Up there, Hilaly!
By Evelyn Yamine
September 28, 2006 12:00
http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/s ... 21,00.html
THE spiritual leader of Australia's Muslims, Sheik Taj el-Dene Elhilaly, has joined in the football grand final fever hype – and he's backing the Sydney Swans all the way.
The mufti was disappointed when his team – the Bulldogs – did not make it to the NRL grand final and is now relying on the Sydney Swans to redeem the state's sporting reputation.
The self-confessed avid sports fan said he wanted the Swans to bring the cup home again this year.
Wearing a Sydney Swans scarf over his traditional Islamic dress robe, the mufti was not afraid to show off his athletic skills by kicking a ball around in Lakemba this week.
"I like sports in general and I live in Sydney so of course I support the Sydney Swans," Sheik Elhilaly told The Daily Telegraph yesterday.
"With the Bulldogs being out of the competition and no Sydney team in the rugby league grand final, I'm supporting the Sydney Swans.
"We want them to win but win or lose, we are proud of them," he said.
The mufti, who is in the middle of the Islamic fasting season of Ramadan, said he planned to be glued to the television for the football finals on the weekend.
Although he is still interested in the outcome of the NRL grand final between Melbourne Storm and the Brisbane Broncos, the mufti believes the Sydney Swans v West Coast Eagles at the MCG on Saturday is the game to watch.
"I will be watching it. It's important for everyone in NSW to get involved and show support for the only NSW team left in the grand finals," he said.
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