Dec. 12, 2006
MILWAUKEE -
Junior Tenzin Rampa of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee men's soccer team had the opportunity to play internationally as a member of the Tibet National Team recently. Rampa played three games overseas in the ELF Cup 2006 from Nov. 18-25 in North Cyprus.
Teams in the tournament included North Cyprus, Greenland, Tajikistan, Tibet, Zanzibar, Gagauzia, Kyrgyzstan and Crimea.
Rampa's team was comprised of Tibetan players from all over the world, including countries like Switzerland, India, Nepal, England and the United States. The team is non-FIFA registered and competes against other non-FIFA teams and some professional clubs.
"This was a great opportunity for Tenzin and he worked hard to earn it," UWM head coach Jon Coleman said. "It is not often that you get to play in a national cup and Tenzin is very deserving of this. He has done the little extras with a real passion and it is paying off. We are very proud of `T'."
The tournament lasted 10 days, with Tibet taking on Tajikistan Nov. 19, Crimea Nov. 20 and Northern Cyprus Nov. 21. The team fell in all three games, with the closest being a 1-0 decision to Crimea where the team lost on penalty kicks.
"We played well, but our team was without four of the senior starters at the midfield," Rampa said. "The teams in the tournament were very good. Northern Cyprus was comprised of all professional level players from Turkey and Cyprus. The other teams had many professionals as well."
Rampa saw action in all three games playing 90 minutes in two games and 80 in the other.
"It was a great experience to represent Tibet and play at the international level," Rampa said. "I think because of this trip I have grown as a soccer player and as a person."
According to the organization's website, www.elfcup.org, The ELF Cup is a new annual soccer tournament taking place in North Cyprus. The eight-team event will involve predominantly non-FIFA registered teams who currently lack opportunities to play competitive international soccer.
