Saturday Sep 06, 2025
Saturday Sep 06, 2025
Friday, 5 September 2025 00:02 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
St. Benedict’s College soccer great Albert Fernando with the legendary Pelé
On the hallowed grounds of St. Benedict’s College, Colombo 13, where generations of young men once chased dreams and footballs with equal fervour, a remarkable event is set to unfold. Today (5 September), the college will host a one-of-a-kind football tournament — bringing together Benedictine footballers aged over 60 for a celebration of legacy, camaraderie, and enduring passion.
This isn’t just another match day. It’s a moment in history. As part of the college’s 160th anniversary, the Old Benedictine footballers have organised a memorial service and mini 7-a-side tournament, believed to be the first-ever football event of its kind in Sri Lanka, and possibly in Asia or even the world.
The day begins with a solemn mass to honour departed soccer legends, followed by spirited matches, an awards ceremony, and a fellowship gathering that promises laughter, memories, and stories that span decades.
Among the honoured guests is Rozen Rodrigo, captain of the unbeaten champion teams of 1959 and 1960, and a trailblazer who led the Ceylon Youth team to Malaysia for the inaugural Asian Youth Football Tournament. Joining him are Vijaya Silva, a rare double cap in soccer and basketball; Lionel Dabare, who at 87 will take the field once more, boots laced and spirit undimmed; and Col. Shelton Ganegoda, a stalwart of the 1957-1959 team. Their return to the pitch is more than symbolic — it’s a living testament to the power of sport to transcend age, time, and even physical limits. These men are not just players; they are the architects of a legacy that continues to shape Sri Lankan football.
St. Benedict’s College has long been a cradle of football excellence. From the early 1900s, its teams have dominated school football, producing stars who went on to shine on national and international stages. Names like V. A. Sugathadasa, Albert Fernando, Edward Jayawardena, Evans Balasuriya, Errol Anthony, L. P. Rayen and T. Wanigaratnam, are etched into the annals of Sri Lankan sport.
Robert Joseph, Rex Sebastian, Nevile Cassichetty, Danam Sivapragasam, Denzil Wallace, Amalraj Miranda, Tissa Kodituwakku, Benjamin Ranabhahu, Dr. Collin Fernandopulle, Benildus Fernando, Damien Fernando and Quintus Fernando were also outstanding footballers in the field.
Many Benedictines have worn the national jersey with pride. Anura de Silva served as both Captain and President of the Football Federation of Sri Lanka. Tilak Peiris helped found the Soccer Masters Association and led SBC in the mid-1960s. Randolph Perera captained the FA Cup-winning Old Bens SC team in 1990.
This tournament is not merely a nostalgic gathering — it’s a celebration of values that have defined Benedictine football for over a century: discipline, teamwork, resilience, and pride. It’s a chance for the community to reconnect with its roots, to honour those who paved the way, and to inspire those who will carry the torch forward.
