Respected footballing icon Geoffrey Maxwell died this morning (February 22), striking a colossal blow to the sport he loved dearly.

Maxwell, who represented and coached Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz team, was battling Alzheimer’s disease for a number of years.

He played as a defender before transitioning into coaching and was considered one of the best tactical minds Jamaica had ever seen.

In his formative years, Maxwell played for Excelsior High during his circuit in the Manning Cup schoolboy football competition before representing Elleston Flat FC. He later made his mark at Santos FC and was called to the Jamaican team in the 1970s.

He returned to his alma mater and guided Excelsior High School to the Manning Cup title in 1980 where he led his side to winning two Walker Cup titles.

Maxwell then took charge of the Reggae Boyz team in 1988 for nine games, winning twice while in the United States during World Cup qualifications, before coaching Waterhouse FC to the National League trophy in 1998.

He was one of the most travelled coaches in the premier league coaching Santos, Waterhouse, Harbour View FC, Tivoli Gardens FC and Arnett Gardens FC, as well as St George’s SC, the JDF, and Maverley/Hughenden in the second division, to name a few.