Football icon Allan ‘Skill’ Cole, who was laid to rest on Saturday, October 11, was remembered as a football genius and a social issues fighter for Rastafarians, who led the way for Reggae music to be aired on the mainstream media.

The 74-year-old Cole, who died on September 9, 2025, was given a grand send-off during the Thanksgiving Service at the National Arena.

Hundreds turned out to say goodbye to the football child prodigy regarded as the best the island has ever seen, and who later became a manager and close friend of the legendary Reggae icon Robert ‘Bob’ Marley.

Former football executive Kay Osbourne, who paid tribute to Cole, revealed his stance on social issues coming from a middle-class family and becoming a Rastafarian, which was looked down upon and scorned by society at the time.

In the 1960s, the government had ordered the police force to trim Rastas on sight by any means possible, and Cole was at the heart of the Rastafarian movement, fighting the injustice.

“Allan chose friends over profit, principle of fame, that’s the measure of the man,” Osbourne pointed out.

She then mentioned how he turned down a National award three years ago, explaining that it came decades late and wasn’t genuine.

“Skill’s rejection was not one of bitterness; it was an act of sincere integrity. Skill did not crave validation or accolades. He did not need letters behind. His rejection was to challenge the system to do better for our heroes,” Osbourne explained.  “Allan felt it was a little too late; it was a hollow jester that overlooked decades of achievement, commitment and dedication to this country,” she added.

Cole, who became a childhood star when he represented Jamaica’s senior team at the tender age of 15 and later became the first and only Jamaican to be contracted to play in Brazil at a time when that nation ruled the world in football and was exporting hundreds of footballers.

“Cole left his Brazilian Nautica club after they requested that he trim his dreadlocks. Allan chose friends over profit, principle of fame, that’s the measure of the man,” said Obsourne.

She also pointed out how he literally fought for Reggae music to be played on air at RJR, along with Peter Tosh, in a heated visit to the station.

“He was a cultural warrior and flung open the door for the musical revolution that was to come. He fought for the marginalised voices to be heard,” said Osbourne.

Following her revealing tribute, the venue took on a concert atmosphere as entertainers Beenie Man, Tarrus Riley, Leroy Sibbles, Junior Reid, Dean Frazer, Bongo Herman and Luciano performed.

The Leader of the Opposition Mark Golding, who was in attendance, recalled watching Cole play as a youngster.

“You heard about not only his immense talent as a balla, his control passing and dribbling or his special relationship with Bob and the Wailer, but a warrior for that great music to emerge, defending them and the music. Defending the principle of Rastafari,” Golding pointed out.

Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange, followed, and she described him as one of the great sons of Jamaica for his prowess in the sport of football and his contribution to reggae music, especially through the relationship with his friend Bob Marley.

“During Skills’ 74 years with us, he was a man spoken of in awe. You would have to be exceptional to start any career at 15. Just imagine a 15-year-old boy playing football for his country. Skill was born to play the beautiful game of football,” said Grange.