Colombo's soccer giants clash for supremacy

Bernard Perera

The KIT Premier League 2007 comes to an end today with the two finals in Segment 'A' and 'B' scheduled to be played at the Sugathadasa Stadium at 3.30 p.m. and 5.45 p.m.

In the Segment 'A' Saunders Sports Club from Pettah the Glamour Boys for nearly three decades will confront Kotahena's Ratnam SC which too has been in the high riding soccerites since its inception in '60s.

Saunders SC maintained a fine track record from the beginning of the tourney and held on to the top spot in Segment 'A'-II with 23 points. They played 10 games to collect these points having scored 14 goals while giving away only four which proves that they in with an advantage.

Their back division has done bulk of the work for them holding their opponents away from their territory who come into score. But their strikers have not done that well in finding the net on many occasions.

Saunders SC will take the field today missing two of their star players Charith Samarasekera who received marching orders during the semi-final against Negombo Youth SC last weekend, and the Germany born Michael Klemu who has left the country due to his commitments.

Ratnam SC who were placed down in the order in Segment 'A'-I behind Negombo Youth came back strongly to reach the semis collecting a total of 17 points from ten games.

They have only five wins during the tournament up to semis. But they are with a good goal aggregate (21) than their rivals Saunders (14).

This record proves their strength in the front row. They were equipped last year's top goal getter Kasun Jayasuriya. He is the top goal getter this season too with 12 goals under his belt. But this team will miss the services as he was shown the 'red card' during the semi-final against New Youngs SC on Sunday.

In addition, they will miss the Chathura Madhuranga the national skipper who inferred an injury playing against Qatar in the World Cup qualifying round game in Doha.

The third player who is doubtful for today's game is Rawmy Mohideen who too is on the injured list.

Though both sides are missed few play-makers a game of classy football is expected in today's final which is scheduled to kick off at 5.45 p.m. soon after the Segment 'B' final.

The Segment 'B' final between Sri Lanka Navy and Java Lane SC will come off at 3.30 p.m. Navy was the only team that maintained an unbeaten record since campaign for supremacy began.

Playing twelve games recorded nine wins and three draws to have a total of 30 points. They scored 27 goals while giving away only five.

This is a fine performance shown by the strikers while the team from Slave Island have conceded six goals collecting only 13 from the same number of matches before the semi-final.

Java Lane SC will have to put strong defence line to halt the goal-hungry sailors if they are to go away with the trophy on offer and the cash award of Rs. 300,000.

When considering the past record, sailors come out for today's as firm favourites but Slave Island Club in capable of turning table in this final game.

The winners of the Segment 'A' will be awarded the KIT Premier League Trophy and a cash award of Rs. 500,000 while the runners-up are to receive Rs. 300,000.

General Manager Dialog Telekom S. Faleel will be the chief guest for the first game while Naushad Perera, Chief Marketing Officer Dialog Telekom will be the chief guest for Segment 'A' final.