Bilkent's Football Tournament
Before any genius came up with the idea of bringing a video game console to the dormitories to pass the time, football enthusiasts had to play ACTUAL football with their own feet rather than play Fifa in their rooms. It wasn't long before an entire Pakistani footballing community was formed with at least 100 people in the Facebook group: Pakistani Footballers in Bilkent. With more and more Pakistani students incoming it was simply written in the stars that close friends would form teams of their own to participate in Bilkent's semi-annual 6-aside Football Tournament (exclusive to Bilkent students). To briefly explain the tournament fixture system, it begins with a group stage of 4 to 5 teams per group facing each other for maximum points. After every team has faced each other, the top 2 or 3 go into the knockout stage which usually goes from Last 32 to Last 16 to Quarter Finals to Semi Finals and then the Final itself. I personally have participated in this tournament 6 times with 3 different teams in my 3 years in Bilkent, the longest and most successful stint having been with my valiant countrymen; the very same players who make up Pakistan's most succesful Bilkent team: Lagalo FC (Football Club).
Lagalo FC
Lagalo FC (fondly known as Lag for short) was formed roughly over 2 years ago by a small handful of Pakistanis in their first year as Bilkent students (1 year junior to me). The team's unanimous decision was to anoint Ali Haroon as the captain due to his prior experience as the captain of his football team back in his high school years in Karachi, Pakistan. I myself was approached by Ali (fresh after Lagalo's formation) to join the roster as a defender after we all played a casual match one day, I never wanted to look back ever since. I had played 3 tournaments before joining Lagalo, each seem a distant memory as I finally had the pleasure of playing with wonderful gentlemen supporting each other through victory or defeat, thick or thin.
The team has 9 players, of whom 6 start a game; Aish Jesrani, a poacher of a striker; Ali Haroon, a shot stopping goal keeper; Asad Rafi, a highly versatile box to box player; Faraz Rafiq, an attacking-minded wing back; Mustafa Sodagar, the maestro midfielder; Umar Raza, a highly impenetrable defender; Waqas Rehmani, a positive-minded wing back; Zeeshan Kapadia, a highly supportive wing back and then myself, a strong pass cutting defender.
The team has 9 players, of whom 6 start a game; Aish Jesrani, a poacher of a striker; Ali Haroon, a shot stopping goal keeper; Asad Rafi, a highly versatile box to box player; Faraz Rafiq, an attacking-minded wing back; Mustafa Sodagar, the maestro midfielder; Umar Raza, a highly impenetrable defender; Waqas Rehmani, a positive-minded wing back; Zeeshan Kapadia, a highly supportive wing back and then myself, a strong pass cutting defender.
A Few Words From The Captain
The following are a few questions I asked of our venerable El Capitano for your benefit:
Me: How does it feel to wear the same stylized jerseys and compete in a tournament match?
Ali: It feels really nice since this shows that we are all united under one name and one color and that no one individual is greater than the team, and that teamwork always prevails. Also, since its green, it also represents our country and we are really proud to be representing our nation in another country in front of so many other nationalities.
Me: Does finishing in the semi-finals do anything for the team's ego or prestige?
Ali: It greatly boosted our hopes for the next semester, as in the last 4 semesters we have gradually reached greater stages of the tournament and this is like climbing the ladder of success, if we reached the semi-finals this semester, then our target is nothing lesser than the finals for next semester!
Me: What sets Lag FC apart from the rest of the Pakistani teams in Bilkent?
Ali: We, as a team, are more organized; we have a weekly training schedule which we follow and the greatest aspect that sets us apart from others is that our team thrives on the basis of mutual respect. We all respect each other and no one insults or shouts at someone else. Instead, we look at our mistakes as a team and improve together rather than pointing out the shortcomings of one another. We look at our mistakes and improve them ourselves as a unit.
Me: What's a) the best and b) the most challenging part about captaining the team?
Ali: Well, for the first part of your question, the lads are a bunch of really talented footballers and the best thing is, again, the mutual respect, which makes it a really good experience to work and play with these people. This is not just a team, this is a family.
As for the second part, the most challenging part of being a captain is deciding the timings for our weekly training stints and matches, as I said before that we have set the days aside, but we decide the timings 2 days prior to the training/matches so that we can the book the grounds accordingly, and it is a real challenge to get everyone to agree on one set time. Everyone has their own prior commitments [after all this IS university], due to which they are unavailable at certain times, so getting the squad on the field is the biggest challenge for me.
Me: If you were to very quickly give your take on your fellow players, what would you say?
Ali: Well, Aish has a lot of commitment [to the game] and keen on improvement. You, Akbar, are always full of passion and hope. Asad gives his best till and through the last moment, even if we are losing. His efforts have won last minute victories for us in the past. Faraz simply never loses hope. [Mustafa] Sodagar is a very intelligent footballer and he uses his footballing mind very productively. Umar never underestimates our team or even our opponents. Waqas is committed towards improving himself with every game. Zeeshan is extremely punctual and always there for the team, on of the team's fastest learners.
Me: Thank you for your time, Cap'n!
Ali: Anytime bro!
Me: How does it feel to wear the same stylized jerseys and compete in a tournament match?
Ali: It feels really nice since this shows that we are all united under one name and one color and that no one individual is greater than the team, and that teamwork always prevails. Also, since its green, it also represents our country and we are really proud to be representing our nation in another country in front of so many other nationalities.
Me: Does finishing in the semi-finals do anything for the team's ego or prestige?
Ali: It greatly boosted our hopes for the next semester, as in the last 4 semesters we have gradually reached greater stages of the tournament and this is like climbing the ladder of success, if we reached the semi-finals this semester, then our target is nothing lesser than the finals for next semester!
Me: What sets Lag FC apart from the rest of the Pakistani teams in Bilkent?
Ali: We, as a team, are more organized; we have a weekly training schedule which we follow and the greatest aspect that sets us apart from others is that our team thrives on the basis of mutual respect. We all respect each other and no one insults or shouts at someone else. Instead, we look at our mistakes as a team and improve together rather than pointing out the shortcomings of one another. We look at our mistakes and improve them ourselves as a unit.
Me: What's a) the best and b) the most challenging part about captaining the team?
Ali: Well, for the first part of your question, the lads are a bunch of really talented footballers and the best thing is, again, the mutual respect, which makes it a really good experience to work and play with these people. This is not just a team, this is a family.
As for the second part, the most challenging part of being a captain is deciding the timings for our weekly training stints and matches, as I said before that we have set the days aside, but we decide the timings 2 days prior to the training/matches so that we can the book the grounds accordingly, and it is a real challenge to get everyone to agree on one set time. Everyone has their own prior commitments [after all this IS university], due to which they are unavailable at certain times, so getting the squad on the field is the biggest challenge for me.
Me: If you were to very quickly give your take on your fellow players, what would you say?
Ali: Well, Aish has a lot of commitment [to the game] and keen on improvement. You, Akbar, are always full of passion and hope. Asad gives his best till and through the last moment, even if we are losing. His efforts have won last minute victories for us in the past. Faraz simply never loses hope. [Mustafa] Sodagar is a very intelligent footballer and he uses his footballing mind very productively. Umar never underestimates our team or even our opponents. Waqas is committed towards improving himself with every game. Zeeshan is extremely punctual and always there for the team, on of the team's fastest learners.
Me: Thank you for your time, Cap'n!
Ali: Anytime bro!
Lag FC's Jersey & Training Session Snaps
Up Close & Personal With "Mr. Rafi"
Fondly called Mr. Rafi by his peers because of his gentlemanly outlook and high level of maturity, Asad Rafi is one of Lagalo's star players with a great level of stamina, a technically sound footballing brain, highly adaptable to almost any position on the field and a devastating eye for goal. I have taken to asking him some of the questions I asked earlier of our captain and have added some additional questions to the board to ask him. He has some interesting things to tell you whether you want to know more about Lag FC itself, or also how to replicate the team's ambition whether you're new in Bilkent or have been here a while.
Me: Good evening, Mr. Rafi. I'm going to ask you a few questions I asked Ali, so be mindful of your answers. First off, how does it feel to wear a unifying Jersey and compete in a tournament match?
Asad: I hope our answers are very similar in that case! Wearing this jersey and being in unison is sort of like OUR signature among the other teams. It gives a feeling that we are a team, and also that thee other team come on the pitch knowing before the match that they are going to be playing against a 'team', not just 6 men on the field.
Me: Against which nationality do you relish a challenge?
Asad: Well, playing against any nationality is a challenge for us, and the reason for that is that when we are playing against another nationality, we are not Lagalo FC anymore, we feel like the team of Pakistan and we feel the pressure of representing our nation on the field. Such matches become even more exciting since everyone puts their best in, and that victory means more than any other. It feels well earned. We had a chance to play against the Turkish, Azerbaijanis, Erasmus students and Albanians so far and have enjoyed every challenge that has befallen us, won or lost.
Me: Does finishing in the semifinals do anything for the team's ego or prestige?
Asad: I think it does a lot since for us it sets the mark [that we are able to achieve this]. So, before every tournament we know that we can even get to the finals if we play the way we did before. We realize our true potential through such achievements, and also the prestige in it is that we show that we are the most successful Pakistani team [in Bilkent] without any shroud of a doubt.
Me: Here's an important one for the newcomers. What advice do you have for incoming [Pakistani] students who also wish to form a team and compete in the same tournament?
Asad: One of the things I have noticed in the last 2 years is that people think it is really easy to form a team. It took us a lot of time to get to the position we are at, and I think that the most important thing is the 'respect'. Every player should respect their fellow teammates, especially the captain. I remember we were once playing against a team, and the opponent captain was giving out orders and no one was listening to him, making it really easy for us to gain the upper hand. When playing in a team, it is important for one to let go of his or her ego and self and play like a unit. So, the incoming students who want to form a team, I can advise you that respecting each other is the key element, listening to your captain, respecting your opponent, and not being selfish. Learn, unlearn and repeat.
Me: What sets Lag FC apart from the rest of the Pakistani teams in Bilkent?
Asad: Well, probably because we always win? Jokes aside, the reason that makes us so unique is our chemistry. Only Fifa players would get this reference but, If we were a FIFA Ultimate team, our chemistry would be a 100, and the people who have witnessed our games know this. We all are very good friends as well and we understand each other on and off field. The reason we are more successful than any other Pakistani teams in tournaments is because of our hard-work, and not giving up even if we are losing the match. And also, we have our own jersey so works in setting us apart from the other Pakistani teams as well.
Me: Has Lagalo FC changed the caliber and attitude of Pakistani students towards playing football?
Asad: I think we as a teams are a means of bench-marking for others; every [Pakistani] team likes to play a match with Lagalo, to probably know where they stand. We have set a standard for the other Pakistani teams, new and old, and I think they all know that if we can achieve it, they can definitely too, with the hard-work and passion and I wish them good fortune in their respective journeys!
Me: Another one I asked Ali, what are your thoughts on the other players in Lagalo?
Asad: Off the top of my head?
Aish - great shot power; Ali - leadership abilities; Akbar - one half of the great wall; Asad - I can do wonders sometimes; Faraz - a great wing-back to play on the opposite wing with; Sodagar - amazing vision and dribbling; Umar - the other half of the great wall; Waqas - has the passion for the game; Zeeshan - the most improved player over the years.
Me: That'll be all for this interview, Mr Rafi. I thank you for your time!
Asad: No problem sir!
Asad: I hope our answers are very similar in that case! Wearing this jersey and being in unison is sort of like OUR signature among the other teams. It gives a feeling that we are a team, and also that thee other team come on the pitch knowing before the match that they are going to be playing against a 'team', not just 6 men on the field.
Me: Against which nationality do you relish a challenge?
Asad: Well, playing against any nationality is a challenge for us, and the reason for that is that when we are playing against another nationality, we are not Lagalo FC anymore, we feel like the team of Pakistan and we feel the pressure of representing our nation on the field. Such matches become even more exciting since everyone puts their best in, and that victory means more than any other. It feels well earned. We had a chance to play against the Turkish, Azerbaijanis, Erasmus students and Albanians so far and have enjoyed every challenge that has befallen us, won or lost.
Me: Does finishing in the semifinals do anything for the team's ego or prestige?
Asad: I think it does a lot since for us it sets the mark [that we are able to achieve this]. So, before every tournament we know that we can even get to the finals if we play the way we did before. We realize our true potential through such achievements, and also the prestige in it is that we show that we are the most successful Pakistani team [in Bilkent] without any shroud of a doubt.
Me: Here's an important one for the newcomers. What advice do you have for incoming [Pakistani] students who also wish to form a team and compete in the same tournament?
Asad: One of the things I have noticed in the last 2 years is that people think it is really easy to form a team. It took us a lot of time to get to the position we are at, and I think that the most important thing is the 'respect'. Every player should respect their fellow teammates, especially the captain. I remember we were once playing against a team, and the opponent captain was giving out orders and no one was listening to him, making it really easy for us to gain the upper hand. When playing in a team, it is important for one to let go of his or her ego and self and play like a unit. So, the incoming students who want to form a team, I can advise you that respecting each other is the key element, listening to your captain, respecting your opponent, and not being selfish. Learn, unlearn and repeat.
Me: What sets Lag FC apart from the rest of the Pakistani teams in Bilkent?
Asad: Well, probably because we always win? Jokes aside, the reason that makes us so unique is our chemistry. Only Fifa players would get this reference but, If we were a FIFA Ultimate team, our chemistry would be a 100, and the people who have witnessed our games know this. We all are very good friends as well and we understand each other on and off field. The reason we are more successful than any other Pakistani teams in tournaments is because of our hard-work, and not giving up even if we are losing the match. And also, we have our own jersey so works in setting us apart from the other Pakistani teams as well.
Me: Has Lagalo FC changed the caliber and attitude of Pakistani students towards playing football?
Asad: I think we as a teams are a means of bench-marking for others; every [Pakistani] team likes to play a match with Lagalo, to probably know where they stand. We have set a standard for the other Pakistani teams, new and old, and I think they all know that if we can achieve it, they can definitely too, with the hard-work and passion and I wish them good fortune in their respective journeys!
Me: Another one I asked Ali, what are your thoughts on the other players in Lagalo?
Asad: Off the top of my head?
Aish - great shot power; Ali - leadership abilities; Akbar - one half of the great wall; Asad - I can do wonders sometimes; Faraz - a great wing-back to play on the opposite wing with; Sodagar - amazing vision and dribbling; Umar - the other half of the great wall; Waqas - has the passion for the game; Zeeshan - the most improved player over the years.
Me: That'll be all for this interview, Mr Rafi. I thank you for your time!
Asad: No problem sir!