[gallery size="medium" td_select_gallery_slide="slide" td_gallery_title_input="IISJAA-IFPL makes rousing start" ids="99554,99553,99551,99552"] JEDDAH — IISJAA Football Premier League (IFPL), organized by International Indian School Jeddah Alumni Association, got off to a rousing start at Kaki Ground, Khalidiyah, here. The third edition of this tournament is mainly sponsored by Saudi Gazette with SMS Solutions, FRiENDi, Indomie, Digital Ways, Mix FM and Giordano as co-sponsors. After IISJAA General Secretary Muzammil Hashmi completed the protocol proceedings, the opening ceremony began with the recitation of the Holy Qur'an by IISJAA Vice President Hafiz Syed Maqdoom Ali. IISJ Principal Sayed Masood Ahmed, Mohammed Iqbal, chairman, managing committee of IISJ; Saudi Gazette Sports Editor K.O. Paulson, C.P. Joy, chief coordinator of IISJAA; Naufal, IISJ headmaster; IISJ managing committee members, representatives from sponsors and invited guests graced the occasion. All the 11 participating teams in their colorful uniforms and led by their captains, linedup for the ceremony. ISJAA President Suhail Mehdi welcomed the guests, alumni and football fans. Masood Ahmed praised the IISJ alumni association executive committee for its wonderful work in organizing this magnificent football tournament by bringing ex-students on a single platform. He recalled the days when sports day brought out the competitive spirit among students. Iqbal lauded the activities of IISJAA. Announcing his slogan of "Together We Can" he assured his complete support to IISJAA endeavors. The IFPL Trophy was then unveiled by guests and sponsors amid huge cheers and applause from the excited players. This was followed by the introduction of each team and a photograph session. After an exhibition match between the Executive Committee of IISJAA and the Managing Committee of IISJ, which ended in a draw, the members of the managing committee were presented with souvenirs by IISJAA executive committee. Adil Al-Sharif, subscription sales manager of Okaz, performed the ceremonial kick-off of the IFPL. After unveiling of trophy, the inaugural ceremony was managed by Imran Kausar, an IISJ alumni. The IFPL got off to a flying start with defending champion Friends United running over EFS FC 4-2. Thowfiq Abdul Nazar of EFS was adjudged the Man of the Match. Other results: FC Spartans beat Athletic Alliance 2-0. Man of the Match: Omar Mukhtar of FC Spartans. Never United blanked Desi Starz 9-0. Man of the Match: Haatim Nazir of Never United. Catalonia thrashed FC Legends 9-2. Man of the Match: Olyan of Catalonia. Gladiatorz defeated FC Brotherz 4-0. Man of the Match: Mubarak Hassan of Gladiatorz. Saturday's results: Never United beat FC Legends 4-0. Man of the Match: Arbaz Ali Hashmi of Never United. FC Spartans edged EFS FC 4-2. Man of the Match: Nooh Ismail of FC Spartans. Bavarians defeated Athletic Alliance 3-1. Man of the Match: Zaid Siddiqui of FC Bavarians. Friends United downed FC Brotherz 6-2. Man of the Match: Ibrahim Baldaraf of Friends United. Catalonia drew with Gladiatorz 0-0. Man of the Match: Rifaat Khan of Gladiatorz. At the end of the first week of IFPL Never United topped the table with 6 points and 13 goals scored. The matches were relayed live on the fan page of IISJAA and was powered by FRiENDi mobile. Indomie officials distributed samples of their products to players and spectators. Saturday's matches: FC Brothers vs. Athletic Alliance 7:00 p.m.; FC Legends vs. Desi Starz 7:00 p.m.; FC Bavarians vs. EFS FC 7:00 p.m.; Spartans vs. Catalonia 8:00 p.m. and Never United vs. Friends United 8:00 p.m.
