JEDDAH — Catalonia FC and Soccer Freakz emerged champions in the seniors and juniors categories, respectively, of the 3rd UTSC Saudi Soccer Festival 2019, powered by Hasco and organized by UTSC Saudi, at Shababia Sports Complex in Bani Malik.
After an exhibition match between UTSC Saudi and Olympic FC on the final day, Soccer Freakz and JSC Juniors met for the juniors’ crown. Soccer Freakz began with high intensity, attacking from the word go. JSC, which had gone down badly in an earlier league match to Freakz, however, held on for some time and challenged the rivals.
But once Freakz opened the scoring, it was on a roll. Its Nihal scored a hat trick and was adjudged the Man of the Final. Zakaria was the other scorer.
Nihal of Soccer Freakz was selected as the Player of the Tournament. Talent Teenz were accorded the fair play award. The other individual trophies awarded were as follows: Best Defender — Mazin (JSC), Best Forward — Adil (Soccer Freakz), Best Goalkeeper — Danish (Malarwadi Strikers).
The seniors’ final between Catalonia FC and JSC Seniors was a thriller often bringing the jam-packed crowd to the edge of their seats. Catalonia FC started the match well with Jabbar scoring in the fourth minute and Ahmed scoring in the 13th minute. But JSC kept its composure and hit Catalonia FC hard with 4 wonderful goals. The goals were score by Nishad (23 min, 40 min), Shihabuddin (29 min) and Ramees (33 min).
But a never-say-die Catalonia upset the applecart of JSC with 2 goals scored by Adam (46 min) and Emad (50 Min).
In the penalty shootout that followed, Catalonia goalkeeper Adil made a brilliant save and he himself scored the final kick to win the match and champion’s trophy for his team. He also walked away with the best goalkeeper trophy. Emad was adjudged the Man of the Final.
In the senior category, Sharafudheen of JSC was accorded the Player of the Tournament trophy. The fair play award went to Soccer Brothers FC. The other individual trophies awarded were as follows: Best Defender — Shihab (JSC), Best Forward — Towfiq (Al-Hazmi Newcastle Kottappuram).
Sikander, Marketing Manager of Hasco Group was the chief guest. Other distinguished guests who graced the occasion and gave away the awards were Ubaidullah, Western Regional Manager, Al Kabeer; Philip Bushman, HR Manager, Bayer; Anees A.K, President, TMWA; and Kabeer Kondotty, General Secretary, Media Forum.
Ashir Ameerudheen anchored the awards ceremony with support from UTSC President Hisham Mahe, General Secretary; Ashfaq Melekandy and Chief Coordinator Shamsheer Oliyat. Tournament director Mehtab Ali proposed the vote of thanks. — SG
