DAMANSARA DAMAI: The latest edition of the Samba Bola 7-aside Unity Under-12 Football Carnival-Tan Sri Mustapha Kamal 2014 Trophy was another huge success.
The carnival was a tribute to Tan Sri Mustapha Kamal, a distinguished corporate personality who has an immense passion for the game and who has helped a lot in its development at the junior and grassroots level, especially in the Selangor region.
Held recently at the NPNG Sports Centre football field at Damansara Damai, 24 teams competed with five having to be turned away.
Participants received Milo T-shirts and the top eight teams won medals and sponsors products.
Like in all SportsUnite carnivals, unity prevailed with all teams comprising children of at least two different races at all playing times on the field.
Mustapha watched the final and later presented prizes to the top four teams and special awards.
He expressed hope that the carnival would grow in size in years to come.
Red Giants from Rawang Selangor emerged champions, beating Ijok FC from Batang Berjuntai 4-3 on penalty kicks after the final ended 0-0 in extra time.
Team Azzuri from Kg Melayu Sungei Buloh emerged third beating, Hazard of NPNG Sports Centre 1-0.
Special award winners — Most promising player of the tournament: Mohd Nabil Najmi Ahmad Sabri (Azzurri); Top scorer: Thanush Sithiravelu (Red Giants); Man of the match in final: Wan Mohd Shahir (Red Giants); Best Goalkeeper: Fazari Rosman (Ijok Batang Berjuntai).