Renowned Jeddah Al-Ahli soccer team manager Christian J Gross graced the Jeddah Soccer Club (JSC) and Academy in-house tournament finals, boosting the morale of the trainees, coaches, organizers, soccer fans and families at the Dunk football ground here recently. The jovial former Swiss international Gross joked with the budding footballers, encouraged them to bloom into fine stars and emphasized the importance of team game while making his speech and giving tips on this beautiful game of soccer. JSC officials thanked the former international defender and tactician Gross for his valuable presence and guidance. The tournament capped on a festal evening with four finals and a losers' match. And as the dust settled, JSC Chelsea claimed more honors by clinching a double. It won trophies in Under-9 and Parents divisions. The tournament was divided into four age groups (Under-9, U-12, U-17 and Parents) and four houses (JSC Chelsea, JSC Barcelona, JSC Juventus and JSC Real Madrid). Chelsea kids underlined their superiority over Barcelona, emerging U-9 champions with a 3-0 decision. Goals from Tahir Tajmal, Bilal Kuvapra and an own goal sealed the fate of Barca. Chelsea captain Muaz Ahmed was adjudged the Player of the Match. In a close U-12 final, Barcelona got the better of Real Madrid 3-2. Real Madrid boys made a match of it but were unfortunate in the game as the rivals rallied brilliantly. Aazim Hakeem, who scored a brace for Barcelona, was selected as the Player of the Match. Shazin Shygil completed the tally for the winner. Rehan Niyas and Umaruddin Khanooni scored for Real Madrid. Juventus continued its unbeaten run in the tourney by subduing Barcelona 5-3 in a thrilling U-17 final. Both the teams played superbly but Juventus looked more confident. While Afnan Ashraf, Farhan Ali, Mehzin Shoukath, Mishaal Mohammed Ali and Abdu Rahman scored for Juventus, Afthab Ashraf, Mishal Abdul Majeed and Mohammed Salih found the target for Barcelona. Barca star Tanveer Tajmal was adjudged the Player of the Match. The closely-contested Parents' final between Chelsea and Juventus ended goalless and the winner was decided through penalty shootout. Mohammed Haneefa, Rafi Beemapally and Rafeeq made no mistake for Chelsea, while Anil, EFS Basheer and Majeed missed the target for Juventus. Chelsea defender Mujeeb Rahman was adjudged the Player of the Match. Real Madrid too earned a trophy by beating Chelsea in U-17 losers' final 2-1. Adil Ashraf and captain Mohammed Ali scored for Real Madrid and Mazin struck the consolation goal for Chelsea. Hazim Ahamed was named the Player of the Match. Shygil Moideen, finance director of Jotun, KTA Muneer, director of Al-Abeer Aviation Group, and sports academy officials distributed the prizes. The tournament was sponsored by Jotun. Player-of-the-matches awards were donated by Applebee's, China Gate, Romano's Macaroni and Ocean Basket. Sheera Bakes Jeddah made the event sweet and memorable.
