Football legends of St. Benedict’s meet at Boots of Glory

On the hallowed grounds of St. Benedict’s College, Colombo 13, where generations of young men once chased dreams and footballs with equal fervor, a remarkable event is set to unfold on September 5 when the school hosts a one-of-a-kind football tournament—bringing together Benedictine footballers aged over 60 for a celebration of legacy, camaraderie and enduring passion.

As part of the college’s 160th anniversary, the event is a Sevens tournament and the day will begin with a solemn mass to honour departed soccer legends, followed by spirited matches, an awards ceremony and a fellowship gathering.

Among the honoured guests will be 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 will be Vijaya Silva, a rare double cap in soccer and basketball, Lionel Dabare, who at 87 will take the field once more and Col. Shelton Ganegoda, a stalwart of the 1957–1959 team.

Their return to the pitch will be a living testament to the power of sport to transcend age, time and even physical limits of men were not just players but architects of a legacy that continues to shape Sri Lankan football.

St. Benedict’s College has long been a cradle of footballing 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 VA Sugathadasa, Albert Fernando, Edward Jayawardena, Evans Balasuriya, Errol Anthony, LP 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 produced by St. Benedict’s. 

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.

The tournament according to the organisers is not merely a nostalgic gathering but a celebration of values that have defined Benedictine football for over a century with discipline, teamwork, resilience and pride taking centre stage.

Damoderam Chandrasiri, another product of St. Benedict’s was a double international in basketball and soccer who played professionally for Abahani SC in Bangladesh and now coaches Old Bens SC. His journey from schoolboy to national icon and mentor reflects the full circle of Benedictine excellence.

Another was Sharmen Caldera—a standout player and coach who brought home numerous trophies during his tenure, nurturing talent and instilling the Benedictine ethos in every player he guided while ace striker and coach Adrian Vindurampulle, Jayantha Wanigasuriya and Donald Fernando were aslo dedicated coaches and a past footballers.

The Late Valentine was a live wire behind SBC and Old Bens sports Club.

Turin Perera was another incredible forward line player, a member of the unbeaten 1973 team who has given his utmost support to Benedictine soccer. From the late Lakshman Caldera and Donald Bastianpillai their spirit lives on in every kick, pass and goal.