Former national player Chris Ziadie is dead
FORMER NATIONAL and St George’s College Manning Cup footballer Christopher Ziadie is dead.
Ziadie died yesterday in the United States after a long illness. He was 55 years old and is survived by a daughter and a son.
Local football coach Andrew Price, Ziadie’s team-mate at St George’s and Boys’ Town in the National Premier League, has described the former midfielder as a brother.
Price said Ziadie was a caring and genuine friend to all who knew him personally and his death is a hard pill to swallow.
“He had an illness, but he was very private about it. He passed away today (Sunday) overseas,” Price told The Gleaner.
“He was more than a teammate. He was a brother. We were very close on and off the field. He was somebody I could depend on, and I would do the same for him. We knew each other from we were kids and remained very close, and despite the distance, we kept close with each other’s family. So this one hits hard.”
Price remembers the midfielder as a skilful, competitive player who gave his all for the team and for victory.
“Chris was a talented, skilful player. He is the only individual I have played on so many different teams with.
“But one thing: he did things his way. He was a man of integrity but very private and proud. He had this combative spirit when he played, whether at schoolboy or national league level or overseas.”
Price and Ziadie won backto-back Manning Cup titles at St George’s College in 1983 and ‘84 and the Olivier Shield in 1984.
Ziadie played for Jamaica six times between 1992 and 1993. He hails from a footballing family that includes his father, the late Dennis Ziadie, a former Jamaican international and coach. His brothers Craig and Nick also represented St George’s College and Jamaica.
In extending condolences to Chris Ziadie’s family, Price said: “I am happy I was able to share the friendship and brotherhood with him. Condolences to his entire family and friends.”