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.

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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.