The centennial celebration of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Sultan Sulaiman (SMKSS) created a wave of nostalgia and excitement as former rugby players reunited to represent their respective sports houses in a commemorative touch rugby tournament.
The event, themed ‘Seabad Gemilang’ (A Century of Glory), marked 100 years since the school’s founding and rekindled memories of school days long past.
Held in a modest yet meaningful format, the event successfully brought together 60 alumni players, many accompanied by their families, in a show of support and camaraderie. More than just a game, it was a heartfelt reunion.
“This wasn’t about proving which batch was stronger or who’s more successful today,” said Che Mohd Zulkarnain Abdul Wahab, who first joined SMKSS in 1987. “It was about reconnecting with our brothers—some of whom we haven’t seen since we left school. To be back on this nostalgic field, representing our old sports houses once again, is deeply sentimental for all of us.”
Adding a special layer to the occasion was the fact that the driving force behind the event was none other than the school’s current principal—himself a proud alumnus.
“As former students, we each have our own way of giving back to the school that shaped us,” said Principal Mohd Fadzli Yusoff, 56, who is also a respected figure in Malaysian rugby, having served as a referee at international championships. “For me, organizing this event is a personal mission.”
SMKSS has long been a cradle of sporting excellence, producing athletes who have competed at both national and international levels. Rugby, in particular, has been a proud tradition, with the school’s name standing tall alongside Malaysia’s elite boarding schools known for their rugby legacies.
The highlight of the day was the SMKSS Alumni Touch Rugby Championship, featuring four teams representing the school’s sports houses: Indera, Laksamana, Mahkota, and Paduka. These houses continue to be a core part of student life at SMKSS, which offers education up to Form Six.
Team Indera emerged as champions after defeating Paduka in a thrilling final match. Mahkota secured third place, while Laksamana rounded out the standings in fourth.
The event was more than a celebration—it was a living tribute to the enduring spirit of SMK Sultan Sulaiman, where legacy, loyalty, and sportsmanship continue to thrive across generations.
