Top class soccer expected in semis

Holcim FA Cup:

Bernard PERERA

The Holcim FA Cup soccer championship has reached its final stage with the semi-finals scheduled for today and tomorrow. These two semi-finals and the final will be staged at the redeveloped City Football League Ground, Slave Island, Colombo 2.

The first semi-final today will see the glamour boys in the soccer arena from Price Park, Pettah. Saunders SC take on the strong outfit from Kotahena the Ratnam Sports Club.

Saunders SC coached by Manjula Sirisena who followed the footsteps of his father, the top class striker P.D. Sirisena is confident that this outfit will produce the best soccer today to see the side enter the final. Though the Englishman Andrew is not playing in this game the others are in fine fettle to give their opponents a torrid time.

Asanka Viraj, the goal keeper for the Pettah Club has done a yeoman service during this tournament to them through to this stage with many vital saves especially serving few penalties during the quarter final game. In addition, two Chathuras in the side along with the defence line manned by national player Dumindu Hettiarachichi will have to deliver the goods for the side reach the final.

On the other hand their opponents too are aiming to make it to the final overcoming the Saunders. Their form is good at the moment. Kasun Jayasuriya, the main striker for the Kotahena team is top form and the latest star for them Malik Migara and the inform players Shavindra Maduranga, B. Shivanka are sure to produce good soccer with a view to see their team move to the final to have bang at the most prestigious FA Cup. Former national skipper Dudley Steinwall who guides the team with assistance from experienced Saboor Mohideen sees the team as a well knit are to overcome the Pettah Club. Ratnam SC completely outplayed Maligawatte Youth SC seven goals to two showing that the players have reached their peak form.