A mere 17 seconds sundered them from shattering a 6 year hoodoo. Edged with a point, they were grappling with possession in perhaps the most taxing few seconds of their careers to subdue the rivals.
And at the final whistle, waves of jubilant Thomians swamped as their boisterous chants resonated a momentous victory, a passage to savour for the prestigious institution.
Behind this remarkable tale stands their passionate and dutiful captain, Randula Senura Gunadasa a compact ‘napoleon-like’ figure who marshaled this determined outfit to the ultimate prize. He joined www.thepapare.com to share thoughts about his career and the historical triumph.
Q: Firstly, how does it feel to win the Royal-Thomian and especially to be the captain who led the team to victory after 6 long years?
It feels great! The Royal-Thomian is our main focus. Almost every sport in college focuses on winning its respective ‘Royal-Thomian’ or the big match. The feeling is unexplainable and especially to lead a young and talented team to victory.
Q: Explain your beginnings to Basketball. Was it always your sport from childhood?
I was mainly into cricket during junior levels, U-11 and U-13. Around that time, I used to play Basketball with my friends during the school interval. That was my beginning, that’s how I started to create a passion for the sport.
Q: Who was your mentor or role model?
My seniors and coaches were my mentors and role models. To see them supporting us throughout our ups and downs, correcting our mistakes and motivating us to do our best inspired me.
Q: In preparation for the big game, what sort of challenges did your team have to overcome?
Perhaps the biggest challenge for us was to find the most balanced team. Every player was equally brilliant. Tournaments before the Royal-Thomian such as the All Island helped us to find the proper balance and team chemistry needed for the big game.
Another difficult challenge was to prepare ourselves and reform our mindsets after it was postponed. It was rescheduled at a point when we were focused and ready. As the captain, it became an arduous task to keep the team pumped up, focused and mentally prepared for almost another month.
Q: What was your team talk before the Royal-Thomian? As the leader, what did you emphasize?
I told them about the tough times we’ve had and all the sacrifices we have made just for that game. To just simply do what we have been doing at regular practice sessions, not to get distracted by the crowd and most of all, not to have any regrets.
Q: Besides the Royal-Thomian win, what was your best memory or moment during your playing years for college?
The moment we beat a strong St. Joseph’s side during this year’s All Island competition made us realize that we could achieve more. Other best memories include spending time with my team, sticking together. It was more than a team, it was like family.
Q: How do you balance studies and sports?
It is the most difficult question to answer (chuckles). It is strenuous to balance both, especially when you are doing A/L science. After practice, I used to come home late and study. You cannot lose touch with your studies.
Q: Other activities and passions you have?
I love to play cricket and tap rugby. Whenever I took my mind off the game, I spent time with my team. It was a strong bond we had.
Q: In your view, how do you see the status of Basketball in Sri Lanka as a sport growing with popularity?
It is a growing sport getting more popular day by day. Currently there are a lot of clubs and various tournaments organised. The game is getting competitive with more individuals taking up the sport and it’s more challenging to play Basketball unlike those days. It’s good for the sport in Sri Lanka.
Q: What are your future ambitions?
To enter a field related to mathematics because I love the subject. I’m also planning to continue Basketball and play at club level.
Q: Any special individuals or entities you want to thank or to be reminded at this moment?
There are many stakeholders behind our success. Starting with my team, which was right there with me through thick and thin. Head coaches Supun Wimal and Buddhin Amarasinghe who is also our MIC, consultant Shriyantha Jayaweera and assistant coaches Rasika Fernando, Tharindu Fernando and Piyumi Gunawardene formed a solid coaching staff.
Our Warden Fr. Mark Billimoria, Chaplain Fr. Amal Fernando, D.O.S Mr. Sisira De Silva and TIC Mrs. Niloo Walpola all rendered their unconditional support towards the team.
The OTBU, past seniors, schoolmates and last but not least my parents, family and all the families of my teammates who made everything possible for us.
Q: Your message to upcoming Basketball players, youngsters and viewers?
Balance everything together. Strive to become the best at what you do!
ThePapare.com would like to thank Senura Gunadasa for joining us and we wish him all the very best for a bright future!
