Football
Fouzul Hameed Calls for Urgent Reforms in Sri Lankan Football: “Enough is Enough”
In a powerful and emotional statement, Fouzul Hameed — veteran football advocate, entrepreneur, and co-founder of the AC Milan Academy in Colombo — has delivered a scathing critique of Sri Lanka’s football administration, calling for immediate reforms to rescue the sport from what he describes as “chronic mismanagement and total collapse.
In a candid interview with Serendib News 🔗 Source, Hameed, who also captained Zahira College’s football team during his school days, expressed frustration over the decline of Sri Lankan football — both at grassroots and national levels.
“This is not personal—it’s a wake-up call. Especially at the school level, if we build a proper system, we might finally see decent results,”
Hameed emphasized.

“No Future in Football” – A Harsh Reality
Hameed admitted that he now encourages players to focus on their education instead of football due to the lack of career prospects in the sport. He lamented that football has become an elite pastime hijacked by individuals with no understanding or passion for the game.
There’s no future in it right now—no careers, no livelihood,” he said. “Talent doesn’t matter anymore. Football is now controlled by politics and greed.
School Football in Crisis
His strongest words were reserved for the school football system, which he described as being in complete disarray.
Our school system is a disaster. There’s no coaching, no nurturing of talent, and no proper calendar. Finals are played under harsh conditions, without basic facilities like medical support or crowd control.
Comparing football to the glamor of school rugby and cricket, Hameed pointed out how football is marginalized despite having deep roots and mass appeal.

Look at the attention rugby and cricket get. Meanwhile, school football finals happen in near silence. It’s disrespectful.
A Broken Federation
Hameed criticized the Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) for its failure in leadership and planning.
The wrong people are running the game. They have no playing background, no vision, no strategy — they’re in it for the titles and benefits.
Highlighting Zahira College’s legacy of producing nearly 100 national players, he said that even his alma mater may withdraw from tournaments due to poor planning and conditions.
Give us one tournament and a proper venue — we’ll show you how it’s done.
Call to Clean House
Calling on the Ministry of Sports and the President of Sri Lanka, Hameed demanded a complete overhaul of the football governing body.
Football can unite this country, but it needs leaders with values and professionalism. We need people who genuinely care about the sport.
He referenced Sri Lanka’s recent humiliating 8-0 loss to India and the issue of national players wearing fake jerseys due to budgetary issues, calling it “a national disgrace.”
Final Word
This is not just a game — it’s identity, dignity, and hope. But it’s being destroyed by incompetence. Enough is enough.
Fouzul Hameed’s passionate appeal reflects a broader concern shared by players, fans, and former athletes alike — that Sri Lankan football is long overdue for reform, and that real change must begin with honest leadership and grassroots investment
Football
CBL Samaposha Continues to Empower Sri Lanka’s Young Footballers for the 14th Consecutive Year
In a remarkable display of commitment to grassroots sports development, CBL Samaposha continues its proud legacy of empowering the U14 Inter-School National Football Championship for the 14th consecutive year, reaffirming its role as one of Sri Lanka’s most consistent supporters of school-level football.
Organized by the Schools Football Association of Sri Lanka (SSFA), this year’s championship will take place across 32 regional grounds islandwide, drawing participation from over 12,000 young players representing 510 boys’ teams and 110 girls’ teams.

Provincial champions will advance to the final rounds in Galle, with matches scheduled at the Dadella Football Complex, B.T.S. School Grounds, and Galle Municipal Grounds. The grand final will be played at the Colombo Racecourse Grounds on December 13, where the nation’s most talented young players will compete for top honors.
CBL Foods’ Chief Executive Officer Mr. Manjula Dahanayake emphasized the company’s deep-rooted commitment to nurturing youth potential, saying:
“Our vision is to inspire young Sri Lankans to pursue their dreams through sport, discipline, and teamwork. Supporting this tournament helps build the next generation of leaders both on and off the field.”
SSFA CEO Mr. Iraj Wimalasuriya expressed appreciation for Samaposha’s continued partnership, stating:
“CBL Samaposha has been a true ally in our mission to strengthen school football. Their long-term commitment ensures that children from all parts of the island get an equal opportunity to play, compete, and grow.”
Adding further, Lt. Col. G.G. Anura Apevikrama, Director of Physical Education and Sports at the Ministry of Education, noted that this championship is often the first competitive experience for many budding footballers — a crucial step in building Sri Lanka’s sporting future.
As a proudly homegrown brand under CBL Plenty Foods (Pvt) Ltd, Samaposha continues to fuel the nation’s youth — both nutritionally and inspirationally — reinforcing the value of sportsmanship and unity through football.
🏆 About the Championship
- Organizer: Schools Football Association of Sri Lanka (SSFA)
- Sponsor: CBL Samaposha
- Players: Over 12,000 (Boys & Girls)
- Venues: 32 regional grounds, finals in Galle & Colombo
- Finals Date: December 13, 2025
Football
Zahira College Colombo Dominate Group A — Gampola Zahira and Darussalam Battle for Second Spot
The Group A stage of the Lifebuoy Ball Blaster 2025 Schools Football Championship is heating up, with Zahira College Colombo emerging as the clear frontrunner after an unbeaten run in their first two matches. With six points and an impressive 8–2 goal difference, Zahira are well on course to top the group and secure a direct berth to the quarterfinals.
Zahira’s attacking flair and tactical balance have made them one of the most complete teams in this year’s tournament. Their consistent performances have set the tone in Group A, making them strong contenders for the overall title.
Behind them, the battle for the second qualifying spot is intensifying between Darussalam College and Gampola Zahira College. Both teams currently sit on three points each, but Darussalam have played one match more, leaving Gampola Zahira with a crucial game in hand.
Kingswood College, despite showing moments of promise, have struggled to convert opportunities into results and remain winless after three outings.
With two group matches remaining, the race for quarterfinal qualification is expected to go down to the wire. Zahira Colombo, the current Group A leader, will likely face Vaddakkachchi Central College (D2) from Group D in the knockout stage, while the second-placed team will meet Hameed Al Husseinie College (D1) — setting up thrilling contests ahead.
| School | M | W | L | D | GS | GA | GD | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zahira College, Colombo | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 2 | +6 | 6 |
| Gampola Zahira College | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | +2 | 3 |
| Darussalam College | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 3 |
| Kingswood College | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 5 | 13 | -8 | 0 |



Football
Hameed Al Husseinie and Vaddakkachchi Central March into Quarterfinals of Ball Blaster 2025
The Group D stage of the Lifebuoy Ball Blaster 2025 Schools Football Championship concluded with Hameed Al Husseinie College and Vaddakkachchi Central College sealing their spots in the quarterfinals after a fiercely contested round of matches.
Hameed Al Husseinie topped the group with an unbeaten record, securing 7 points from three matches, including two wins and one draw. Their dominance was evident with a commanding 9 goals scored while conceding only one — showcasing a solid attacking unit and disciplined defense.
Vaddakkachchi Central College earned the second qualification spot with 5 points, winning one and drawing two matches. Despite a lower goal tally of five, their consistency and composure under pressure helped them edge out Baduriya College, who finished third with four points.
Al-Falah College, meanwhile, struggled to find rhythm throughout the group stage, finishing at the bottom without a win.
According to the tournament structure, Group D winner Hameed Al Husseinie College (D1) will face Group A runner-up (A2) in the quarterfinals, while Vaddakkachchi Central (D2) will meet Group A winner, most probably Zahira College Colombo (A1) — a clash that promises thrilling football action.
As the competition intensifies, both qualifying teams from Group D will be looking to carry their momentum into the knockout rounds and make a strong statement in their quest for the prestigious Lifebuoy Ball Blaster Championship 2025 title.
🏅 Final Group D Standings
| School | MP | W | L | D | GS | GA | GD | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hameed Al Husseinie College | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 9 | 1 | +8 | 7 |
| Vaddakkachchi Central College | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 2 | +3 | 5 |
| Baduriya College | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 5 | -2 | 4 |
| Al-Falah College | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 10 | -9 | 0 |








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