Soccer

by Hla Min

Updated : June 2025

Background

Shwe Yoe (Scott, author and teacher) introduced soccer to St. John’s Diocesan Boys High School.

BAA (Burma Athletic Association) stadium (aka Aung San Stadium) hosted the First Division matches. There were (a) League Championship (b) Dunlop Knock Out Tournament … For several years, Rangoon University First Eleven competed as a First Division team.

RU Soccer

Saya Nyein (Diocesan Alumni) was RU Coach. U Than Win (Captain of RU football) studied in the US and served as a Director of SPED (Sports and Physical Education Department)8. His spouse retired as Professor of Botany Department, RU.

Some early players include U Chan Tha (Past Captain of RUBC & Captain of the Prome Hall team), U Tun Kyi (engineer), Collegian Nay Win (Academy winner) and U Kenneth Shein (father of Ma Pale Shein (ex-UCC)).

U Chan Tha’s team won the Inter-Hall Soccer Trophy for two consecutive years. Saya U Tin Swe (EE53, GBNF) was a star player.

Saya U Myo Myint Sein (A58) was a well-known soccer player.

Ko Kyaw Sint (Edward, T70, GBNF) was among the preliminary members for Burma Selected, when his career was cut short by a vicious tackle by Tin Han.

Ko Kyaw Htin (C67), Ko Soe Myint Lwin (EP68, GBNF) and Ko Khin Maung Myint (John Tint, M72, GBNF) played for youth and/or senior National Soccer Teams.

Ko Khin Maung Lay (T68), Ko Myo Nyunt (C69), Ko Myint Sein (Jabu), Ko Khin Maung Lay (Mutu), and Sai Thein Maung represented RIT in soccer. U Maung Maung (Burma) was RIT Sports Officer.

At one time, the RU Sports Council conferred Blue and Half Blue to eligible students who excel in sports.

In our days, Saya U Maung Maung Than (T, GBNF) chaired the RIT Sports Committee. Certificates were presented to the RIT sportsmen and sportswomen at the Annual gathering.

Many people in Myanmar follow the World Cup, Premium League, European Cup … in addition to the soccer tournaments (Asian Games, SEA Games, …) in which Myanmar compete.

Some not so young people from overseas remember “U Thant”, and the once “powerful soccer nation in SE Asia” when they hear the name Burma”.