Sports

Come rain or sunshine overcast skies at the Longden Place square in the match between Old Zahirians and Dimbula – Dickoya there was this lonely figure tucked with a helmet watching this match. He looked a solitary reaper. Of course it was none other than evergreen Marco de Silva – the former Sri Lanka and Havelocks SC full back still looking a bundle of energy. Marco was enjoying his son’s exploits on the field.

A proud product of St. Mary’s Dehiwela, Marco, made his name as a wrestler in 1970 for the Dehiwela Marians. St. Mary’s won the All-Island Wrestling Schools Championship. He came under the tutelage of D.D.N. Perera the reputed wrestling coach from the Colombo YMCA. He was not shy to mention that he had to undergo great hardship as a kid. Fourth in a family of 11, seven boys and four girls, he lived in Ja-Ela and travelled daily to the Dehiwela school.

Marco was fortunate to be blessed with two lovable foster parents in T.M.G. Samat (Father of veteran journalist TMK) Sithy Mooda. He says he’s ever grateful to them.

Q: You are a well-known figure in rugby. Who coached you?
A: Nizam Jaimon and Shafie Jainudeen at grassroots level. Like my foster parents they had a big hand in my rugby career.
Q: You were never a slashing, dashing flashing rugby player, but a man of steel. When did you join Havelocks SC?
A: In 1973 started with “Bambaras” with sheer determination and dedication climbed the ladder and continued playing until 1989.
Q: They call you “Keep fit Marco” , any reasons?
A: No secret about it. One has to work hard on your own to build stamina and physical strength. Further build your mental toughness to play under pressure.
Q: When did you play in ‘A’ division rugby – Who was your captain?
A: After a long wait, in 1976 under indefatigable Thajone Savenghan. It was a crackerjack side. We won the league and the K.O. finals. The likes of Anton Benedict, Jayer Rodriguesz, Gavin Stevens, Angelo Wickremaratne, Jeffery de Jong, Lanil Tennekoon and Hanzil Samad, the nippy scrumhalf.
I rate Samad as the best half back I’ve seen todate. He paired off with Omar Sheriff now domiciled in Australia. It was a golden era for Havies rugby in 1978 – Triple champs. Won the league, the K.O, and the Club 7s.
Q: Anything special in your club career?
A: In 1978 K.O. quarter final against Air Force. It was a ding dong battle at 10-all and the time was ticking away. Just before the long whistle playing as fullback I collected a high ball in our territory and kicked a booming up and under. Charged Russel Baptist who collected in defence but I tackled him to a standstill. Picked the on ball loose and over the line I went amidst jubilation and next day the headlines read “Marco the match winner”.
Q: Any sad moment in your on field career?
A: Yes. After helping Havies win the quarter final against the SLAF. I was dropped for the semis in preference to Thomian schoolboy Shane Pinder.
Q: Who coached the team?
A: Jeff Rutnam. But I was recalled for the final against Kandy SC and we won the match and the Cup.
Q: When did you play for Sri Lanka?
A: In the 1980 Asiad in Taiwan, followed by the 9th Asiad in Japan in 1984.
Q: Anything unforgettable moments away from home?
A: Yes. In 1985, Far East tour in Hong Kong. Between Hong Kong and Chinese Taipei (two matches each) Officials YC Chang, Manager Malik Samarawickrema. Coach Ajit Abeyratne. I was adjudged the Man of the match against Hong .Kong. Rewarded with a Hong Kong jersey for my display as an attacking fullback. I Captained Havelocks in 1982.
I had hard times with a growing family but still never changed clubs until my retirement, in 1989. My loyalty was for one club. In 1991-92 played for Petersons to inject enthusiasm.
Q: What’s your other contribution for Sri Lanka sports, besides wrestling, and rugby?
A: Represented in Judo at national level.
Q: In what way did you help rugby after retirement?
A: Coached the Navy in year 2005. Earlier in 1994 coached the Colombo schools against outstations schools. Beat them 21-3. This year I coached the Mercantile 7s rugby team for the All-India 7s tournament. They won the cup.