coach/ConsultantShamlie Nawaz

With a rich history of over 93 years, the school has been in the forefront dominating the sport in schools arena in the 1960’s in which it was able to emerge the league champions in 1962. Since then it was a gradual decline without annexing any major titles under her belt but was making the presence in top league. Playing in Division 2 in 2016, the team was promoted to Division 1 after finishing in the top four of the plate division. The team also made a big impact at the Sri Lanka Super 7’s Tournament last year with an impressive performance beating St. Thomas and St. Peters Colleges and emerged 3rd place in the 2nd leg.

Cargills Food Processors Marketing Manager Raj Asirvatham (third from left) presents the Food Partner sponsorship to Zahira CollegePrincipalTrizvi Marikkar. Also present from left: Zahira College 1st XV Rugby TeamCaptain M. AzharIrfan, Sports CouncilChairman M.S. Mazeer, Rugby Committee ChairmanRiza Abdeen and Zahira RugbyHead Coach/ConsultantShamlie Nawaz 

 This year the team will be led by AzharIrfan, the 5th year player. Playing as a powerful second-row forward, he looks forward to a sterling performance with a set of experienced and power packed team mates.

The team is coached by former Isipathana, CR & FC and National player/coach Shamlie Nawaz. Seeded in Division 2, he was instrumental in molding the team to take to Division 1 this year with his professional approach of coaching. 

Business Head of RBN Dhananjaya Weerakoon (third from left) presents the Clothing Partner sponsorship to Zahira CollegePrincipalTrizvi Marikkar.Also present from left: Zahira College 1st XV Rugby TeamCaptain M. AzharIrfan, Sports CouncilChairman M.S. Mazeer, Rugby Committee ChairmanRiza Abdeen and Zahira RugbyHead Coach/ConsultantShamlie Nawaz

He is well supported by officials of the school which include Chairman Board of Governors Fouzul Hameed, Principal Trizviiy Marikkar, Chairman of Sports Council M.S. Mazeer, Chairman of Rugby Committee Riza Abdeen and Prefect of Games M. MushiseenAriff.   

The Squad

Mohamed AzharIrfan (2nd Row), Captain; Muammar Deen Mohamed AmjadFaumy, Dilshan Mannaperuma, Mohamed Shazaan and Mohamed Ibrahim Aniff (Props); Tuan ShameemNassar and Maas Youhana Musharraf Nallawangshe (Hookers); Mohamed Faiz Mohamed Salman and HaaziqFhuazi (2nd Rows); AhamedAteeqAslam (2nd Row/Number 8); Mohamed AtheeqAlawdeen, Mohamed Nizlar Mohamed Nizran, Tuan Zaid Thajudeen and Abdul Rahuman Husni (Flankers); Mohamed Akeel Kudhoos (Flanker/Number 8); Mohamed Fowzulhaq (Flanker/2nd Row); Hamied Safu (No. 8); Tuan Shifaz Amath and Mohamed Iqbal Shameer (Scrum Halves); Mohamed Zaid Sinhawansa (Fly Half); Mohamed YuzraanLantra, Ahamed Rushdi Abdeen, Mohamed FarhanSuhaib, Abdul Salam Abdul Hakeem Zakariyya and Mohamed Mubashshir (Wings); Hassan Razick and Mohamed Arshad Kitchilan (Centres); Mohamed Minhaj Samsudeen, (Centre/Full back); Mohamed Shamahil Soewito (Centre/Wing); Ahamed RahumanAriffBooso, Mohamed Shamil Furkhan, Mohamed Nauzer and Mohamed Fazal (Full Backs); H. D. Kariyawasam (M.I.C); Dilan Soyza (Backs Coach); Herathge Karunarathne, (Fitness Trainer); Mohamed Ifhtikar (Physiotherapist).