–in memory of fallen heroes

DESPITE the dry and dusty nature of the GFC surface, the Pele FC Alumni Corporation, in association with the Pele Football Club, on Thursday last hosted four matches in memory of several fallen football stars since the formation of the club over 50 years ago.

Graced by the presence of several of the players who were awarded scholarships to Clemson University back in the 1970s, current players, President of PFC Dirk Exeter and Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Kashif Muhammad, dozens of players including females were afforded the opportunity to showcase their skills in four 50-minute matches.

The Pele FC U-15 engaged the counterparts from Black Pearl, with the former emerging
victorious. The female clash saw GT Kanaimas exacting revenge on Pakuri Jaguars, to whom they lost last year, by winning comfortably.
The Under-20 game ended in victory for Pele FC, 1-0, over Buxton Stars, while the senior match between Santos and Pele saw the Santos side walking away with the win.

All the teams were presented with winners and runner-up trophies, while the individual players were also rewarded with first and second replica trophies.
In remembering their fallen comrades during a very solemn brief but significant ceremony, Chairman of the National Sports Commission Kashif Muhammad commended the Pele FC Alumni for a wonderful initiative of recognising the contributions of their past players, whose collective efforts have kept the club going fifty years on.

Muhammad reflected on the days when he himself donned competitive gear to represent Mackenzie YMCA and compete against Pele.
“The beautiful thing is that they all started like these young players we are seeing here, and they got an opportunity to study overseas, and have never forgotten where they came from, making it their priority to ensure they give back and empower these youths,” he said.

The Pele FC Alumni also assists a number of kids with their educational pursuits at the secondary school level and the University of Guyana.
A special commemorative plaque was presented to Dr. Colin Watson in memory of his elder brother and former Pele President Clyde Watson. This initiative was spearheaded by Alumni Executive Eric Smith, also a former national player.