Srinagar, December 25: National and International Footballers Forum (NIFF) has hailed former top footballer turned coach Sheikh Rizwan for leading newly formed football club, Kashmir Avengers FC into the second round of the Premier League J&K.
“On the one side of the pool it was the dominance of J&K Bank which continued to be known as the powerhouse of football. But what came as a surprise was a newly formed Club , Kashmir Avengers FC coming from nowhere and making its mark by defeating all teams in their pool in Premier League, ” NIFF posted on its Facebook page.
“It was August 2020 when Kashmir Avengers FC came into existence. A bunch of local players were seen playing in the local tournaments under the name of Kashmir Avengers. Match by match they were performing better and the owners of the Club started taking the job seriously to become the top professional club of J&K. As the matches were going players and team management were also gelling well together. Showing some good performances locally the Club somehow managed to get entry in J&K top Premier League. The continuous hard work paid off when Kashmir Avengers defeated all teams in their pool which included some big names and qualified for the another round of the Premier League sharing a space with J&K Bank, ” Statement said.
NIFF credited coach Sheikh Rizwan for the early sucess of Kashmir Avengers FC.
“But the reason of their success and hard work is the proper planning and the carrying forward of the team into the right direction. The man behind the scene is Shiekh Rizwan who needs no introduction in the game of football. Trying his coaching skills he surprised everyone in the competition by his cunning strategy and playing tactics. Rizwan is the Head Coach of Kashmir Avengers FC and the man behind the Club’s success, ” NIFF statement further read.
“Coming from a Chattabal locality Rizwan was a famous player since his childhood. His early stint with Iqbal Sports helped him come into the limelight. Soon he became part of J&K Bank and was considered as one of the key players of J&K. In one competition of famous Durand Cup Rizwan scored 9 goals for his team and remained top scorer of the tournament in 2004,” It went to read.
“Carrying such a vast experience it became easy for Rizwan to prepare a team who can take on any big team in the frey. Rizwan is a qualified AIFF D License Coach and the football experts are seeing him as a potential coach as he carries huge playing experience which can play a vital role in his coaching career, ” Statement said.
“The owners of the Club Arshad and Abid are the happiest man on the planet. Defeating top teams in top most League that too in its first year of formation is nevertheless a dream coming true. They both have putted in their faith in Rizwan and extend all possible support for making this Club a top Club of J&K, ” It added.