Marvin Hamilton is an English footballer of Sri Lankan origin who represented the Sri Lankan national team before the country was banned from playing international football. He is currently a professional player in England, representing Hythe Town Football Club in London.  

The Sunday Morning Sports was able to catch up with the former national player during his recent visit to Sri Lanka on a special tour. In the course of the interview, Hamilton discussed his feelings about the state of Sri Lankan football, his life as a footballer, and his visit to Sri Lanka.  

Following are excerpts: 

What are you up to at present?

My English football season is over for the time being, so I came to Sri Lanka for some personal matters. 

An international ban has been imposed on our national team. As a current player of Sri Lanka’s national team, how do you feel about this?

Really sad. Our team was coming together well. We were getting along with different players with high expectations. We hope that this ban will be lifted soon.

Tell us about your relationship with Sri Lanka.

My father’s name is Chris and my mother, Kumari, is Sri Lankan. I am very proud of that. It was that bond with my mother that determined my representation of the national team. She plays a crucial part in my life. Playing for Sri Lanka is a memory that I will never forget.

Do you remember your national team debut?

Yes, of course. It was against the mighty Lebanon team. In short, it was a match against a high-ranked Lebanon team with Sri Lanka ranking lower at that time. It was a qualifying match for the Asia Cup and the World Cup. A few minutes after the start of the match, our striker Waseem Razeek scored a goal and put pressure on Lebanon. We lost that match, but it would be a lie to say that Lebanon was not scared in that match. The match ended in their favour with a 3-2 goal line.

How was your time on the Sri Lankan national team?

It was a very beautiful time and I had so much fun. In all those moments, we worked hard to share the technology with Sri Lankan players in every possible way. We must remember our inspirational captain of the team, Sujan Perera. He is a gift given by God to Sri Lanka. When I am on the field with such a player, I feel that the goal behind me is safe. I have never met such a person, even in my inter-club career.

How is your relationship with the national team players?

Everyone is my friend, but I am very close to Dilip Ruwan, mostly because he is quite fluent in his language, so it was convenient for me. Mohamed Mushtaq is also a friend of mine. Waseem Razeek is a fun-loving player, but he gets all serious during matches.

What is your favourite place to travel in Sri Lanka and your favourite Sri Lankan food?

Of course, I would like to travel anywhere in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka feels so close to me. The food is a bit spicy, but I like the Sri Lankan chicken curry.

If you weren’t a football player, what would you be?

A very difficult question; I can’t imagine that. However, I am attracted to the field of modelling as I have already done some modelling work.

What is your favourite club football team?

It is Manchester United, but my favourite player is the Belgian maestro Kevin de Bruyne.

Do you have a specific purpose for visiting Sri Lanka this time?

Yes. I have come to fulfil a dream that I have had for a long time. I have started several training sessions as a football coach in England. Also, I thought it would be good if I could provide the technology to football players in Sri Lanka as much as possible. 

Accordingly, I have initiated the M.H. Football Academy, which is the first step in my journey. We hope to do better in Sri Lanka in the future. As the final step of my work, my dream is to make the dream of professional football come true for the children of Sri Lanka. I will do my best to achieve that.

How were the training sessions this time?

The training sessions went well. Katunayake’s Under 18 age group and a limited number of people below that age got the opportunity this time. Next time, I will do this on a bigger scale. This time the training was held for only two days, but I am hoping to do something big in the future.

How do you spend your time off as a football player?

I like to walk a lot. Most of the time I go for a walk with my friends when I get a holiday. Talking on the phone for hours is also a habit. That is the real me. 

What are your future goals?

I am still waiting for the ban to be lifted on Sri Lankan football. Also, I am doing everything I can to make my mother proud and to improve the training academy, which is my dream.