Elite League games postponed as: GDF goalkeeper collapses, dies during trainingv

Enoch Carmichael, a goalkeeper attached to the Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Football Club, collapsed on Wednesday morning during a practice session at the Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF’s) National Training Center (NTC) at Providence, East Bank Demerara, and was subsequently pronounced dead at the Diamond Diagnostic Centre, East Bank Demerara, where he had been rushed for medical attention.
Details on this incident remain sketchy, but it has been reported that as a substitute for the Elite League defending champions, Carmichael was going through his goalkeeping drills when he collapsed. He was rushed to the nearest medical facility, the Diamond Diagnostic Center, EBD, but unfortunately succumbed.
The GDF Football Team were likely preparing for their KFC Elite League clash with the Fruta Conquerors Football Club, which was scheduled for 21:00hrs tonight at the same Providence venue.
Up until press time, no official word had been forthcoming from the GDF Football Club regarding Carmichael’s death. However, it has been indicated that staff members of the GDF team visited the player’s grieving family on Wednesday.
The Guyana Football Federation, on the other hand, said in an official statement, “The Guyana Football Federation (GFF) extends heartfelt condolences to the family of Enoch Carmichael, who tragically passed away on Wednesday morning during a routine training session with the Guyana Defence Force FC at the National Training Centre, Providence.
“On behalf of the Federation and the entire football community, I extend our deepest sympathy to the bereaved family of Enoch Carmichael. We are saddened by the loss of such a promising talent. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.” This statement was signed by GFF President Wayne Forde.
As a mark of respect, all KFC Elite League matches scheduled for this week have been postponed until further notice. Guyana Defence Force, the defending KFC Elite League champions, are currently preparing for the Caribbean Shield Cup Championship in Curacao later this month.
Aside from the ongoing KFC Elite League, the GDF are in preparation for the Caribbean Football Union’s (CFU) Club Shield Championship, to be played later this month in Curacao.
The GDF FC are slated to be among 20 club teams from around the region who would compete for top honours. That tournament is scheduled for the period July 25th to August 4th.