SAAJID SHUAIB- “NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE WITH PASSION AND COMMITMENT”

                                  He’s known for his daring runs, superb jumping skills and handy tackles. He might not be the biggest player in the park but his mentality and great character makes him stand out. Of course these qualities are of none other than pathana,s ace second rower Saajid shuaib. Speaking exclusively to ***** KINGS OF RUGBY***** Saajid shared his experiences of his promising college rugby career.

According to Saajid he was better known for his Basketball talents And his excellent jumping skills caught the attention of former isipthana star Mr.Thushara bandara who was the U-13 coach at that time. Noticing his promising skills He didn’t hesitate to invite Saajid to attend rugby practices for which Saajid duly obliged. Saajid whom first played for the U-13 “B” team was quick to prove what Mr.bandara saw in him as he made rapid progress  which made him a regular player in the U-14,U-16,U-18 teams as his career progressed and he has managed to win the champions medal in all those age groups which he says is a rare and proud achievement he treasures . For Saajid this was the start as well as the turning point for a glittering career up ahead.”After I started playing rugby for Isipathana  I felt like nothing could stop me. Earlier I used to be a normal guy where know one knew me. But after I started playing rugby every one in school and even out of school took notice of me and this encouraged me a lot to carry on” said a smiling Saajid.

However just as any other rugby player Saajid too had his obstacles with his parents who didn’t want him to play rugby being the major issue.“ My parent s didn’t like me playing rugby because I was playing Basketball as well and they were concerned about  my studies”. However Saajid managed to convince his parents and continued with the sport and also played for the 1^st XV team in 2008 where he was sitting for his O/L examination that year. Saajid also proved that it’s not impossible to manage ones studies with sports when he got through his O/L exam with good results notching up 3 A,s and  2 B,s as well.

Saajid recalls his first appearance for the “green shirts” which was against Trinity in 2008. “I just can’t express the feeling you get when you ware the green jersey and after you do so you feel like nothing can stop you”. “I’m so proud that I’m a member of the college 1^st XV team”. With the 2010 season just around the corner Saajid says  he wants to win the League title and the knock-out tournament. “To be a good player you have to be honest and you have to respect the coach, captain, and your team mates and even you opponents. Win or loose you should be able to accept it and the important thing is you should stick with your team”. Saajid who is currently  will be able to play up to 2011 says he has no intention of playing club rugby and hopes to go abroad for his higher studies. However he said  that his love for the game  might make him change his ideas.

In conclusion he wanted to thank Mr thushara bandara for getting him into the rugby field and current head coach Mr.shamly nawaz for improving his skills. He also thanked his parents  as well as his friends whom he says they with him all the time.

*****KINGS OF RUGBY***** wi shes Saajid all the very best in his future endeavors !!!