BELIZE CITY, Mon. Dec. 9, 2019– The Belize football community lost one of its most passionate voices with the passing on Thursday last of former footballer, Michael Sutherland, a.k.a. “Diego Maradona,” who made his transition into the eternal arena after a long battle with cancer, that could not dampen his enthusiasm for the sport or his love for his Belizean people. “Blessed love” was his usual parting greeting with friends and associates in football circles and in his frequent calls to Krem’s Press Sports Show, his favorite on a Wednesday night or Sunday morning, as well as his occasional participation in Krem’s Morning Stew program, where he even once participated in a singing contest. Diego’s was an indomitable spirit of love and joy that impacted all he came in contact with, even in the midst of his tremendous struggles with disability in his battle with cancer. Maradona was never a top notch football star on the national scene, but he had his moments of glory, his most memorable being “the fastest goal ever.” According to Press Cadogan’s stats, Diego came in on a change at a Yabra game, and only six seconds after taking the field, he received a pass from teammate Steve “Gellies” Young, and unleashed a rocket; “not’n but net!”

Michael “Maradona” Sutherland is second from right squatting in this Third World veterans side that participated in a friendly at the first Mugger Day on September 15, 2013, at the St. Martin’s football field.

Sincere condolences from the Amandala sports desk as well as from the Krem crew to all his relatives and friends.

His body will be received tomorrow, Tuesday, at 1:00 p.m. at Trinity Methodist Church in Kings Park, for funeral services at 2:00 p.m. Rest in peace, brother Michael “Maradona” Sutherland. Blessed Love always!

Feature photo: Wheel-chair bound Michael Sutherland, a.k.a. Maradona, a.k.a. Corto in December, 2016