Hadad: Sedley certainly was a pioneer

TRIBUTES continue to pour in for Former National Football Team captain Sedley Joseph following his passing on Monday at age 80.

In a press release, chairman of the TTFA’s FIFA normalisation committee Robert Hadad expressed sincerest condolences, describing Joseph as a pioneer in local football

“A large extent of the local community understood that Sedley Joseph was a great footballer and his importance extended well beyond football even after he retired from playing the game,” Hadad stated.

“He certainly was a pioneer of the game and can be considered as one of the great players this country produced who never had the opportunity to play in a World Cup, a stage I am sure we all believe he was worthy of being on.

“Sedley helped put TT football on the map by leading our national team to bronze medal at the 1967 Pan American Games, a feat never again to be achieved by a national team.

“In a recent interview you recalled your time playing for Maple at the Queen’s Park Savannah where so many would remember watching you display true leadership qualities and fascinating skill and composure in the middle of the field,” Hadad added.

“The Savannah in those days held a special atmosphere during the football season, with a barely-contained frenzy that you and your team-mates created weekend after weekend. Your greatest days on the field will remembered by many with affection.

“A legacy is etched into the minds of many and the stories they share about you. And you Sedley certainly left many speaking about you then and this will continue way past your time on this earth. You will be missed but your memory will live on for many years and your name is certainly recorded in the history of our beloved country.”