AIISIFT 2013 semi-finals today

Anuradha Abeysekera

The annual All Island Inter-School Invitation Football Tournament (AIISIFT 2013) conducted by the group of 80's of Hameed Al Husseinie College, Colombo 12 has reached its semi-final stage and four strong teams are battling it out today at the Sugathadasa Stadium in their quest to book a berth in the grand final which is to be worked off on February 10 at the same ground.

The tournament commenced on January 26 with 16 school teams from Colombo and outstations taking part. St. Benedict's College will meet Lumbini College, Colombo in the first semi-final will kick-off at 1.30pm while the hosting Hameed Al Husseinie College will take on Hindu College, Colombo in the other semi-final which starts at 5.15pm.

Meanwhile the first semi-final of the Veterans' tournament will see Maligawatte Veterans taking on Colombo Veterans at 2.45pm while in the other semi-final, Java Lane Veterans will battle it out with Slave Island Veterans at 4.00pm.

Trophies will be awarded for the special achievements including Best Goal Keeper of the Tournament (Golden Glove award), Highest Goal Scorer of the Tournament (Fantastic Foot award), Most Valuable Player of the Tournament and Most Popular Player of the tournament. Power Horn stepped forward to sponsor AIISIFT 2013 and the winners will be awarded the Power Horn Challenge Trophy.

The organizers said that the tournament has become a popular annual event in the schools' football fraternity and also paves a platform for young talents to showcase their skills. It will also strengthen the friendship among the participating schools, irrespective of race and religion.

Hameed Al Husseinie College invaded the local football scene in 1957 winning Sir John Tarbot Shield and since then for many years, students of this school became prominent football players who represented Sri Lanka Schools Football Association and the National team.

As the ardent and enthusiastic promoters of football, the organizers have decided to bring up themes for this annual tournament and this year's theme is 'Inspirationally OURS'. Football is clearly the most popular sport in terms of fans and apart from an array of trophies and awards, AIISIFT 2013 will offer awards for fans as well.