Percival Cordwell

Family members and a host of past and present footballers, coaches and supporters are expected to turn out in droves to pay their last respects to the late Percival 'Itesman' Cordwell who gave more than 35 years of dedication to the sport.

Cordwell, a former coach of Holy Family Primary, Rae Town Under-13, Rae Town's Minor League team, Black Youth F.C. and True Love F.C., died on April 6, at the Kingston Public Hospital, after complaining of pains in his chest. He had suffered a mild heart attack, about a month before he died.

Former national technical director, Winston Chung-Fah, who flew in from the Cayman Islands on Thursday night for the funeral, headlines a long list of stalwarts who will be among the mourners.

The list includes Lebert Halliman, Carlton 'Spanner' Dennis, Patrick 'Yatta' Stanford and Trevor 'Jumpy' Harris, whose birthday is also tomorrow.

had no choice

"I had no choice, I had to come and pay my last respects," said Chung-Fah, who described Cordwell as "a gentle giant".

"A lot of people, including some who never contributed to the development of young players, are now benefiting from the sport. 'Itesman' gave so much and got back nothing," argued Chung-Fah.

The thanksgiving service for Cordwell will be held at at the North Street Seventh-day Adventist Church, Kingston, across from St George's College.

The service is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m., with interment at the Dovecot Memorial Park, St Catherine.