The Ortega Cup was revived after more than 20 years of absence. This series was started off in the 70s when RI and SJI were at the Bras Brasah area. It was an annual event, both school pitting their best teams against each other in an one-of game. Each school took turn to host the event and was considered a highlight in the sporting calendar of the two schools. The cup was donated by a member of the SJI staff, Mr Sidney Ortega.
Unfortunately, for some unknowm reasons, it was stopped in the late eighties and seemed to disappear into history until the old boys decided to revive it in 2005. In the afternoon of 25th May 2005, at the SJI ground in Malcolm Road, the oldies kicked off the series again. The bulging bodies of these old boys played their hearts out. Some of them even lasted the whole 90 minutes game.
Mr Mah Bow Tan and Mr Abdullah Tarmugi, both old boys of the school were present to witness the match and present the trophy, won finally by RI old boys, 2-1.
Quah Kim Song, Singapore's best known footballer, made a short appearance for the RI team. Fred Martins, Emran Yusoff, Marc Tan Eng Teng, Teo Liang Huat, Ling Beng Huat, Juraimi Ali, Yuan Chee Onn, Richard Pereira, etc were in the victorious team. In the SJI team, Leong Kok Fann was leading his team. Some retired teachers like Mr Hector Chee were also present. It was very nice to meet the old boys once again and relived the old days whe soccer was a major game/CCA in RI.
Let's keep this tradition flying!
Auspicium Melioris Aevi
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