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Tivoli Gardens FC hit hard by Daley’s passing
September 20, 2024
The sudden and tragic loss of Tivoli Gardens Football Club player, Delano Daley, who died in a motor vehicle accident on Saturday morning, will have a psychological impact on the club's players and staff, said coach Jerome Waite.
At this time, he is not certain what kind of performance to expect from his unit on Sunday against Humble Lion at Effortville Community Centre at 3 30 p.m.
"Everybody was severely hit by the incident. But we will have to move on. It is not easy. But this is the reality and we must face it," Waite said.
"We have a game coming up and we are still preparing the team physically, technically and tactically. The mental preparation is coming on fairly well," he pointed out.
"But we have to take the field. This is their job. The only way you and I will know if they are ready is on the day when we see what's going on ... and all will see how they apply themselves mentally as it relates to the loss."
Waite described the 22-year-old Daley as an extremely hardworking individual, who wanted to take his game to the next level. The coach added that it is sad he didn't get that opportunity to make his mark with the club.
"It was during the preseason that he came in, and he was one of those players that worked unbelievably hard," Waite shared.
"It was a season that he was looking forward to. He and I spoke and I told him he has talent I can harness and take him to the next level. But unfortunately he is not around. Condolences to the family, friends and fans. It's a sad situation we all have to bear," he commented.
Tivoli will open against a Humble Lion team that will also be playing their first game of the season.
Although Humble Lion struggled horribly last season and lost talisman Andrew Vanzie to Chapelton Maroons, they now have Donovan Duckie in charge, and the much travelled coach's teams are always hard to beat.
Meanwhile, the feature matchup between Mount Pleasant and Waterhouse at Drax Hall has been postponed as the former have a Concacaf Caribbean Cup match later in the week.
The other major clash see defending champions Cavalier, who will open their season against a Portmore team eager to rebound from their opening day defeat. They will play in the second game of a doubleheader at Sabina Park, at 5 30 p.m.
Cavalier are also coming off a loss in the Concacaf Caribbean Cup and will want to start their JPL campaign on a winning note.
In the opening game at Sabina Park at 3 p.m., giant killers Molynes United also play their first match, against Vere United, who are still reeling from their 4-1 defeat to Montego Bay United on matchday one.
At Ferdie Neita Park, Dunbeholden and Racing will both look to get off the mark when they meet in the Portmore derby at 3:30 p.m.
