In a dramatic turn of events, St Anthony’s School from Malwani emerged victorious against Thakur Public School, edging them out 3-2 in a nail-biting tie-breaker to storm into the finals of the MSSA inter-school U-16 Div-III tournament. This victory, achieved at the St Francis D’Assisi ground in Borivli, came after a whirlwind day marked by rumors, protests, and a vindication of their sports integrity.
Earlier in the day, troubling news had hit the St Anthony’s camp. Don Bosco International School from Matunga, their quarter-final opponents who they had defeated 2-1, lodged a formal protest with the Mumbai Schools Sports Association (MSSA). They accused St Anthony’s of fielding five overage players in the quarter-final, casting a shadow over their impressive performance. However, MSSA’s Hon Joint Secretary, Joseph Monteiro, stepped in to investigate the claims. After a detailed scrutiny of the players’ records, he provided the Malwani school with a clean chit, debunking the protest and affirming the eligibility of all players involved.
Undeterred by the pressure and the allegations, St Anthony’s boys displayed remarkable composure and focus as they took on the formidable Thakur Public School team. Missing no opportunity to prove their mettle, they delivered a performance that will be remembered for years. “The protest came as a shock to us this morning and placed doubt on our integrity. Yet, it also charged up my boys, turning their frustration into a driving force,” said Ronnie D’Souza, team manager and owner of UK United Sports Academy. He had only recently begun coaching St Anthony’s football teams across all age groups, making this triumph even more significant and personally gratifying.
Ronnie’s sentiment was shared by Prince Anandaraj, the coach who doubles up as a mentor from the UK United Sports Academy. “It was heartening to see the boys give their all for every ball despite the unfounded protest that questioned their honesty. Our lineup is within the permissible age constraints; there’s no shadow of a doubt,” Anandaraj stated firmly. This was corroborated by MSSA’s Joseph Monteiro, who confirmed that all 18 players in the St Anthony’s lineup were within the prescribed age limits according to the school’s General Register.
The semi-final clash itself was a fiercely contested goalless draw during regular regulation time.
. The tie-breaker, however, transformed into a dramatic spectacle that kept everyone on the edge of their seats. St Anthony’s midfielder Daksh Koli, showing exceptional versatility, took on the role of the goalkeeper. His heroics between the posts proved pivotal as he made three crucial saves, steering the match towards a captivating finish.
In the tie-breaker session, the nerves were palpable as each shot could potentially tip the game in favor of either side. Daksh, alongside teammates Manas Supugade and Devesh Koli, found the net for St Anthony’s, whereas only Arnav Singh and Kush Kokate managed to score for Thakur Public School. The anticipation culminated in a jubilant cheer from the St Anthony’s supporters, as their school clinched a dramatic victory to book a place in the finals.
This critical win paves the way for an epic showdown in the final against D G Khetan School from Malad, set to take place later this week. The momentum is with St Anthony’s, but the looming final promises to be another test of grit and determination.
Reflecting on the duel, D’Souza expressed immense pride in his team’s ability to weather the storm and come out on top. “Every team has the right to protest, but we are glad that the truth prevailed in the end. This experience has only bolstered our resolve,” he said, emphasizing the importance of fair play and sportsmanship.
In a space often riddled with controversies and disputes, the St Anthony’s team’s experience serves as a reminder of the inherent unpredictability and the emotional highs and lows of competitive sports. Their story of being wrongfully accused, standing their ground, and eventually triumphing not only adds to the lore of school sports but also underscores the values of integrity and resilience.
As they gear up for the upcoming final, the boys from St Anthony’s carry with them not just the weight of expectation but also the legacy of having stood tall in the face of adversity. With their eyes set firmly on the championship, they are ready to script yet another chapter in their inspirational journey – a chapter that could very well conclude with them lifting the trophy.
All eyes will now be on the St Francis D’Assisi ground later this week, where the final showdown promises to be an exhilarating contest of skill, strategy, and sheer willpower. The stage is set for what could be a fitting end to a remarkable tournament run by the indomitable boys from St Anthony’s School.
