The Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) mourns with the rest of the country the passing of Jamaica’s first footballer to play professionally in England, Lindberg ‘Lindy’ Delapenha.

Delapenha, who died yesterday morning, was also one the first black men to play in the English football leagues. He was 89.

“Although Lindy did not wear the national colours, he represented brand Jamaica long before it was described as such. His exemplary performance on the field in England was heralded decades after he stopped playing.

“He had a distinguished career mainly as a sports broadcaster which was natural for him because of his rich knowledge, experience and involvement in so many other sports outside of football,” a JFF release said yesterday.

President of the JFF, Captain Horace Burrell, on hearing of Delapenha’s passing, extended condolences to the family.

“I salute this outstanding, proud ex-footballer and sportsman extraordinaire and wish to express my sincerest condolences to his daughters, grandchildren, other relatives and close friends,” he said.