JAMAICA’S most heralded footballer, Allan “Skill” Aloysius Cole, was laid to rest on Saturday, and just as he did in life, he did in death, pulling hundreds to watch him, this time for the final time.

But although they did not get to see him play as he was fatally injured, Cole was still the star as his body lay in the National Arena for viewing.

The revered Cole, arguably Jamaica’s most talented footballer who made his senior national team debut as a 15-year-old, brought the Rastafarian, sporting and music communities together.

Cole, who died on September 9 at the age of 74, was a close confidant of the legendary Bob Marley wherein he served a his road manager.

The who’s who of society were all out in their numbers, filing into the arena, sharing memories and pleasantries about the footballer who thrilled thousands throughout his career.

Minister of Sport Olivia Grange; Leader of the Opposition Mark Golding; Member of Parliament Mikael Phillips; Kingston’s Mayor Andrew Swaby; musicians Maxi Priest, Tarrus Riley, Dean Frazer; as well as local netball legends Oberon Pitterson and Marva Bernard were also in attendance.

Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) President Michael Ricketts and Reggae Boyz Head Coach Steve McClaren were also in attendance, as well as JFF General Secretary Roy Simpson, after returning from Curacao where Jamaica lost 2-0 in FIFA World Cup-qualifying match on Friday.

It was a sombre mood, the musical tribute by the Binghistra movement constant throughout in the background as the red, gold and green tams, worn by the Rastafarians, slowly filled the venue.

At 10:40 am Cole’s coffin was closed and emcee Tommy Cowan took to the stage and officially started the thanksgiving service, along with fellow emcee Mutabaruka.

The first tribute was done by Carlton “Sambo” Hammond and members of the Excelsior Manning Cup team, sporting black Ali Cole T-shirts and khaki pants. Cole’s son Ali Cole captained Excelsior in the 1980s before he passed away in 2017 at age 46.

At the time of his death he was part of the Excelsior High School Manning Cup management team.

Tributes flowed from Neville Oxford, who captained Cole on the victorious Kingston College Under-16 team in 1962, and from Ali McNab who rivalled him while playing for Cornwall College before becoming close friends.

Both spoke of his remarkable footballing skills shown from a tender age and how he went on to conquer the hearts of every football fans across in the country.

Broadcasters Ed Barnes and Kay Osbourne also paid tributes outlining his prowess on the field and his rebellious nature fighting for the Rastafarian movement which was heavily discriminated against at the time.

Osbourne revealed how Cole turned down a national award three years ago.

“Skill’s rejection was not one of bitterness; it was an act of sincere integrity. Skill did not crave validation or accolades. He did not need letters behind his name. His rejection was to challenge the system to do better for our heroes,” she said.

“Allan felt it was a little too late. It was a hollow gesture that overlooked decades of achievement, commitment and dedication to this country.

Osbourne recalls that Cole left his Brazilian club, Nautico, after they requested that he trim his dreadlocks.

“Allan chose identity over fame, principle over profit, that was the measure of the man,” she said. “He was a cultural warrior, and flung open the door for the musical revolution that was to come. He fought for the marginalised voices to be heard.”

Former People’s National Party General Secretary Paul Burke also touched on Cole’s fight for social justice and said he didn’t have any political biases but was “just a righteous individual”.

Bongo Herman paid tribute through music along with Leroy Sibbles, Tarrus Riley, Dean Frazer, Junior Reid and Luciano.

The atmosphere was now more of a concert, with most people on their feet rocking and singing to the wonderful sound of reggae.

Beenie Man delved into his roots song of
Kette Drum and was joined on the rhythm by Mutabaruka, who showed off his dub poet skills.

The concert atmosphere eventually gave way to Carlene Davis’s rendition of
Goodness of God before the pastors took charge with prayers.

Golding paid his tribute, noting that he met Cole when he attended matches at Arnett Gardens.

“You heard about not only his immense talent as a baller — his control, passing and dribbling; or his special relationship with Bob Marley and the Wailers, but also a warrior for that great music to emerge, defending them and the music — defending the principle of Rastafari,” Golding said.

Grange said there will never be another “Skill” Cole.

“Allan ‘Skill’ Cole was undoubtedly amongst the great sons of Jamaica for his prowess in the sport of football and his contribution to reggae music — especially through the relationship with his friend Bob Marley,” she said. “During Skill’s 74 years with us he was a man spoken of in awe. You would have to be exceptional to start any career at 15. Just imagine a 15-year-old boy playing football for his country. Skill was born to play the beautiful game of football.”

For Cole, who co-wrote one of Marley’s greatest hits,
War there were also touching tributes from his family, mainly the grandchildren.

But before all this, Cole’s final journey began early Saturday morning as the hearse left Perry’s Funeral Home at 8:00 am.

He then had relays at Caymanas Park, where he was an avid horse racing fan, and then on to 12 Tribes Headquarters and the House of Dread, before heading to Santos football club and finally the National Arena.

Following the celebration of his life, the congregation headed to Shooters Hill, his final resting place.)

Sport Minister Olivia Grange (right) greets Yolande Cole, the eldest daughter of late Allan “Skill” Cole, at the start of his thanksgiving service. (Photo: Joseph Wellington)