by T. Prem Kumar
The Veteran's Soccer Association of Sri Lanka (VSASL) came to the rescue of ageing soccerites when they presented cash bonanzas for them last week.

Though not enjoying the best of facilities, sometimes even playing bare foot , these soccerites did achieve their dreams and went onto represent the national side. Old timers of the sport will vouch that they had tremendous respect in the Asian circuit.

But today, these soccerites are neglected and have been left in the wilderness.

Some of these players who were household names, five decades ago, now sell gram or work as porters in Pettah. Some are forced to depend on their children as no one thought of doing a job since they had been playing soccer for almost 30 years. Even the image they built as national players is now in tatters.

Sixty fiveold Joseph Fernando, who played in 27 successive FA Cup finals represented Ratnam Football Club, CR&FC and Army.

Another veteran, A.C.M. Khan, who played soccer for 32 years is now bed-ridden.

Though several requests were made to help these veterans, who deserve more than a hand, little help has come their way. Even the Veteran’s Soccer Association, which was established in 1994, till late did not have a concrete plan to help these ageing players.

The Veteran's Soccer Association has worked on the old saying, ‘better late than never’. The association has finally woken up under their current President, Ajith Cabraal, and has come up with a sound plan.

They selected ten deserving soccerites and presented them with a cash, each receiving Rs. 10,000.

In addition, the VSASL also announced that they will provide these veteran soccerites or the members of their families with spectacles. This event was held on December 2. A few other fund rising projects are also on the cards.

The Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) too came up with a magnanimous gesture and donated Rs. 100,000 to be presented. The VSASL has now decided to present ten more former players with cash awards.

However, much more could be done by both the FFSL and VSASL towards the welfare of these aged players.

Soccerites who have expected to receive financial aid are A.C.M. Khan, Tuwan Synoon, A.R. Nicholas, P.H.S. Albert, Ahamed Hajireen, R.A. Premadasa, Joseph A. Fernando, M.S.M. Thaheer, J.G. Ariyadasa and L.A. Ranbanda.