Interview by Lai Jun Wei/Red Sports
Celestia Tan is captain of the St Andrew’s Junior College girls’ football team which faced Victoria Junior College in the A Division Girls’ Championship Final on May 14, 2008. She is currently in JC2 and is a defender in the team.
Red Sports: Tell me about yourself.
Celestia: I was from CHIJ St. Nicholas Girls’ School, where I used to play netball. I wasn't fond of soccer initially. Several of my good friends liked soccer and they persuaded me to try it out soccer as a CCA. It was only after I joined soccer as a CCA in Junior College that I begun to truly understand the sport, hence starting to enjoy it.
How did you feel when SAJC qualified for the final?
It was a gratifying moment for me that my team had made it thus far. Meridian JC had put up a good fight but my team fought hard together.
Was the run towards the final tough? How was it like?
The final lap was indeed more intensive both physically and mentally. Trainings were more rigorous and players demanded better and better play from themselves.
Any memorable moment you had throughout the entire season?
Yes. The enthusiasm and willingness to sacrifice that the team shared. Everyone was willing to come back on Labor Day to train, despite it being a public holiday. This was very memorable.
What sort of preparations did you and your team make for and during the A Division season?
The number of trainings increased to improve the physical capability of the players as well as to better oil the coordination of the team. During our soccer camp, we also set aside time to make gifts for our opponents. (A pencil with a tag tied on with a ribbon, on the tag is a picture of the soccer field and the words: The important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle)
What did you do to prepare yourself and your team mates just before the final?
Nothing out of the ordinary. There was the usual prep talk and prayer to God for protection and his grace.
How did you feel about the game?
It was the most exhilarating game played the entire season. It challenged not only me but the entire team to step up their play, bringing the game to a whole new level.
After beating so many schools to get into the final, and managing to hold VJC 1-1 in regulation time, how did it feel to lose out on the championship trophy just by that one penalty?
Naturally, it was upsetting. However I have learnt that the ball is round. Anything can happen on the soccer field and I have accepted it. Furthermore my teammates played admirably. They played with heart, and for that I was really proud of the team. “The essential thing is not to have won but to have fought well. ” – Coach Ngiap Tai
What are your future aspirations?
In the short run, it would be to catch up on my academic work and to do well for the upcoming ‘A' levels.
Any advice for aspiring young players?
Being very new to the sport myself, I don't have any technical advice. However humility to continually learn and determination to press on would be very useful. To quote my coach who used these words to spur us, “first it is impossible, then it is difficult, then it is done.”
well done celest ^^ so proud of you!
Well said.
Many competition and processes are gradually being forgotten for the results.
so much so, that many people have over rated winning.
I agree with wad u have said, the struggle is more important then the triumph.
Well done to all the sports personal who have given their dedications and passions towards the school competition. i myself is a player in my school team, who loss all their games.
i hope that everyone would not give up no matter how hard it is.
THAT WHICH DOES NOT KILL YOU WILL ONLI MAKE U STRONGER.
keep the spirit in life.
chaoz
These girls played with their hearts and won the support of everyone. They outplayed all the teams in terms of technical play. awesome spirit. champions no matter what.
words of wisdom by the coach. well done Celestia and all the football girls in the A Division! you all have showed what girls can do and brought women’s football to a new level.
BRAVO!