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DASSA SELECT | HONG KONG TOUR

Stay up to date with every goal, spike, and basket from DASSA Select's long-awaited tour to Hong Kong!

By Trans World Educational Experiences

December 1^st, 2024

DAY 1 | SQUAD GOALS...

The DASSA Select players were looking a million (Hong Kong) dollars upon arrival at DXB this morning.

After the obligatory photoshoot we bid farewell to some very proud parents to embark on what promises to be an exciting and challenging 5-day tour for our teams!

Stay tuned to our official tour blog to stay up to date with all the action.

DASSA SELECT | HONG KONG TOUR

DASSA SELECT | HONG KONG TOUR

DASSA SELECT | HONG KONG TOUR

DASSA SELECT | HONG KONG TOUR

DASSA SELECT | HONG KONG TOUR

DASSA SELECT | HONG KONG TOUR

BLINDED BY THE LIGHTS...

After check-in and a quick bite to eat we ventured out to sample Hong Kong’s iconic skyline.

News that DASSA were in town had clearly filtered through to local media, as the basketball boys found themselves cornered by a film crew within minutes of stepping off the Star Ferry tour!

After a long day of travel the teams are resting up ahead of a busy day of sport tomorrow.

DASSA SELECT | HONG KONG TOUR

DASSA SELECT | HONG KONG TOUR

DASSA SELECT | HONG KONG TOUR

DASSA SELECT | HONG KONG TOUR

DASSA SELECT | HONG KONG TOUR

DASSA SELECT | HONG KONG TOUR

DAY 2 | SIMPLY RED

After a solid night's sleep and a hearty breakfast, the teams travelled to the beautiful surroundings of King George V College for their first training sessions of the tour.

DASSA SELECT | HONG KONG TOUR

DASSA SELECT | HONG KONG TOUR

DASSA SELECT | HONG KONG TOUR

DASSA SELECT | HONG KONG TOUR

DASSA SELECT | HONG KONG TOUR

O Captain, My Captain

At the end of this morning’s training session each squad’s coach unveiled their skippers.

Congratulations to the players that will be wearing the captain’s armbands this week 🫡.

DASSA SELECT | HONG KONG TOUR

DASSA SELECT | HONG KONG TOUR

DASSA SELECT | HONG KONG TOUR

DASSA SELECT | HONG KONG TOUR

DASSA SELECT | HONG KONG TOUR

GIRLS BASKETBALL OFF TO WINNING START

The girls basketball team had the honour of playing in the first competitive match of the DASSA Select Hong Kong tour, and they marked the occasion with an impressive performance against a resilient South Island School side.

The girls mixed composure with intensity in the first of their three tour tests.

DASSA SELECT | HONG KONG TOUR

DASSA SELECT | HONG KONG TOUR

BOYS BOUNCE BACK TO BAG VICTORY

Having seen the girls win in stylish fashion, the boys took some time to hit top gear in their opening encounter against an agile and well organised South Island School side.

Despite being down by six points in the opening quarter, DASSA’s speed and physical prowess began to pay dividends, as they managed to overturn the deficit ahead of the half-time interval, before extending their lead to 25 points by the final whistle.

This was a valuable test for the boys, and they’re sure to be in for a fight in tomorrow’s match against ESF Select.

DASSA SELECT | HONG KONG TOUR

DASSA SELECT | HONG KONG TOUR

DAY 3 | HEADS IN THE GAME

It’s a big day here in Hong Kong, with games for all five teams against ESF Select squads.

After breakfast the coaches ran through a series of sports psychology, mobility, and video analysis sessions, ensuring the players are mentally and physically primed for performance.

Let’s go DASSA!!

DASSA SELECT | HONG KONG TOUR

DASSA SELECT | HONG KONG TOUR

DASSA SELECT | HONG KONG TOUR

DASSA SELECT | HONG KONG TOUR

DASSA SELECT | HONG KONG TOUR

DASSA SELECT | HONG KONG TOUR

DASSA SELECT | HONG KONG TOUR

DASSA SELECT 37 - 12 ESF ALL STARS

Having run through the highs and lows of last night's game with Coach Jess, the DASSA girls went into their second game of the tour laser focused and ready to play.

Playing in South Island School's swanky new campus, the Girls wasted no time putting their game plan in place. This was an extremely competitive match against an impressive ESF All Stars outfit, however, the relentless intensity of the DASSA girls' defence gave them a solid platform on which to run their increasingly slick offensive plays.

Well done to the girls - two wins in two days with one more to go!

DASSA SELECT | HONG KONG TOUR

DASSA SELECT | HONG KONG TOUR

DASSA SELECT | HONG KONG TOUR

DASSA SELECT | HONG KONG TOUR

DASSA SELECT 59 - 22 ESF ALL STARS

The basketball ladies had given the boys a tough act to follow at Island School, however, the boys came flying out of the traps and hit the ground running right from the first whistle.

Coach Fernando's intense full court press paid dividends from the first minute, denying ESF the space and time they needed to execute their game plan.

ESF admirably grew into the game and showed several phases of class and quality, but the athleticism, power, and mouth-watering skill levels of the DASSA players saw them extend their lead in the second half.

This was an outstanding team performance with stand-out displays from Rohit Rajkumar, Nick Bhatia, and Reuben Snell, but in the end it was Diego Civara De Freitas that claimed the MVP award.

With two wins from two the boys go into their third an final game of the tour against Overtime Academy full of confidence.

DASSA SELECT | HONG KONG TOUR

DASSA SELECT | HONG KONG TOUR

DASSA SELECT 3 - 0 ESF ALL STARS

Renaissance School played host to this morning's DASSA Select v ESF All Stars volleyball match, with the DASSA girls putting on a show in front of a rowdy travelling support crew (the boys & girls football squads).

An ecstatic Coach Alysha beamed as she hailed her team's performance:

"Everything the girls had been working on in training came together and clicked. Big hitting game from Liz in the middle, great setting from Gaia and Viola. The girls serving game was on point in the second set with Derin coming up big with 15 serves in a row.

Emilia kept the back court defence together as our Libero, allowing our middle hitters to rest to get ready to hit and block."

DASSA SELECT | HONG KONG TOUR

DASSA SELECT | HONG KONG TOUR

DASSA SELECT | HONG KONG TOUR

DASSA SELECT | HONG KONG TOUR

DASSA SELECT | HONG KONG TOUR

DASSA SELECT | HONG KONG TOUR

DASSA SELECT 6 - 2 ESF ALL STARS

Sergeant Major Mr Murphy runs a tight ship. He commands respect; he demands that his instructions are carried out to the letter; and most importantly, he expects his teams to maintain a disciplined defensive shape.

Much to Mr Murphy's disappointment, his team did not follow out orders, finding themselves a goal down early in their match against a well-drilled ESF side.

However, the girls settled into the match, drawing level through Ella's glorious free kick, which curled into the top left corner from the edge of the box.

After conceding a second goal Mr Murphy decided it was time to unleash his secret weapon, Bogi Tramontini. Tramontini wasted no time - utilising pace, power and no shortage of skill to fire in a classy hat-trick either side of half time.

With the match firmly in their grasp, the DASSA girls added further gloss to the scoreline with goals in the closing stages from Naomi Item and a stunner from Amani Jafri.

An impressive win for the girls, but most importantly, a happy Mr Murphy.

DASSA SELECT | HONG KONG TOUR

DASSA SELECT | HONG KONG TOUR

DASSA SELECT 3 - 3 ESF ALL STARS

Having cheered on their compatriates from the basketball and volleyball squads, the boys were itching to get their boots on and show Hong Kong what they could do.

Their excitement turned to anguish within the first minute, as ESF caught them cold to go one ahead. Undeterred, the boys fought their way back into the game in stunning fashion, with Adam unleashing an unstoppable shot from over 25 yards.

A classy and well organised ESF side then put themselves 2-1 ahead, before DASSA's Ali equalised, finishing off a well worked team move by slotting the ball past the ESF Goalkeeper at his near post.

With less than five minutes left DASSA looked to have turned defeat into victory, as young Rocco bent a superb free kick into the top corner, sparking raucous celebrations amongst the onklooking crowd.

Unfortunately, the boys were pegged back once again, as ESF snatched a draw in the dying embers of the match, resulting in a 3-3 draw, which was a fair reflection of the game.

DASSA SELECT | HONG KONG TOUR

DASSA SELECT | HONG KONG TOUR

DASSA SELECT | HONG KONG TOUR

Mario Speaks

Boys football captain Mario caught up with Coach Rooney ahead of DASSA Select's pulsating 3-3 draw with the ESF All Stars in Hong Kong.

DAY 4 | HKFC & DISCOVERY BAY

Day four kicked off with a visit to the prestigious Hong Kong Football Club, located inside the city's world-famous racecourse.

DASSA SELECT | HONG KONG TOUR

DASSA SELECT | HONG KONG TOUR

DASSA SELECT | HONG KONG TOUR

DASSA SELECT | HONG KONG TOUR

BOYS FOOTBALL HIT SIX IN DC

The final matches of DASSA Select’s Hong Kong tour began with an electrifying encounter in boys' football.

On a compact pitch with enthusiastic supporters from both sides, the game started at a breakneck pace, with emotions running high from the first whistle.

Discovery College’s physicality presented early challenges for the DASSA defence. However, Ruhan Amin (GEMS WSO) and Jamie Jackson (GEMS WEK) rose to the occasion, staying resolute and limiting DC’s attacking threat. On the rare occasion DC did break through, DASSA’s stand-in goalkeeper produced outstanding saves to deny his peers, much to their disapproval!

In attack, the speed and flair of Mario (Hartland) and Adam (Raffles IS) wreaked havoc on the opposition, making them virtually unplayable for long stretches. The interplay between Rocco (GEMS WSO), Ali Tammam (DESC), and Gabi (NAS Dubai) was seamless at times, leaving spectators in awe.

Whilst both sides had periods where they were in the ascendency, Adam once again proved to be the difference-maker, showcasing his lethal left foot with four spectacular goals, including two unstoppable long-range strikes. Mario also contributed with a well-deserved brace, rounding off a stellar performance.

When the final whistle blew, DASSA emerged with a hard-fought 6-4 victory—a fitting reward for their excellent team effort and determination.

At full time, Mr. Smith praised his team’s performance, highlighting not just their skill but also their character and teamwork throughout the match.

DASSA SELECT | HONG KONG TOUR

DASSA SELECT | HONG KONG TOUR

GIRLS FOOTBALL ON THE DOUBLE

Following their impressive performance against the ESF All Stars just 24 hours earlier, the DASSA Select Girls entered their match against Discovery College brimming with confidence.

Despite having the upper hand in quality and experience, they faced a determined DC defence and an inspired goalkeeper, who made several crucial saves to keep her team in contention during the early exchanges.

The breakthrough came midway through the first half courtesy of a moment of brilliance from Hungarian international Bogi Tramontini (DIA EH). Picking up the ball in midfield, Tramontini surged past two defenders before unleashing a thunderous strike that left the goalkeeper with no chance.

Just five minutes later, Tramontini doubled the lead, demonstrating her clinical finishing once again.

In the second half, Discovery College responded valiantly, applying pressure and creating opportunities. However, DASSA goalkeeper Meruva (DESS C) was in superb form, making crucial saves to preserve her clean sheet. She was ably supported by Milly Mae (Safa CS), Evelyn Gray (JESS AR), and Naomi Item (DESS C), whose defensive solidity ensured DC couldn't find a way through.

As the game neared its conclusion, Tramontini completed her hat-trick with another emphatic finish. In a rare foray upfield, Skipper Millie-Mae found herself with space and time in the opposition box to slot underneath the goalkeeper, capping off a fine inidvidual display.

Coach Murphy was delighted with his team's 4-0 win, and in his post match interview he paid tribute to his team's skill, teamwork, and resilience.

DASSA SELECT | HONG KONG TOUR

DASSA SELECT | HONG KONG TOUR

DASSA SELECT | HONG KONG TOUR

DASSA Volleyball Girls Shine at Discovery College

With the football matches wrapped up, the squads took a short stroll up the hill to Discovery College’s stunning campus, where Coach Alysha’s volleyball team was first to take the court.

The strong bonds that had formed between the teams, combined with the vibrant acoustics of the DC sports hall, created an electric atmosphere. With faces painted and UAE-themed ribbons adorning their hair, the DASSA girls looked the part—and their performance lived up to the occasion.

Another outstanding serving performance from captain fantastic, Liz (Swiss ISD), set the tone, whilst ruthless hitting from Greta (Raffles IS), Lea (EIS Meadows) and Vittoria (Raffles WA) kept the scoreboard ticking over in DASSA's favour. The UAE side quickly took control of the match, surging to a commanding 2-0 lead.

While Discovery College showed flashes of quality, DASSA capitalized on near enough every loose shot to maintain their momentum. DC were unable to mount a comeback, and DASSA sealed a decisive 3-0 victory.

Coach Alysha commended her team’s dedication and positive attitude throughout the DASSA Select process. Reflecting on their experience in Hong Kong, she shared that the team is eager for more challenges ahead, with a rematch against Elite Volleyball Club already on the horizon.

DASSA SELECT | HONG KONG TOUR

DASSA GIRLS BASKETBALL COMPLETE STUNNING TREBLE IN FINAL MATCH

The DASSA Select Girls basketball team continued to prove themselves as a force to be reckoned with in Hong Kong, delivering a commanding victory over Discovery College on match day three. Having already demonstrated their skill and dominance earlier in the tour, this game was yet another masterclass in teamwork, precision, and execution.

From the opening tip-off, DASSA displayed their confidence and control. By now, their plays were drilled to perfection, and the seamless coordination between players made it nearly impossible for Discovery College to break through their formidable defense.

Maddie set the tone early, sinking a series of effortless three-pointers, while Raya followed suit, demonstrating pinpoint accuracy from range on multiple occasions.

The relentless pressure from DASSA extended to every aspect of the game. On defense, Maria (IS Choueifat) and Leja (Dubai College) locked down the opposition with tenacious marking and critical steals, forcing Discovery College into turnovers time and again. Meanwhile,

Kenzy, Tania (both GEMS Metropole) and Yas (DIA EH) provided a dominant presence in the paint, securing rebounds on both ends of the court and denying DC any second-chance opportunities.

DASSA’s offense was a well-oiled machine. The backcourt partnership of Maddie and Raya orchestrated the team’s movements with precision, creating open looks and exploiting gaps in Discovery College’s defense. The fast-paced transitions and sharp passing saw nearly every player contributing to the scoreboard.

Despite their best efforts, Discovery College struggled to keep pace with DASSA’s intensity. The UAE team’s ability to press high, disrupt plays, and capitalize on fast breaks ensured the game remained one-sided. By halftime, the lead was insurmountable, and DASSA maintained their dominance throughout the second half.

Coach Jess couldn’t have been prouder of her team’s performance. She commended their focus, discipline, and relentless drive to improve with every game. “This was a team effort through and through,” she said post-game. “Every player contributed, and the chemistry we’ve built over this tour has been incredible to watch.”

DASSA SELECT | HONG KONG TOUR

DASSA Boys Triumph in Thrilling Clash Against Overtime Academy

The boys’ basketball team saved the best for last, delivering a fiercely competitive and highly entertaining match against a dynamic, skilful, and tactically sharp Overtime Academy side.

From the opening whistle, it was clear that DASSA faced a tough challenge, as Overtime surged into an early lead. However, the DASSA boys quickly adjusted to the intensity and established themselves in the game.

Defensively, Panagiotis (GEMS WA) and Reuben (DHA) worked tirelessly to keep Overtime’s attack in check. Meanwhile, standout performances from Nick Bhatia (DIA EH) and Tex Blackburn (CIS) at both ends of the court kept DASSA’s scoreboard ticking over.

At half-time, with the match ebbing and flowing at a breathless pace, the teams retreated to their respective benches with DASSA trailing by a single point.

The third quarter saw the two teams trading leads in a thrilling back-and-forth battle. However, the frenetic pace and raucous support from the sidelines occasionally led to rushed plays, much to the frustration of Coach Fernando.

In the final quarter, several DASSA players rose to the occasion. Janko (EIS Meadows), Grayson (Kent College), and Walid (EC) came through with clutch plays at critical moments, keeping the team in the fight.

The game’s defining moments came in the fourth quarter courtesy of Rohit Rajkumar (JBS), who put on a dazzling display in the closing stages. Combining blistering pace, power, and finesse, Rohit scored an impressive 14 points in the final minutes, giving DASSA a 3-point lead with less than a minute on the clock.

In the dying seconds, Nick Bhatia calmly sank a free throw to seal the victory, securing DASSA’s perfect tour record and capping off an unforgettable day.

DASSA SELECT | HONG KONG TOUR

HONG KONG, YOU’VE STOLEN A PIZZA OUR HEARTS

As the tour came to a crust-worthy conclusion, students and staff from both sides gathered for a well-deserved pizza party that truly delivered. Spirits were topping the charts as everyone savored slices that were supreme-ly satisfying. There was no room for thin-crust banter; the room was alive with laughter, and the atmosphere was cheesy in the best way possible.

Pepperoni debates were had, Hawaiian arguments settled, and even the vegetarians had a slice of the action. It was a slice of heaven, with every bite marking the doughlightful end of an incredible journey. By the end, we were all stuffed, but pizza our hearts will always remember this saucy send-off. 🍕

DASSA SELECT | HONG KONG TOUR

DASSA SELECT | HONG KONG TOUR

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