15 honored for exceptional service to the club at Gala Dinner

May 01, 2011 Sports

Celebrations to mark the 40th Anniversary of the Pele Football Club culminated on Friday evening last with a Gala Award Dinner and Dance at the Umana Yana where the exceptional and dedicated contributions of a number of individuals were recognised.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport Dr. Frank Anthony delivered the feature address with Guyana Football Federation President Colin Klass, Pele FC President Cecil Jacques along with Pele Alumni representatives William Braithwaite and John Yates all delivering remarks.
Some fifteen (15) persons including three (3) females were recognised for their unselfish contributions to the club through the years of its existence, those persons are Rita Alleyne, Founder of the Club Lennox ‘Mulling Scar’ Arthur, William ‘Billy’ Braithwaite, Gordon ‘Ultimate Warrior’ Braithwaite, Clyde R. ‘Farmer’ Brown, Royston ‘All in One’ Erskine, Harold ‘Lightweight’ Kissoon (deceased), Cecil Mc Kenzie, Denzil Thompson, Frank Watson (deceased), John Yates, Peter ‘Zeno’ Gulliver, Cecil ‘Jarred’ Jacques, Merle John-Thompson and Roxanne ‘Pukin’ Keith.
The awardees were all presented with specially made crystal trophies in recognition of their contributions.
Dr. Anthony in congratulating Pele achieving what he described as a significant milestone complimented the club for identifying and rewarding those persons who would have made selfless contributions towards the club through the years.
“We also need to recognise the positive impact that Pele made on producing many national players. We need to use this occasion for a rethink on where we are as a club and nation in eth area of football.”
The Minister also sought to stimulate the thinking of those present towards the professionalization of clubs in Guyana with a view to taking the game to a higher level.
“If Pele wants to be relevant in the 21st century, then you must do a radical rethink and reengineering of your club to fit the modern context of sports. You must think of yourselves as a pioneer, a leader in the development of football in Guyana.”
In this regard Dr. Anthony made some suggestions with regards to the repositioning of the Club in Guyana. Among the recommendations were: a strategic analysis; strategic direction; strategy formulation; strategy implementation and strategy evaluation.
He encouraged the Pele Executive and members to make their Club profitable and be more attentive to the fan base; reignite coaching programmes at various levels including the school and community.
Club Secretary Robbie Rambarran thanked all for gracing the occasion with their presence and had special praise for the Pele Alumni Corporation (PAC) for their hard work and commitment in making the celebrations a reality and resounding success.
Plaques of recognition were presented to the PAC members for the role they played overall.
The members rewarded were Terrence Archer, Patrick ‘Labba’ Barton, Williams Braithwaite, Dennis Carrington, Linden Carter, Courtney Fanfair, Mark Joseph, Keith Layne, Wendell Manifold, Alister Parris, Eric Smith, Dr. Colin Watson, John Yates, Ivor Jones and Lyndon Laing.
A special plaque was presented to the wife of the late National Captain Ashton Taylor who was a Pele player, Coach and President for his selfless, dedicated and committed contribution to the club during his lifetime.
A number of activities were held during the past week in celebration of the anniversary including junior and senior matches, a coaching clinic and donation of uniforms and other gears to the club.
Pele FC was founded by Lennox Arthur as a 20 year-old on July 18, 1971. The first Club President was Cecil Mc Kenzie. Among the founding members were Wendell ‘Dragger’ Manifold, Monty ‘Senior’ Wilson, Clyde ‘Oiler’ Watson, Colin ‘Bruck Up’ Watson, Keith ‘Bumpy’ Layne, Rodwell ‘Tarzan’ Allison, Alfred ‘Alli’ Morrison, Orin ‘Tinin’ Fanfair, Lloyd ‘Chulay’ Enmore, Eric ‘Riggy’ Smith, Linden ‘Mental’ Bollers, Ivor ‘Brazilian’ Jones, Ivor ‘Carrie’ Carrington, Patrick ‘Labba’ Barton, Alfred ‘Pimp’ Harris, Ashton ‘Caney’ Arthur and Linden ‘Colt’ Carter.
The Club has a rich history of winning competitions ever since its formation and was one regarded as the knock-out kings in Guyana. The forward thrust of the club is to regain that cutting edge at every level. (F. Wilson)

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