FIFA & Concacaf Pay Tribute To Osagi Bascome
Tributes were sent from the highest echelon of the football world as Osagi Bascome was laid to rest, with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Concacaf President Victor Montagliani, and Caribbean Football Union President Randolph Harris all sending messages of condolences, calling him “one of the island’s most talented footballers.”
FIFA President
A tribute read out by Kimonea Pitt on behalf of FIFA President Gianni Infantino said, “I would like to express my sincerest and heartfelt condolences on the tragic passing of Osagi Bascome. Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel for this loss.
“During his young career Osagi won 19 caps for Bermuda,” Mr Infantino said, adding that at club level after spending time in the academies of Aston Villa FC and Bristol City FC, Osagi Bascome played at Massanassa CF and at Darlington FC before “returning to his home country to defend the colors of St George’s Cricket Club.”
“Considered as one of the island’s most talented footballers, having represented Bermuda at all levels of international football, his legacy and achievements, and in particular, his personality and his human qualities will not be forgotten, and he will be truly missed.
“On behalf of the international football community, I wish to extend our deepest condolences to the Bermuda Football Association, to St. George’s Cricket Club, and most importantly to Osagi’s family, teammates, friends, and loved ones. Our thoughts are with all of you.”
Photos of Mr Bascome during some of his international appearances for Bermuda:
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President of Concacaf
President of Concacaf Victor Montagliani said, “On behalf of Concacaf and myself, please accept my deepest condolence for the tragic passing of Osagi Bascome, former Darlington player. At his young age, Osagi has already demonstrated his love and passion for the game. He was a star inside and outside the field.
“With a promising career ahead of him, his hard work and dedication at such a young age will never be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers are with Osagi’s family and friends, the Darlington club, and everyone at the Bermuda Football Association in this difficult time.”
President of the Caribbean Football Union
President of the Caribbean Football Union Randolph Harris said, “I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of one of Bermuda’s finest football sons, Mr. Osagi Bascome. On behalf of the executive committee of the Caribbean Football Union, please, accept a serious condolences. We join you in mourning and in condemning the violence that cut short the talented player’s life.
“We convey our condolences to the wider football fraternity and the family of Mr. Bascome. Know that you are all in our thoughts at this difficult time.”
Numerous Tributes Paid
The international tributes were a few of the numerous ones paid to the talented footballer, with other international and local sporting entities and people also sending in tributes including Darlington FC, Bermuda Football Association President Mark Wade, Bermuda Cricket Board President Arnold Manders, BFA Executive Vance Campbell, the Bermuda Cricket Umpires Association, Nahki Wells, Dante Leverock, and Lejaun Simmons.
