Pakyanathan Rexon caught attention of the football fraternity of Sri Lanka when he got selected to U16 National Football Squad.
Playing for the National team for the second year running, this football prodigy from Ilavalai St.Henry’s College has proved why the Northern Province of Sri Lanka remains one of the strongholds in the game of football in the island.
He played for Sri Lanka in the recently concluded South Asia – Japan U16 Football Exchange Tournament played between Sri Lanka, Japan, Bhutan and Nepal. ThePapare.com met with Rexon to speak on his rise in the game so far.
St.Henry’s College has consistently provided some gems to the Sri Lankan football arena after they saw great change in the year 2009.
From then it was only upwards as they went on to establish themselves as the best in the Sri Lanka Schools Football. The main highlight for them was winning the Kotmale U19 Schools’ Football Championship in 2015 when they thumped footballing powerhouse Zahira College 3-1 in the finals.
Talking about his start in the sport, Rexon said;
When I was eleven, I started to play football. Gnanruban Vinoth was my inspiration when I was small. I wanted to play like him. I was motivated to go for practices and improve my skills. We (St. Henry’s) did well during that time and won many trophies. That gave me an extra boost to do better.
Rexon represented St Henry’s in the U13, U15 and U17 age groups and became a significant figure in the team. In 2016, he got into National squad travelling to Malaysia. He shared the fond memories of his first ever national team experience.
It was a very different experience. I was playing with some talented players. Language was a big barrier but I learnt a lot during that time.
Last year we played in the Asian Schools’ Football Tournament. Unfortunately we could not perform well. We had proper practices only for a week. But it was very important for me to improve. I think the experience I gained last year helped me to get in to the nationals again this year.
Rexon was clear about his future plans and it is football written all over.
I was lucky to get the exposure of National team training from a small age. I would like to improve from that and my ultimate target is to get into the senior squad. I want to represent my country in Football.
Talking about Rexon, the Japanese Coach Suzuki Chikashi, who is coaching the Junior Sri Lankan team had his say,
Rexon has a unique way of defending. The best thing is he has the sense to understand the game beyond his age. But he is not quick. If we can improve on his pace, he can be a big asset to Sri Lanka.
With proper training and direction, Rexon can become one of the stars of Sri Lankan Football and without a doubt he will achieve his target with ease.
We, ThePapare.com, wish the young lad nothing but the best for his future ahead.
