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People of the Jaffna peninsula will witness an international soccer encounter after a lapse of 40 years, said Manilal Fernando, Vice President of the Asian Football Confederation and former FFSL President at a press briefing on Wednesday at Football House. The media conference was held to brief the media regarding the Maldivian team's arrival and to disclose arrangements for the Sri Lanka Maldivian soccer clash in Jaffna this Saturday at Duraiappa Stadium at 4.30 p.m.

Addressing the media gathering Mr. Fernando thanked President of Maldives Mohamed Abdul Gayoom, Foreign Minister, Information Minister, government and people of Maldives for the co-operation extended in sending the national team to play two friendly games one in Colombo and the other in Jaffna.

Earlier all arrangements made locally to play a friendly game in Jaffna with the Pakistan team. But all efforts made till the last minute could not bring in results. The CEO of FFSL Chrysantha Perera took all possible steps to please the Pakistan authorities to travel to Jaffna though it was unsuccessful grant tribute has to be paid to him, he said.

Manilal Fernando introducing the manager of the team Ahamed Shahir to the audience said, you will be provided with all international facilities in Colombo. But as you know Jaffna is a war torn city at present we are unable to provide all facilities please bear with us any shortcomings in Jaffna. As you are aware security, travelling and other arrangements too had to be done in a short period.

He also said that the weather conditions there is very hot and the match has been scheduled for 4.30 p.m. Minister of Interior Affairs, John Amaratunga will be the chief guest while Minister for North-East Rehabilitation, Jayalath Jayawardene and Youth Affairs Minister, Johnston Fernando too will be present on the occasion.

Manilal also said as a sign of promoting peace and sports the spectators get the opportunity of witnessing the match free of charge.

Aharme Shahir, Manager of the Maldivian team said it is a pleasure to be in Sri Lanka even for a short period. I am thankful to the FFSL for inviting us for friendly soccer matches. I look forward to play good soccer here. The team which includes 20 players in a mixture of youth and experience. The oldest being captain Mohamed Ibrahim who is 32 years. We included lot of young talent with a view to our future soccer it is a must, he said.

He said we last played our international game in Male against China in world qualifying round game which we lost 1-0. According to Asian rankings we are placed slightly below Sri Lanka. On the rankings Sri Lanka stayed at 27th position while we are placed at 29th, he said. He concluded saying we hope to give our best to local soccer fans during our short stay.

The tour squad comprise of twenty players and seven officials.

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