Zahira College Football

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The Golden Autumn of Maradana: Zahira College’s Historic 40-Day Reign

In the annals of Sri Lankan school sports, few achievements carry the weight of the feat accomplished by Zahira College, Colombo, in the late months of 1987. It was a season where the stars aligned over Maradana, and the "Green Machine" of soccer didn't just win—they dominated. Within a staggering span of just forty days, from October 4th to November 13th, the college secured six major soccer titles across multiple age groups.

For the Zahira community, soccer is not merely a sport; it is an inheritance. As noted by the Daily Observer on November 30, 1987, the sport is woven into the very fabric of the institution. To a Zahirian, kicking a ball is as natural as breathing. The drive to win is so deeply ingrained that the players view a tournament without a trophy as a personal loss, akin to losing a member of their own family. This intensity is what fueled the 1987 campaign, turning a series of tournaments into a historic march toward immortality.

The momentum began on October 4, 1987, at the All-Island Education Department Tournament in Wennappuwa. The Under-17 team, led by the stalwart Rameez Jaufer, set the tone by clinching the first trophy of the season. Jaufer, pictured in the newspaper holding the shield, became the face of a new generation of Zahira leaders.

The victories then followed in rapid-fire succession:

Under 17: All-Island Education Department Tournament (Oct 4).

Under 14: Colombo District Schools Football Association Tournament.

Under 16: Colombo District Schools Football Association Tournament.

Under 12: Sri Lanka Schools All-Island Tournament.

Under 18: Sri Lanka Schools All-Island Tournament.

Under 20: Sri Lanka Schools All-Island Tournament (The Brazil Cup).

There was almost a seventh title. The Under-16 team reached the final of the All-Island Schools tournament against St. Mary’s, Negombo. In a nail-biting encounter, Zahira went down 0-1. While the loss was stinging, it served as a testament to the school's dominance—even their "failures" resulted in All-Island silver medals.

Even today, looking back at that grainy newsprint from 1987, the pride is palpable. It was a time when soccer was everything, and for 40 glorious days, Zahira College was everything in soccer

Zahira College Football | Annual Ifthar 2026

CHAMPIONS CROWNED!
Congratulations to Zahira College, Colombo, the Samaposha U-14 Boys’ Inter School National Football Champions.
A stellar performance built on skill, teamwork, and unwavering determination.

Heritage Derby 2026 officially launched at the Zahira College OBA Annual Dinner Night ✨

The 2nd Edition will be organized by Zahira College, with the hosting rights formally handed over from the Hameed Al Husseinie College Principal to the Zahira College Principal.

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78 වන නිදහස අභිමානයෙන් සමරමු 🇱🇰
78 வது சுதந்திரத்தை பெருமையுடன் கொண்டாடுவோம் 🇱🇰
Let’s celebrate the 78th Independence with pride 🇱🇰

Presenting the distinguished Zahira College Football Coaching Panel.
A dynamic team of seasoned professionals, committed to excellence both on and off the field. Guided by a shared vision and unwavering dedication, they serve as the driving force shaping the future of Zahira Football.

A proud achievement for Zahira College as our young footballers earn their place in the U17 National Football Squad for the SAFF Championship in Sri Lanka. Wishing them success as they represent with honour, dedication and pride.

Congratulations to M. M. M. Murshid on his selection to the U17 National Football Squad, and to M. S. Rameem and H. Hamiz on their selection to the U15 National Football Squad representing Sri Lanka at the Subroto Cup in New Delhi, India. Wishing you all the very best to shine on the international stage.

A Proud moment as young talents F. A. Fareeq Ahamed, M. A. Abdull Azeez, and M. N. M. Abdullah step onto the grand international stage, representing the nation with passion, dedication, and pride. Wishing them success as they make their mark at the U23 Asian Cup Qualifiers!