|
We catch
up former Karachi Grammar School captain,
Moiz Salahuddin, on his thoughts about this
year’s Karachi United School Championships.
In a detailed interview, Moiz gives aspiring
teams his views and tips on how to on
achieve success in the tournament and
football in general. Karachi United want to
thank the former skipper for taking the time
out of his busy academic and football
schedule to sit and talk with us about KUSC
2008-09.
|
 |
KU: What are your views on KUSC – do you
feel it addresses a need for competition at
the school level?
MS: I can recall how
excited I was when the KUSC began three years ago; not only for myself, but also
for all kids my age to have a chance to represent their individual schools
against the schools they so often hear about. KUSC is an established tournament
occurring every year without fail, therefore coaches and players alike can mark
it on their calendars and prepare for it well ahead of time. The fact that as
many as 16 schools from Karachi have participated every year speaks for the
fervent participation and competition, and alongside the history which the
tournament is gaining over the years, makes it the best school football
tournaments around the country. KUSC attracts big crowds setting the standard
year in year out, allowing good competition amongst the regular big schools with
all the big players fighting it out.
KU: What kind of football
competition were the schools, such as KGS getting prior to KUSC being
established?
MS: The year before
KUSC began, KGS played in a tournament organized by Oasys School, however there
were 8 participating teams and the tournament had negligible coverage. Yes many
schools do take the liberty to arrange inter-school tournaments, but they are
normally small-scale with poor organization. In my opinion, the biggest lacking
is that these tournaments have a few random schools participating, and sometimes
even two to three teams from each school! Whether its football, cricket,
basketball or any other sport, all the inter-school tournaments are one off
tournaments, with no history or coverage
KU: KGS has now won the
tournament 3 years in a row – what would you say about their chances this year
with the likes of you, Daniyal Alvi, Danesh Gilani, Shahab Raza and Omar Akhtar
all graduated now?
MS: Daniyal Alvi,
Shahab Raza, Danesh Gilani, Omar Akhter and myself have been part of the KGS
eleven for the past 3 to 4 years, so we all had a good understanding and the
team gelled well. Unfortunately, we have bid farewell, as it was our senior year
last year. However, football is a team game, and it was a squad that won the
KUSC last year, and not just us five. I do think there was quality amongst the
squad barring us, and I am sure our departures will open doors for many other
younger players. I have heard there are some young guns ready to fill our shoes,
and I do hope that is true and they keep the KGS winning streak going.
KU: Who were your toughest
opponents in the KUSC tournaments you played?
MS: I remember
initially D.A. Public School always gave us a good run out. Even last year they
tested us in the quarterfinals and we narrowly managed a victory. However I do
think the St. Patrick’s High School team we played in the final last year was
the best school team I have come across over the past four years.
KU: What characteristics
do you think a team needs to have to win a tournament such as KUSC?
MS: In my opinion, each
team needs to put out eleven ball playing footballers. Many a time I have seen a
couple of skillful players in each team been asked to do everything on the team,
whereas the rest are there to have a kick out at the opposition and defend. If a
team can get out eleven good footballers on the pitch, all on the same mentality
and with the same desire to win, they will surely have a good shot at winning
the title this year. It also helps if you can be consistent and stick to a
system and tactics so players know and understand their roles.
KU: What are the top
qualities that, in your opinion, KGS had when you were captain last year that
helped you win the tournament?
MS: Like I just
mentioned, you need eleven good footballers to win, and I think that is exactly
what KGS had last year. Additionally our team was extremely fit and quick, which
just added so much to our game and is necessary in football. Apart from that,
the winning mentality transcended everything. It was not just me who tried to be
a leader on the pitch, I think everyone took responsibility and took the team
forward.
KU: Any words of wisdom
you have for captains of the other school teams participating in this year’s
tournament?
MS: Do not get involved
in tiny tussles and arguments with the opposition or inside the team. Make sure
everyone is on the same page in terms of wanting to win and what to do on the
pitch. Most of all; make sure the team wins, loses, and plays as a team,
together.
KU: Can you offer any
tactical advice to teams on how to win matches?
MS: I remember a lot of
the time; teams got bogged down in their own half, so deep that they were only
around fifteen yards outside their goal line. And they used to just stay there
and eventually got scored on. Defenses need to make sure they don’t defend too
deep, or else they will eventually get scored on. Also, while attacking, it’s
better to get the whole team involved and build up, instead of giving the ball
to your best player and hoping he’ll create the magic. You have to remember,
football is a team game.
KU: How much practice and
preparation do you think is required for teams to become competitive outfits?
Are there any areas that teams should focus on from now to give themselves a
better chance of doing well?
MS: That depends on
each team, some need to put extra time on their technique, and so they should
start practicing a few months before. But I think it is essential that all teams
play three to four friendly games before stepping into the tournament. Whether
you are the best team around, or the underdogs, competitive match practice helps
more than anything. However, it is hard for a team to change from average to
champions over night, but then again anything is possible. But for that to
happen, I think the teams need to put in many hours of practice, making sure
every player is technically good, fit, quick, and following the system of the
team. Forming a winning squad does not happen by chance, you need dedication and
the want to be the best.
KU: Which other sides can
you see challenging for the title this year?
MS: In the interest of
the tournament and the sport, I do hope all teams start on a high going into the
tournament with a chance to win. Looking at the previous three years, I do think
KGS, St. Patrick’s, City PAF and D.A. Public should be there and there about
come the end of the tournament. I do wish the very best to each school and
individual participating, and I hope all the players and coaches enjoy it.
KU:
Moiz,
thank you for all your time. We, at Karachi United, wish you all the best.
MS:
Thank you.
|
