They have their own internal troubles and battles to fight right now, and our national football selection players are all way too young to know much about the life and times of those who struck the first blow for football professionalism in Belize back in the 1960’s. Elsewhere in this issue, “the X,” “Finnegan” and “Winty J” throw some insights into Belize’s greatest roots football legend, bar none – a man loved and revered by all “ghetto youth” footballers of his day, feared by many an opponent, despised by some in authority, as well as respected by many elders and pundits at home and abroad.
Ironically, there is some consistency in the tone of the players who are presently, as on previous occasions, standing up for their rights. The Mugger understood that.
We sincerely regret that Bembe did not live to be with us for next week’s Gold Cup encounter in the U.S., where he most definitely would have been, like Belizeans everywhere, glued to his television to see how our boys were doing. But his spirit is with us.
Legends live forever, and there is no doubt that much more will be learned in days to come about the life of one called “Bembe” “the Mugger” Garbutt.
Interestingly, Winty J has said that the Mugger never had any major run-ins with the law. His nickname “the Mugger” was from his tactics and exploits on the football field, where taking the ball from an opponent could be likened to “mugging” him. “All his mugging was on the football field,” said Winty J.
American announcers, already thrilled with the name of one Woodrow Wilson West, will no doubt be beside themselves when they encounter the nickname of another Belizean super-talent, Lennox “Criminal” Castillo, who likewise has no criminal record, but has created many a headache for opposing defenders and goalkeepers.
This sports desk would therefore like to dedicate this issue, and ask our national team, putting all negatives aside, to dedicate this Gold Cup endeavor to the memory of “the Mugger,” who passed away last Friday, and will be buried tomorrow, Friday, in New York, even while our national team leaves Belize for their date with destiny.
Les’ go, Belize!!