Nilfer – an unsung hero

By Ranil Prematilake
 

To many of us he was ‘Nilufer’ an unassuming boy from Randles Hill in Heerassagala whose skills as a half back playing tap rugby in the back yards made him a popular figure. Hailing from a family of rugby players Nilfer Ibrahim went on to don the Kingswood College, Kandy SC, Navy SC jerseys and became a regular in the Sri Lanka 7’s and 15 a side outfits for a number of years.

Taking up to coaching Nilfer has been phenomenal delivering results and building a reputation as a winning coach, albeit subjected to a fair share of criticism. His stints at Dharmaraja College, Kingswood College, Trinity College, Isipathana College and St. Joseph’s Collegeis nothing short of success. Having coached a few club sides’ Nilfer belatedly gained recognition and was appointed National 7’s coach. 

Despite his unprecedented success, Nilfer has remained the ‘Nilufer’ many of us knew. His friendly humble nature, never say die attitude and professional approach is a classic example of how he gets his players to do the talking on the field. Although with limited opportunities at National level, Nilfer has delivered when it matters – the recent pulsating flamboyant showing by the National 7’s team at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games speaks for itself. 

Whilst opinions of self-proclaimed experts of the game may vary on the impact of Nilfer Ibrahim as a coach, a few words with the players who have and are going through him leaves nothing short of respect, belief and confidence on their beloved coach. Let us earnestly hope and pray that the administrators would do well to sustain, build and expand on the newly gained recognition of the island nation as a unit of entertainment in the field of 7’s rugby with those who made it possible forming an integral part. It would do no harm to go through an analytical process on the impact the coaching staff has had on the recent performance and the importance of continuity of same to reach greater heights. 

It is not only the economy that requires a policy at national level, sport too, more particularly 7’s rugby is a strong tool to promote sports tourism.