Emdad Rahman
NEWHAM POWERLEAGUE hosted the first ever Greater Shaharpara Ambassadors Cup as members of the village from Jagannathpur in Sylhet, Bangladesh, came together to enjoy a feast of community football.
As a sign of the strength in depth, the organisers were able to organise eight teams into two groups, with the top two making it through to the semi-finals.
Shaharpara Mohammadan were the victors after a day of exhibition football. The Reds came out on top against Luton-based Shaharpara Millennium in a hugely entertaining final. Goals from man of the match Sadique Kamaly and Shamim Kamaly secured a win for the boys in red as Shanur Kamaly played out of his skin to keep a clean sheet.
Abab Miah Kamaly, the organiser, is from Oldham, and his team Shaharpara FC Oldham were unlucky to lose in their semi-final. He said, “Today is the first time the locality has united at a major event.”
Chair Enam Hussain handed the trophy to popular football legend Mujahid Hussain to declare Shaharpara Mohammadan the champions. Player manager Shofi Miah commented, “The main benefit is we have used football to break barriers. It’s nice that our generation is bringing about community cohesion. Well done everybody!”
Secretary Shazid Miah Kamaly concluded, “The idea behind this is to get the young Shaharpara people together from all sectors. We are building bridges and have enjoyed a great day out. Congratulations to everyone – We are all winners today.”
Greater Shaharpara Cup 2017 participants Chubby Alonsos Shaharpara United Shaharpara Millenium Kamali Riders Flamingos Sharpara FC Oldham Shaharpara Mohammadan KamaliUnited
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