Mahela’s Hat Trick Powers Cricket Stars To 6-1 Win
- Celebrity Football Match
The Celebrity Football Match organized by the Past Prefects’ Association on 8th October at Zahira College Grounds proved to be an outstanding success.
Adding colour to the occasion was the participation of several leading ‘stars’ of other sports and some prominent names who have distinguished themselves in other fields.
Of course the star of them all was former national cricket captain Mahela Jayawardena who played a key role with a hat trick of goals as his side the Cricket stars eased to a 6 – 1 victory over the All Stars side.
This star war battle was played as a charity match in order to raise fund for the Zahira PPA’s education aid.
The Cricket stars led by Sri Lanka bowling coach Champaka Ramanayaka had a great start from the first whistle and Mahela Jayawardene was quickly into action to slot in the first goal
The legendary seam bowler Chaminda Vaas playing as left wing produced some great curves in to the box, this time the swing was from the foot showing great talent and agility. Former fast bowling coach Champaka Ramanayake controlled the game sweetly from the middle.
Chandana made the second goal from another great through pass from Mahela. Shehan Daniel scored the third with a stunner to ensure a 3 – 0 lead at the lemons for the cricketers.
Former national cricket stars Graham Labrooy, Ravindra Pushpakumara, Lanka De Silva, Asho Peiris, Shane Fenando, Jerome Jayantha, Jeewantha Kulathunga, and many other former cricketers were among the Cricket stars team.
The second half proved to be all Mahela’s as he scored two more goals to complete a remarkable hat trick sending the crowd into a screaming frenzy to see their legend excel in a different form of sport at the home of one of the greatest football playing schools in the country. After missing two early chances in the first half he made it count in the second half.
The all stars led by Fouzul Hameed did not have much ball possession despite the early goal in the second half by Hassimdeen Tito. Former rugby players, business personalities and media personalities were among the All star team.
Hisham Abdeen who was a well-known rugby player and also played in the national football team during 1986 was playing along with veteran Nizam Jamaldeen, Shamly Nawaz, Mushtaq Jiffrey, Ishan Noor and Devinda Prasad.
Subhani Hashimdeen was the oldest player on the field who was the former Sri Lanka football captain. Naina Mohamed, Mohamed Roomy, Zia Ul – Haq, Roshan Watawala and the Derena dream star singer Shan Hashim, Fashion visionary Ajai Vir Singh, Sri Lanka National Football Coach Nikola Kavazović, Famous Racer Sajaad Zuhair, also among the All star list.
A huge crowd gathered to witness the match and were treated to a rare spectacle. Sri Lanka Cricket Captain Angelo Mathews, Ajantha Mendis, Farveez Mahroof were also present to witness their team mates’ skills. The match was organized to support and promote the Educational Projects of PPA in alignment with the “10th Zahira Super 16 Soccer 7s” which will be held on Saturday, 18th October at Zahira Ground.
