… GFF extends sympathy to family & football fraternity
THE football faternity in Guyana has been plunged into a state of shock with the passing of ‘Golden Jaguar’ Shawn ‘Fatso’ Bishop who died in the early hours of yesterday morning following a brief period of illness. Bishop, who was a member of Alpha United FC up to the time of his death, like the true warrior he was, even though ailing still mustered the will to stay in a competitive mode and was also on the threshold of pursuing a coaching career when the Almighty decided to call him to higher service.
There is no doubt that the versatile player (left-footed), who was born on September 15, 1979 to Donna Bishop-McKenzie and Rory Fordyce, was always a standout player in midfield whenever he donned his club gear or that of the National team which he played for 26 times at the Senior level.
His illustrious career started taking shape as a 10-year-old at 113 Pike Street Kitty, Georgetown where he was born and where he grew up.
His stepfather James McKenzie and his mother Donna were always very encouraging and supportive of him {Shawn} so that it was no surprise he turned out to be one of Guyana’s top ball-weavers.
He started playing back in the days with Kitty Rangers from the Under-11 level before moving on to other clubs; Beacon, Santos, Pele and Alpha where he ended what can be described, even though somewhat short, as an impressive career, spanning some 22 years with two International goals.
Shawn, familiarly known as ‘Fatso’ attended the J. E Burnham Nursery and Primary Schools in Kitty before moving on to further his education at the Kingston Community High School in Kingston.
As a club player his ability to dribble opposing players with ease backed up with his daft and precise passes made him an asset. That ability was no doubt spotted by coaches at the National level and Shawn was able to represent his country with flying colors throughout the Caribbean at all the levels right up to the senior.
At the senior level, once fit, he was a sure starter in midfield and as a free-kick specialist. When the ‘Golden Jaguars’ were on that phenomenal run in the Digicel Caribbean Championship in 2005/2006; playing unbeaten to qualify for the finals when Guyana’s hopes of advancing to the CONCACAF Gold Cup were dashed by St Vincent & the Grenadines, Bishop was very much a part of that team under Technical Director Jamaal Shabazz and Head Coach Wayne ‘Wiggy’ Dover.
The performances of that team, captained by Charles ‘Lily’ Pollard, saw Guyana for the first time in its history, breaking under the 100 barrier in the FIFA Coca Cola World Rankings.
Bishop’s ability to control and slow down the game to his liking in midfield was respected by Shabazz to the extent that he was offered a contract to play in the Pro League in Trinidad and Tobago as a member of the Caledonia AIA Club for two seasons during 2005/2006.
His career though, started to fade away in the past year and a half due to illness and despite that fact, ‘Fatso’ was still a committed, dedicated and well respected player.
His jovial character and ability to keep his peers laughing off the field but yet a serious player on the field of play will be missed by all.
President (ag) of the Guyana Football Federation, Franklin Wilson, when told of Bishop’s passing expressed shock and remembered him as a respectful and hard working individual.
“I recall covering his playing days as a journalist at the club and national levels and I couldn’t recall one time when Shawn would not have been committed to his game. He was a special player, blessed with special abilities which he used as best as he could to the benefit of all the clubs he represented and the country.
“On behalf of the Executive and Affiliates of the Guyana Football Federation, I would like to extend sincere condolences to the family, relatives, friends and fellow players of the late Shawn ‘Fatso’ Bishop. He will surely be missed but God knows best.”
Shawn was also one of the best street and Futsal footballers in Guyana and that ability was exhibited in the inaugural Guinness Greatest of the Streets football and many Futsal tournaments. He also represented Guyana at the International level in Futsal and leaves to mourn a beautiful 7-year-old daughter Reshana Bishop; mother Donna Bishop-McKenzie, stepfather James McKenzie, sisters Christine Fordyce and Ashanti Bishop; brothers Andrew Gibson and Fitzroy Gibson, his immediate family members, among others.
The late Shawn ‘Fatso’ Bishop will be laid to rest next Thursday according to his mother. More details will be announced later.