Brazilian star possible for ‘One Love’ football
Published:Saturday | February 11, 2023 | 12:57 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
Organiser of the annual ‘One Love’ football matches, Clive ‘Busy’ Campbell, said there could be a special guest player from Brazil on show at this year’s renewal, scheduled to be played at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex on Wednesday, February 22.
Although not wanting to give away his name before the player was confirmed, Campbell revealed he has been in discussions with the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport and the Brazilian Embassy in an effort to broker the deal and remains hopeful it will materialise.
“I left the documents at home but we might have a surprise with an international football player,” Campbell said.
“I got an email from the Brazilian Embassy, they are working along with us and I am hoping and praying it will come through,” he told the audience at the launch of the event at the Tuff Gong International studios yesterday.
He added that if the individual is confirmed ahead of the February 22 date, they could have a change of venue.
“I spoke with the people at Arnett Gardens and the gentleman there said if a man like that comes to Jamaica, the game couldn’t be played there.
“I am just keeping my fingers crossed. The ministry of sports is supporting us and could bring him in with the help of the Brazilian Embassy’s cultural department,” Campbell said.
Four teams are set to part take in the event – Entertainers Invitational, Referees invitational, Christian Ambassadors and the Masters and Celebrities team.
Campbell noted that there will be no admission charge but fans will be asked to make a donation at the gate.
“It is a fundraising event,” he said.
Meanwhile, the proceeds from this year’s event will help purchase computers and printers for the Maranatha Basic School in Waterhouse. The school was recently broken into and items stolen.
“When I heard what took place in Waterhouse at Maranatha Basic School that thieves broke in and stole their computers and printer that was really disturbing. The basic school must get back the computers and printer,” Campbell said.
Manager of the Bob Marley Foundation, Alicia Williams, said the relationship between the Marleys and Campbell goes way back and she praised the former football administrator for keeping the football legacy of the ‘Gong’ (Marley) alive.
“The Bob Marley Foundation has been partnering with the One Love football match for decades. We want to commend ‘Busy’ because he has continuously put in the effort to ensure the One Love football match is executed efficiently and effectively and, of course, it continues the legacy of Bob Marley,” she commented
Professional Football Jamaica Limited (PFJL) CEO, Owen Hill, said the event’s longevity is a testament to its value as a local football product.
“This is the 41st staging and anything that has been going on for 41 years must be good. That is testimony to the fact that Clive has put a good initiative on the table and is constantly supported by our different partners. I am happy the PFJL is in full support of initiatives like these and we will help in leading the charge to ensure that our youths and most vulnerable in the society will continue to benefit from the sport,” Hill said.