Pelé FC Alumni and Pelé FC pay tribute to the late King Pelé
Following the death of one of the most commanding sport figures of the last century, Pelé, on December 29, 2022, the Pelé FC Alumni along with Pelé Football Club on Thursday evening paid tribute to the legend after which the club was named, some 50-plus years ago.
This event should have taken place a few weeks ago, but was curtailed owing to inclement weather. On Thursday though, many of the founding and former players of Pelé FC, many of whom went on to don national colours and are now residing overseas, were home to join in the moment of reflection and remembrance at the Georgetown Football Club Ground.
Former national players, as well as other Pelé FC members, during the vigil at the GFC Ground in honour of the late King Pelé
The programme took the form of a brief candlelight vigil with the attendees wearing specially printed jerseys.
Announcer and former national player Keith “Bumpy” Layne reflected on the life of Pelé, born Edson Arantes do Nascimento, as all present donned specially-minted buttons to mark the occasion. Players from all eight teams that participated in the four Youth Educational Matches, all wore black armbands to mark the occasion.
Among the Pelé players present were Dr Colin Watson; Lyndon Bollers; Paul Chan; Eric “Riggy” Smith; Patrick “Labba” Barton; Denis “Carrie” Carrington; Ivor “Brazilian” Jones; Compton “Alan Ball” Luthers; Lindon “Colt” Carter; Loris Stoby; Alfred Harris; Albert Sampson-Barton; Wenceslas Laundry; Lyndon “Pinhead” Laing; Lloyd “Chula” Enmore; Clyde “Farmer” Browne (Former Coach); David Gomes (Local Operations Director); and Pele FC President Dirk Exeter.
Pelé FC Alumni Chairman Denis Carrington expressed gratitude to all present, including the players of Pelé FC, past and present, young and old, for making the event a success, noting that it came off at the right time.
“Whilst it did not happen when we wanted it to, a few weeks ago, we are really thankful that it has happened at this time. When so many of you are here and would have preferred it now. To Mr Exeter, our local president, and his team, thank you for the work put in to make this a memorable evening. The memory of this great icon will surely live on for many more generations to come,” he said.
Meanwhile, the three-day Youth Education Seminar, which will attract some 130 youths this year, will open today at the Police Sports Club, Eve Leary from 09:00h. Registration will commence one hour earlier.
