As expected “OZEE Soccer Sevens 2017” delivered a high class football tournament for the Sri Lankan community in State of Qatar.
The event took place on 24th March 2017 at International School of London in Qatar with the participation of 28 teams and spectators gathered in large numbers to witness their community, clubs and college mates’ performances. Most of the teams which took part in the tourney displayed some fascinating game of football and sportsmanship throughout the tournament.
Knockout stage matches were eye catching as the best 16 teams in the tourney put forwarded a brilliant show and Zahira Puttalam, Maroons FC, , Hameedians FC and Everocks FC stormed into semi-finals after beating defending champions Old Weslyites Sports Club and tournament favourites Zahira Mawanella, Haji Sevens FC, United Eleven Gampola FC. After a tough competition Maroons FC and Everocks FC got through to the grand finale. However, due to non-eligibility of a player from Everocks FC who was sent out of filed in semi-final match made them to withdraw from the tournament which handed Maroons FC as the Champions of OZEE Soccer Sevens 2017.
Meanwhile Zahira Puttalam and Hameedians FC emerged as the third and fourth place respectively. Mohamed Ijaz and Mohamed Shiyam of Maroons FC were adjudicated as the best Player and best Goal Keeper of the tournament respectively. Further, Fadil Mizhar of Good Boys FC and Being Kind Foundation awarded as most popular player and most popular team in the contest respectively. Best outfit award was jointly shared by Trinco Mix FC and Ali Bin Ali Lions FC.
His Excellency A S P Liyanage Ambassador for Sri Lankan embassy in Qatar presence as the chief guest made the event much glamorous and presentation ceremony was held with the participation of His Excellency and other distinguish invitees. The event Gold sponsor is Gulf Agency Company (GAC) Qatar which one of the country’s leading providers of integrated shipping and logistics services and Silver sponsors are Qatar Services and QHTC. Further bronze sponsors are Fiber Dyne Technologies and Shabab Al Rayyan restaurant. The event is organized by Zahira College Colombo, Old Boys’ Association Qatar (ZOBAQ) which was formed in 2009 in order to gather all past students under one umbrella to assist their Alma mater in being among the best educational institutes in Sri Lanka and to foster social interaction among old boys’ of the college as well as Sri Lankans residing in Qatar. The association is affiliated to the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Qatar.
All matches from quarter final stage onwards brought live through www.thepapare.com and this was first time Zahira College Colombo OBA Qatar and a Sri Lankan community sporting event has been live telecasted in Sri Lanka’s no.01 Sports Hub. Viewers across the globe appreciated “OZEE Soccer Sevens 2017” organizers and team www.thepapre.com for their efforts. Finally “OZEE Soccer Sevens 2017” organizing committee wishes to thank His Excellency A S P Liyanage, event sponsors, the management of International School of London in Qatar, team www.thepapare.com, volunteers and all those who contributed to make this community event historical and grand success.
