JPL games to hold minute’s silence for Maxwell’s passing

A MINUTE’S silence will be observed at the start of each Jamaica Premier League (JPL) game in round 24 in observance of the passing of coaching legend, Geoffrey Maxwell.

Maxwell’s son, Christopher, announced the former coach’s death yesterday morning, almost a year after announcing he had been suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.

The Professional Football Jamaica Limited, organisers of the JPL, has said clubs have permission to wear black armbands today, which will have four games, and tomorrow, which will have two.

Jamaica’s football fraternity was plunged into mourning yesterday when news broke and tributes and messages of condolence have poured in.

Olivia Grange, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, said the former coach had done a ‘tremendous job’ for football in Jamaica.

“Another of those who have done a tremendous job for football in Jamaica has left us. Geoffrey Maxwell made his mark as a national player of worth and a coach of merit at the highest level,” she said.

“We thank him for his service over many years to the wonderful game.

My condolences to his family, his relatives, friends and associates and to the football fraternity.

Rest in peace Geoffrey,” she wrote on X.

Maxwell’s coaching prowess was most well ventilated at Waterhouse Football Club and the organisation echoed sadness at his passing.

“It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that Waterhouse Football Club extends our sincere condolences to the family, friends and loved one of our former coach, Geoffrey Maxwell. Coach Maxwell was more than just a tactician on the sidelines; he was a mentor, a leader and a true architect of success for Waterhouse FC. His dedication, passion and strategic brilliance left an indelible mark on our club, guiding us to memorable triumphs and elevating our standards both on and off the pitch,” read a statement from the club.

“His impact on our players, staff and the wider football community will never be forgotten. Rest in peace Coach Maxwell. Your legacy at Waterhouse FC will never be forgotten.”

LOVE FOR COUNTRY

The Jamaica Football Federation (JFF), who awarded Maxwell with a plaque in honour of his contribution to the sport last year, also expressed condolences and spoke of the late coach’s love for country.

The JFF had also honoured Leander Marshall, Everton ‘Bob West’ McLeary, and Allan ‘Skill’ Cole for their contribution to the sport.

“On behalf of the entire JFF, we would like to express our condolences to the entire football fraternity for the passing of Geoffrey Maxwell. Geoffrey was certainly a patriotic man who loved Jamaica and for decades was an inspiring person in the development of football in Jamaica. He was a hardworking individual who loved the game. He will truly be missed,” said JFF president Michael Ricketts.

According to the PFJL, Maxwell was ahead of his time.

“His visionary approach and dedication to excellence not only elevated the sport of football in Jamaica but also shaped the lives and livelihoods of countless players, coaches, and general fans, enabling their growth and development beyond the game,” the PFJL’s release shared.

“The Directors and Management of the PFJL extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the entire football community in the management of this loss. Geoffrey’s passion and technical ingenuity will forever remain an inspiration to us all.”

As a player, Maxwell was known as an astute defender, and made the national team before he retired and eventually became a well-known coach.

As a coach, Maxwell led Excelsior High School, his alma mater, to Manning and Walker Cup titles in the 1980s, before joining up with Waterhouse where he coached them during arguably their most successful stint in the Premier League, guiding careers like that of former national player, Demar Phillips, with his philosophy of flying wingbacks.

After winning the Premier League with Waterhouse in 1998, Maxwell became a highly sought after coach, becoming one of the most-travelled in his era.

He also had stints at Santos, Harbour View, Tivoli Gardens, Arnett Gardens, St George’s SC, Humble Lion, Maverley Hughenden, and even Hydel High School. There were others too.

Maxwell was the head coach of Jamaica’s men’s national Team from 1988 to 1989 and was the coach of Jamaica during the 1990 World Cup Qualifiers and for the inaugural edition of the CFU Caribbean Cup in 1989.

Maxwell holds the distinction of being Jamaica’s first coach who helped Jamaica win an away game in World Cup Qualifying. This was May 29, 1988 when Jamaica defeated Puerto Rico 2-1 in San Juan.