Ex-footballers to felicitate their icons
Four former national footballers have made an initiative to congregate almost all ex-Sri Lanka players together to play a couple of friendly games and proceed with a camaraderie get- together at the Baddegana Football Complex today. This was revealed at a media conference held at the Football House by the convening group which included Sampath Perera, a former captain and coach and former national players Alfred Dias, Joseph Shanthakumar and Thilak Alponso. This initiative was made, according to Perera, to form the much looked forward ‘ Ex Sri Lanka Football Players’ Association’ which is set to become a reality by next year.
“For the moment, we have gathered information of 220 former Sri Lanka footballers. We have invited all of them for the event and in case we have missed a few names, the moment they come across this news through any source, can make themselves available today at Baddegana from 3.00pm. It’s something that has been dragging for ages and a long overdue exercise, which at last is becoming a reality,” Perera stated.
The function will kick off with two friendly football encounters between former national footballers of two different eras. The first game will be between players from the 1970s and the 1980s. This game will be followed with the game between the players of the 1990s and the 2000. Most senior players who are healthy and active are expected to participate at the event, making it an event never-happened-before.
The organisers have also made arrangements to honour top six football greats.
“These players have been selected by us after assessing their commitment and service to the country through football. There may be more to be added into the list but this is just the beginning,” Perera added.
Among the former greats earmarked to be felicitated are P. D. Sirisena, L. A. Ranbanda, H. A. Jayatissa, Subhani Hassimdeen, Piyadasa Perera and S.P. de Silva. The Football Federation of Sri Lanka will fund this event as an encouragement and honour to its former stalwarts according to Rahula Siriwardena, the acting Secretary General.
“If you look at the present players in the national pool, they are highly privileged to enjoy greater perks and facilities than those who represented the country during the past. This is a move that has been in the circle for around two decades but never got going for unknown reasons. By forming an association for ex- national players I’m sure it can render a much great service and benefit the former stars in whatever way possible. I’m sure not much of the players of yesteryears were lucky enough to enjoy monetary or facility benefits but through this movement they can benefit a lot. After all they are assets of FFSL,” he stated.
The winning teams will be awarded with medals and challenge trophies named after the Mayor of the city. The two games will be followed by an official dinner and an awards ceremony.