Pele F.C. Alumni Wall of Honor

40th Anniversary Honorees

JOHN YATES

It was sometime in 1974, that John was approached by Mullin Scar (Lennox Arthur) and Billy Braithwaite to join the Pele FC as President and accepted the position.  Joining the club simultaneously at that time was the late Joe and Alice Lyken who along with Billy B and Lennox were the movers and shakers of the club. Later, Mr. Yates was elected as President of Georgetown Football League.

ROXANNE ‘Pukin’ KEITH

Roxanne, started supporting Pele Football Club at age 13 in 1971 about the time that Hull City soccer team visited Guyana. She made the Pele FC team as a starter in the right back defense position. Pele FC won the women’s league for the two years it was held with the other teams being Santos, Western and Vasco Football Clubs. In 1998 she was called up to the Guyana National Women team to challenge the visiting Suriname National Women side. In her own words “Pukin” sums up her level of support “I am always talking about Pele F.C. and our players and will never stop supporting them.

FRANK WATSON

The ancient Greeks  said "whom the Gods love, die young." Frank was the second President of Pele F.C. and departed this world at the tender age of 23 in a tragic crash of an aircraft he was co-piloting on Dec. 3,1973. His many accomplishments even at his young would be the subject of another missive. Frank had no acquaintances, everyone he came into contact with became a friend.  Frank loved the game of soccer and was a very good youth player with Thomas United F.C. but his studies did not permit him to pursue his dream to become a 'national' player at the senior level. His love for the game never waned and after returning as an airline pilot he threw all his time, energy and financial support into Pele F.C. We miss Frank everyday and honor his memory with the  nation wide Frank Watson U15 Tournament.

WILLIAM ‘Billy’ BRAITHWAITE

Billy served both as President and Secretary of Pele F.C. during his long tenure and in our most successful period. Billy was always focused and acted on the belief of the four D’s: Discipline, Determination, Dedication and Dignity were needed both on and off the field if we were to achieve success at the next level of football. Billy’s Leadership and philosophy served as the guiding principles that would make the difference in helping to bridge the gaps that block so many youth on their path to being outstanding footballers and citizens. He often shared his vision with a detailed road map, complete with caution signs pointing out potential dangers we experience along our journey’s.

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PETER ‘Zeno’ GULLIVER

Peter started at Pele FC in 1972. Peter ventured into his first Coaching assignment in 1975 as the Youth under 14 and under 15 Coach. In 1986 Peter became Head Coach of our First Female Team while continuing to coach the youth Boys Team. These Coaching assignments helped Peter to be prepared for his transition to the Senior Team Coach following Lennox Arthur.

ROYSTON ‘All in One’ Erskine

Royston is one man of many talents. He became a member of Pele Football Club in 1973 and following a stint in the GNS returned to the club in 1976. With great love and passion for Pele Football Club coupled with his leadership skills, one of his key characteristics) he accepted the Presidency of Pele F.C in 2003, during one of its most vulnerable period of the 40 years of existence.

HAROLD ‘Lightweight’ KISSOON

Harold "Lightweight" Kissoon. a founding member of Pele FC, was an avid football fan, a City Councilman, Football coach, a family man, a friend and mentor to every youth that crossed his path. The closure of the racecourse at Durban Park, and its conversion to a series of playing fields allowed Harold to organize sporting events for the underprivileged youth in the Lodge area. Harold was instrumental in forming and opting to become the first Secretary/treasurer of the club.

DENNIS ‘CHOW’ HUNTER

In 1972 Dennis gained his first National Junior Cap while touring Suriname with the Inter-Guianas U-18 team. His senior team debut for Pele FC was immediate upon joining the club where he played mid-field. He continued to be a regular member of Pele F.C senior teams during the 1970’s and 80’s that dominated local football winning every conceivable championship during that time. After retiring from active senior team duties, Chow has served Pele F.C as a youth and became Head Coach of Pele F.C. His passion for youth football has seen him devoted his time and talent to the development of young players.

LYNDON ‘PIN HEAD’ LAING

Lyndon began his football career at Pele F.C. at the age of twelve (12) years. The young prodigy represented Pele F.C at the U-14, U-16 and U-19 levels over the years to come, winning every youth tournament ever hosted during his time 1978 to 1985. From 1989 through 1990, he was a regular bench warmer for the Pele Senior Men’s Team. His big chance came in 1990 versus Thomas United in the Demico League. The most productive year for his career was in 1991 when he topped the league in goals scored. Reminiscing on his most memorable moment in local football was his decisive goal against a visiting Trinidad and Tobago team that earned a draw for Pele F.C. “It was a beauty of a goal he exclaimed” as he reflected on this moment. In 1992 Lyndon was selected to the Guyana National Men’s team that participated in the Caribbean Football Union Championship, reaching the six teams finals in Jamaica, and finally ending third. This remains the highest placing for Guyana in any CFU championship to date.

CECIL JARRED JACQUES

Cecil joined Pele Football Club as a player  and subsequently was selected to the National Team  thus enabling him to be a part of the first Guyana Team to beat Suriname in over 20 years in a first round World Cup qualifier. After retiring from competitive football in 1985, Cecil remained active in multiple Executive positions in Pele Football Club, Georgetown Football Club and the Georgetown Football League. Cecil was elected President of Pele Football Club in 2005 and had been re-elected with a resounding vote of confidence through the current period.

RITA ALLEYNE

Rita created miracles and brought the team to life on the field. All of the original Pele F. C. jerseys were hand sewn by her with a flawless touch. Our original outfits included green knitted shirts with a touch of yellow around the neck and sleeves; not forgetting the shinny green shorts. The neon colors dazzled the audience and helped distinguish us with a unique style of play.

CECIL McKENZIE

Cecil agreed to serve as President for the team for six months until Frank Watson was nominated and eventually took over leadership. Cecil helped secure job for some of the members at the Chronicle Newspaper where he was employed and continues to be a dedicated and committed supporter of the team and its members.

CLYDE R. ‘Farmer’ BROWNE

Clyde excelled in High School at Queen’s College (Boys only) for his education. He was one of the founding members of Pele F.C., and one of the teams trainers from its inception. Some players still hold “fond” memories of the pain endured after his practice sessions. Clyde was scouted to attend Clemson University in South Carolina. In his first year he was not only on the Honor Roll but was the League’s MVP. This in turn sparked his College Coach to visit Guyana to seek more talent.

Pele F.C. Alumni 45th Anniversary Honorees

MARC ANTHONY JOSEPH

At nine (9) years of age Marc old joined Pele F.C. as a young goalkeeper in 1983. After taking a break from the sport, returned to Pele FC as a U-19 this time as a right full back. Just over one year later in 1991, he made his first division debut for Pele F.C. in the GFL Demico League Division I versus the Guyana Defense Force. Marc made his international debut against Barbados in Bridgetown and was a member of the Guyana National team in 1996 to have defeated our football nemesis, neighboring Suriname for the first time in twenty years. Marc stepped up to the challenge of coaching Pele FC in 2001, and in 2004 he was appointed Head Coach of the National Men’s Futsal Team, which played in the inaugural Caribbean Football Union Futsal Championship and under his leadership his inexperienced team did Guyana proud by losing to Trinidad & Tobago in the finals, thus placing second. Marc held down the right back position for Pele throughout his career up until his retirement in 2001.

DAVID ‘DOGGIE’ CHAN

David was the first secretary of Pele Football Club. Though not the best of players, his administrative skills were best utilized as the Club’s 1st secretary.  David ran a tight ship which saw the club being financially stable in its formative years in which funds were raised through dances and raffles. Showing his dedication and commitment to Pele Football Club, David served as interim President after the passing of then President Ashton Taylor.

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GORDON ‘Ultimate Warrior’ BRATHWAITE

Gordon excelled academically and In 1977 at the Mackenzie Sports Club ground in Linden he made his senior national Team debut against Trinidad and Tobago ….It didn’t take very long for him to be recognized by American College scouts and the following year the ‘Ultimate Warrior’ was off to Clemson University in the USA on a football scholarship.

DENZIL THOMPSON

As a young man growing up, there are some people who stand out in a crowd.  Denzil Thompson was such an individual.  Starting with his height which is greater than six (6) feet, he had very long arms that came down to his knees…and a huge set of hands; this contrasted with his quiet, soft spoken demeanor. One of Denzil’s greatest contributions to Pele Football Club is as a Coach. He stepped in and remolded the team back to respectability through refocusing their efforts on the TACTICAL aspect of the game and committing themselves to be in top PHYSCIAL condition regardless of the weather conditions in the mornings or afternoons. 

MERLE JOHN-THOMPSON

Merle has always been an avid Albouystown YMCA/Pele Football Club supporter from our inception. She was heavily involved in the social aspects of the Club in terms of planning and promoting our social activities to ensure its success through good preparation and attendance at these events. There is absolutely no doubt about her loyalty and dedication to the team from our early stages in second division to our promotion to first Division.

TERRANCE ARCHER

Terrence joined Pele Football club in 1978 and quickly advanced into the starting lineup due to his outstanding performances on the field. In 1983, Terrence was named Captain of the Pele Senior Football Team and coincidentally, that same year he was named Captain of the Guyana National Football Team. Under Terrence’s captaincy the Club won many championships such as- The Father Niles Knockout Trophy; The Demico League Cup; The Presidents Cup; The Champion of Champions Soccer Championships; and The Brazilian Cup, among others. One notable personal achievement for Terrence was being named - Footballer of the Year in 1983. He last represented both Club and Country in 1995.