Our Own Zenith want to dominate NSL

Denzil Pinto 21:22 12/02/2017
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  • Abdu oversaw the seven-wicket and 84-run victories to claim the Under-14 and U-17 titles at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. That completed a remarkable treble in the competition after the Sharjah-based school got their hands on the inaugural U-12 trophy in Dubai last month.

    While Abdu is thrilled with the achievements this year, he believes this could be just be the start.

    “I’m really happy that we have won today,” he said. “Although I’m the coach, I’ve only played a small role. The credit has to go to each and every player because they are the ones who have worked so hard in training and come up with strong performances on the field.

    “The NSL has allowed schools from across the UAE to play for glory and of course, we want to work on winning more silverware in this competition.

    “Once you become champions it’s a good feeling. We know we have done it. But we know as champions, there will be pressure on us next season because everyone wants to beat us and we have to be ready to cope. The fact we won the U-12, U-14 and U-17 titles, show that we have strength across all ages so that gives us confidence that we can do well in the future.”

    His views were echoed by the team captains Shoun Roger and Niel Lobo, who both believe there’s no reason why they can’t become a force in NSL.

    “This is one of the best tournaments I’ve won in my life and I want to win more NSL titles,” said U-14 skipper Roger, who will play in the U-17 category when the fourth edition begins later this year.

    “It’s given us confidence that we can go out there and beat any team whoever it is.”

    Lobo, who skippered the team to last season’s U-15 title, added: “Yes definitely we can win more. We won last year and although the U-14 side couldn’t win in 2016, they showed signs of improvement and today they won.

    “If we carry on in the same morale and keep the same spirit, I’m sure we can do that again. We are all united as one.”

    For U-17 coach Vikram Dutt, he admitted the best team won but says he cannot fault his players.

    “Zenith are deserving champions and they showed their mettle throughout the competition by beating strong sides,” he said.

    “When I came to the stadium, I could see the body language of my players wasn’t there and we didn’t play well.

    “But I’m proud of my players. They proved me wrong by reaching this far and can hold their
    heads high.”

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