"xZahirians Play" futsal tournament organized by Zahira College Mawanella OBA Qatar Branch was held on Friday, 15 March 2019 at the Al Arabi Sports Club Futsal Arena. Zahirians in Qatar competed in two categories aged below 35 competed for the Elite Championship while the 35 and above Zahirians competed for the Veterans championship. There were eight teams in the elite category while four teams under the veterans category.
For the first time in Qatar, Qatar OBA introduced *ZAM ZAMEEL CHALLENGE TROPHY*, a tournament that took place among the Mawanella Zone schools to foster brotherhood and networking. The trophy was named after a phenomenal athlete who brought name and fame to the college in football and athletics at national level and represented leading football clubs in his illustrious sports career, Mr. Z.A.M. Zameel.
For *ZAM ZAMEEL CHALLENGE TROPHY* Buduriya CC, Al Azhar college , Nurooraniya MMV, Medina MMV , Delghagoda MKV and Zahira College competed in a knockout tournament. ZAM Zameel Trophy was clinched by the spirited Zahirian side led by Ackeel Mohamed. Zahira College old boys won the final 6-1 goals against Madeena old boys team thanks to the striker Mohamed Azman. The Zahirian striker Mohammad Azman won the Man of the Tournament award.
The final match of the "Xzahirians Play" Veterans category was held between the Lions and Jaguars. The Jaguars team emerged champions in the final beating Lions by 2 - 0. The Elite Group competition was the most intensely fought battle and in the final Raiders and Cowboys met head to head in a heated game.The Cowboys's star player Azman had to leave the field with a leg injury. The Raiders used the opportunity to equalize. The match ended up 1 - 1 at the end of full-time. The extra time didn't help to reach a result. Finally the Raiders lead by Mohamed Mubeen won the finals 2 - 0 in a penalty shoot out.
The following players were awarded for their excellent performances.
xZahirians Elite Best Player Award - Mohammed Azman
xZahirians Elite best Goal Keeper Award - Muhammad Sharhan
xZahirians Veterans Best Player Award - Mohammed Aslam
xZahirians Veterans Best Goal Keeper Award - Mohammed Muhazzaam
Mohamed Lafir the president of Mawanella Zahira OBA Qatar stated that, "The purpose of this grand event is to build the networking and brotherhood among Qatar living Zahirians and the brothers of Mawanella and to appreciate the alumni's contribution in the History of Zahira". He also thanked the exco members, OBA members , the school teams who participated and the sponsors who assisted for a great successful event.
The OBA members and their families graced the occasion.
Shamran Nawaz (Batch 77)