All set for high class soccer in the final

Bernard PERERA

The Word famous FA Cup Soccer Championship commenced in 1871 with a history of over 100 years is one of the prestigious tournaments played in every part of the world under the same name FA Cup. At present the FA Cup is played in over 200 countries.

Sri Lanka too, took up to this championship way back in 1949 conducted the then Football Association.

The first championship was won by Saunders Sports Club from Pettah beating Police Sports Club one goal to nil. The inaugural winners - Saunders SC from Pettah, has maintained a fine history over the years by winning the title on 21 occasions which is a record that stands still.

The championship is competed by all registered Clubs in Sri Lanka. This paves the way for lesser known Clubs to make their way in to the higher level as they get the opportunity of meeting top ranking clubs and help improve improve their standards.

The present FA Cup which is known as the Holcim FA Cup, commenced his year with 115 teams participating on a knock out basis. Already 113 matches have been completed inclusive of the two semi finals.

Holcim Lanka Limited, the sponsors the tournament for the seventh successive year with heavy cash awards on offer. Ratnam Sports Club from Kotahena has won the Holcim FA Cup on most number of occasions, winning three of them. Last year it was Navy SC which won the Cup defeating Civil Security Force on a tie breaker.

This year too, the high class of soccer is expected from the two finalists as both teams are packed with many national players.