Blessed are the Sportsmen...

The champions Stallions Basketball Club comprising Mohammed Naseef (captain), Idrees Nafly, Manoj Pinthoe, Umar Zahar, Mohammed Waseem, Mohammed Altaf, Amantha Sachindu, Sampath Suranga, Amila Sandaruwan, Dulanja Lionel, Rashmitha Makavita, Menaka Pradeep and Chamara Edirisooriya with head coach Gerald Jacob

Unknown to a vast majority of sports followers in Sri Lanka, many a Catholic clergyman has been a sportsman at some stage of his youth life before ordination and it was no surprise that the would-be priests and the ones already in religious garb kept aside their prayer books and left their study rooms to keep alive what has been their favourite sporting flame at basketball to showcase their skills before their final Call from the court to the pulpit.

Last week it was time to do so as the seminarians and celebrant priests witnessed by their superiors took on one another and one team, Stallions Basketball Club delivered a commanding performance to clinch the Oblate Juniorate basketball title by defeating St. Joseph’s OMI Seminary 28-11 in the final played at their refurbished basketball courts at downtown Kohuwela last week.

The one-day tournament, organised in line with the reopening of the courts, featured four competitive teams — the Oblates (priests of the OMI congregation), Eugene’s (a team comprising former seminarians), Juniorists comprising young students from St Joseph’s Seminary and the Stallions. 

Despite the friendly spirit that underpinned the event, the standard of basketball on display was intense and competitive, reflecting the deep-rooted passion for the sport within the Oblate community according to the organisers.
After an intriguing round of matches, Stallions and St. Joseph’s OMI Seminary emerged as the two strongest sides to book their places in the final. The Juniorists, though outclassed in terms of experience and physicality, impressed with their discipline, energy and willingness to challenge a far superior Stallions outfit, earning warm applause from the spectators.

In the final, the Stallions’ cohesion, defensive solidity and swift transitions proved decisive. Led by Mohammed Naseef and guided by head coach Gerald Jacob, the Stallions took control early and never looked back. Umar Zahar was outstanding at both ends of the court, while Manoj Pinthoe’s attacking flair put the Seminary defence under constant pressure. 

St. Joseph’s Seminary, captained by Visal Kaveesha, fought valiantly, with Nisandu Nirmal standing out for his defensive efforts, but the gap in experience ultimately said it all.

Umar Zahar of the Stallions was adjudged the Most Valuable Player while Fr. Deshan Peiris of the Oblates was named the Most Promising Player. The Best Offensive Player award was claimed by Manoj Pintho of Stallions while Nisandu Nirmal of St. Joseph’s Seminary won the award for the Best Defensive Player.

The event was graced by Rev. Fr. Irwin Moraes, former Rector of the Seminary with Rev. Fr. Jagath Anthony as guest of honour. Fr. Moraes officially inaugurated the refurbished courts with Blessings while Fr. Anthony presented the awards. The renovation of the basketball courts was made possible through generous contributions of ex-seminarians and well-wishers who donated both funds and time.

Several dignitaries, including Rev. Fr. Roshan Fernando (Rector), Fr. Dileepa Jayamaha (Rector, De Mazenod College, Anuradhapura), Fr. Jude Roshan (Bursar) and Fr. Deshan Peiris (Prefect of Games) were among the spectators. 

The tournament was jointly organised by the Seminary and the Stallions Basketball Club, headed by Gerald Jacob and assisted by Nihara Bagoos.

The runners-up St. Joseph’s Seminary: Standing from left-Anose Pradeep, Dinuka Lakshan, Nisandu Nirmal, Fr. Jude Roshan, Fr. Roshan Fernando, Fr. Deshan Peiris, Shohan Akarshana, Sajith Sathsara, Madura Kavinda. Squatting-from left Jasith Perera, Vishal Kaveesha, Pawan Yunas, Ravindu Deneth and Sithum Nethsara

Promising young seminarian Vishal Kaveesha from St. Joseph’s Seminary goes for a shot at the basket defended by Manoj Pinthoe of Stallions Sports Club

Manoj Pinthoe the Best Offensive Player accepts his award from the Chief Guest Fr. Jagath Anthony

Nisandu Nirmal the Best Defensive Player receives his award from Fr. Jagath Anthony

Fr. Deshan Peiris the Most Promising Player is presented with his award from Fr. Jagath Anthony