The death of Edson Arantes do Nascimento, known to the world simply as Pele, has left Jamaican great Allan “Skill” Cole in a pool of sorrow.
Cole had the privilege to have matched skills with the iconic Brazilian inside the National Stadium in 1975. Dubbed the “Battle of the Giants”, Pele was a part of the New York Cosmos team that visited Jamaica and played an invitational team led by Cole.
Although it was Pele’s second visit to Jamaica, it remained etched in the memories of lovers of the Brazilian game as they got to see in the flesh the game’s biggest name crossing paths with the island’s top talent at the time.
An iconic picture emerged from that historic moment with Pele and the Rastafarian Cole in dialogue. It was heart-warming and Cole reminisced with the Jamaica Observer on Thursday.
“At that time there were two sporting heroes in Mohammed Ali and Pele, and when I met him, I was in awe because he was one of my heroes,” Cole said..
“He didn’t talk much English at that time and I had no idea about Portuguese, but it was a very great moment for me. He was so humble,” Cole revealed.
The Jamaican says Pele’s contribution to the modern game was beyond measure, as was his ability and guile on the field of play.
“His contribution will last for generations. He has transformed the game, and the beauty about, it he was such a humble person and that’s one of the great things about him,” said Cole.
The Jamaican legend, who made his senior Jamaican debut as a 15-year-old, was the only Jamaican to sign a professional contract in Brazil with Nautica. While Pele made his mark with Santos of Brazil, Cole did likewise with Santos of Jamaica.
“He lived a good life — 82. He was a sporting hero and one of the greatest icons of our generation and my memories will last forever,” said Cole.
by Taboola
