This is only the second year that the UNM team has participated in the tournament. Last year, the team placed sixth out of 12 teams. The team’s victory this year has qualified them for a higher division next year, which is the Super League.
To prepare for the tournament the team trained twice a day for six weeks. During the course of their training, they spent two weeks on the fundamental, which included fitness and body strength; two weeks on basic moves such as passing, defending and blocking; and the final two weeks on tactical training.
The UNM football team also won inter-varsity games, the MASISWA Zone Selangor Qualifying Round Football Championship 2015 and Higher Education Institutions Inter-College Football Tournament 2014.
Although the training was arduous, the team, led by Captain Omar Khaled Fouad Aly El Shweekh and managed by Muhammad Affendi Faizal Zubir, were motivated to train hard because of their love of the game. Their coaches, Mohd Faiq bin Faudzil and Mohamad Syafique bin Faudzil, also played a pivotal role in keeping the team motivated.
The team was elated with their win. Upon winning the players were seen running around the field, screaming in excitement and hugging each other. It was an indescribable moment for everyone. The team’s victory was sweetened by the fact that the UNM team was the first international university team to emerge as champions in this league.
For their victory, the UNM team received a cash prize of RMR6,000, gold medals, a plaque and a set of jerseys from Extravaganza.
"Although fresh from their win, the team has no intention to rest on their laurels. They plan to train harder and emerge champions again at the upcoming Super League. They really fought hard and we are very pleased with this victory," said UNM Sports Manager Muhammad Affendi Faizal Zubir.
(Image caption: UNM Football team after the win)
-ends-
For media enquiries please contact Josephine Dionisappu, PR and Communications Manager.
The University of Nottingham is a research-intensive university with a proud heritage, consistently ranked among the world's top 100. Studying at the University of Nottingham is a life-changing experience and we pride ourselves on unlocking the potential of our 44,000 students - Nottingham was named University of the Year for Graduate Employment in the 2017 Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide, was awarded gold in the TEF 2017 and features in the top 20 of all three major UK rankings. We have a pioneering spirit, expressed in the vision of our founder Sir Jesse Boot, which has seen us lead the way in establishing campuses in China and Malaysia - part of a globally connected network of education, research and industrial engagement. We are ranked eighth for research power in the UK according to REF 2014. We have six beacons of research excellence helping to transform lives and change the world; we are also a major employer and industry partner - locally and globally.
Impact: The Nottingham Campaign, its biggest-ever fundraising campaign, is delivering the University’s vision to change lives, tackle global issues and shape the future. More news...
Posted on 1st November 2019