An appetite for the big moment
Thomas remembered as dangerous attacker, example to community
Published:Wednesday | May 29, 2024 | 12:09 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
FORMER BOYS’ Town and Harbour View attacker Rafiek Thomas, who was shot and killed in his community of Denham Town yesterday morning, is being remembered as a prolific goalscorer with a deft touch, sublime skills, and an appetite for the big moment.
According to reports, armed men invaded the player’s residence on Water Street in the community while he slept, and opened fire on the dwelling, hitting Thomas and another person. The other person has been listed as injured.
Thomas, who was 39 years old at the time of his death, also represented Tivoli Gardens, Waterhouse and Humble Lion.
Harbour View general manager Clyde Jureidini remembers Thomas as a gifted player.
“His skills were so sublime that sometimes you would wonder what he did because he did it with such ease and composure.
“He had this greatness in him that when it was time or moment to win a game or to come up with a goal out of something or nothing, Rafiek would appear and disappear and if you take your eyes off him he’ll hurt you.
“He scored some winning goals in crazy fashion, and a lot of them were headers.
“Rafiek is average height and a little, ‘mawga’ youth. You don’t expect him to outjump defenders and big, strong goalkeepers but he would sneak in and clip it just before the goalkeeper got there or get between defenders, and a lot of times with his head.
“So even when his attributes and skill sets were largely with his touch, his passing and finishing with his feet, he would find other ways to win. He had an appetite for big moments, winning titles and important matches, coming up with goals and a lot of times late game winners,” Jureidini recalled.
PROFESSIONAL CAREER
Jureidini also explained that Thomas, who started his professional career with the east Kingston club, was a big part of their first Caribbean Club Championship success in 2004, and won many other titles with them, including the KSAFA Jackie Bell knockout and the Premier League.
“We are flabbergasted by what happened. We are saddened by the loss of another young man. Rafiek came to us as a youngster from the western Kingston area. Very loyal, committed and talented.
“He was a proud servant and he represented himself, his community, his family and the football fraternity very well and will be missed,” Jureidini added.
Boys’ Town president, Andrew Price, who coached Thomas for much of his senior career at Boys’ Town and Humble Lion, was still in disbelief when he spoke to The Gleaner.
He said the player was an inspiration to many young players coming up in the community.
“To be awoken by this tragic news is really overwhelming,” Price lamented. “He was celebrating with us on Sunday night at the Tony Spaulding Complex after we won [the KSAFA Championship] for the second year in a row.
“He scored the winning goal when we won it for the first time last year. So behind the thrill of victory there is the agony of grief.
“To get this news this morning is very devastating. I am really disheartened and in shock,” said Price.
Like Jureidini, Price believes Thomas had a knack for producing important goals in big moments.
“Rafiek could score goals in any manner. He scored headers, volleys or calmly passed the ball into the net.
“He was just a prolific goalscorer. Didn’t pack a powerful shot but was always able to find the back of the net,” he said, adding that the club will reach out to the family to play a part in his funeral.
“We have to give the family their moment of grief. But we will be in touch with them to see how the club can play a part in his send-off.
“But we just want to send condolences to his family and friends from the Boys’ Town Football Club and the community at large.”