Heading into their MSSA inter-school U-16 Div-III semi-final clash with Thakur Public School (Kandivli) on Tuesday evening, the St Anthony’s (Malwani) boys were not in the best frame of mind. In the morning, they were told that Don Bosco International (Matunga), who they beat 2-1 in the quarter-finals, had lodged a protest with the Mumbai Schools Sports Association (MSSA), claiming St Anthony’s fielded five overage players in Monday’s quarter-final. MSSA’s Hon Joint Secretary Joseph Monteiro however, gave the Malwani school a clean chit after checking their records. 

Close encounter

Undeterred by the pressure, the St Anthony’s boys remained focussed on the task at hand and beat a formidable Thakur Public School 3-2 via tie-breaker at St Francis D’Assisi ground, Borivli, to storm into the summit clash. “We got to know about the protest this morning and were surprised and disappointed as it placed a doubt on our integrity. But fortunately for us, it charged up my boys. They took it as a challenge and were determined to win. Every team have a right to protest, but we are glad that in the end, truth prevailed,” Ronnie D’Souza, team manager and owner of UK United Sports Academy, who began coaching St Anthony’s football teams across all age groups only a month ago, told mid-day after the win.