KUALA LUMPUR: The stage is set for the ultimate showdown in the Super Schools Rugby (SSR) Grand Final as Maktab Sultan Abu Bakar take on SMS Hulu Selangor (SEMASHUR) at the UiTM Stadium in Shah Alam, on Sunday.
The champions stand to win RM15,000, with runners-up assured of RM7,000, in a tournament that offers the most lucrative prize money in the domestic rugby scene.
For SEMASHUR, the 2024 final is more than just a game – it's a shot at redemption.
The Zealords, who last tasted SSR glory in 2019, are making their second consecutive final after falling short against Victoria Institution last year and this time, they are determined to reclaim the title.
Coach Soleh Abd Hamid has instilled a winning mentality in his squad, which has been evident in their smart, high-IQ plays throughout the tournament.
The team's talismanic skipper, Uzair Hani Shaha Bahar, has led by example, crossing the try line five times so far.
Meanwhile, Roshan Arivananthan has emerged as one of the tournament's standout players, not just for his blistering pace but also for his accuracy in kicking.
Roshan currently tops the scoring charts with 66 points and will be a key figure in SEMASHUR's quest for victory.
Meanwhile, Maktab Sultan Abu Bakar also known as English College (EC) has been nothing short of phenomenal, especially in the post-COVID-19 era.
Under the astute guidance of coach Abdul Hanis Mokhtar, EC known to fans as the EC Steenboks, has displayed a brand of rugby that is both exhilarating and efficient. This season, they have been a force to be reckoned with, and now, they stand on the brink of their maiden SSR championship.
Last year's quarter-final exit at the hands of Royal Military College (RMC) only fuelled their determination, and this year, the Steenboks have come back stronger than ever.
Captain Shahrul Aizam Daud has been instrumental in their backline-oriented attack, orchestrating plays with precision.
Complementing Shahrul's leadership is the electric pace of Akif Daniel, who has dazzled with six tries this season. Akif is just one try behind the current leader, Asyraf Danish of SMK Abi, in the race for the Top Try Scorer award, and will be looking to make his mark in the final.
Enervive Sports Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Shahrizin Shaharudin said the final will be equipped with Television Match Official (TMO) protocol to reduce refereeing errors on top of being streamed live on all SSR's social media platforms.
With grandstand tickets already sold out, the remaining open seating is free, and the organisers are expecting a full house.