FORMER Eagles FC defender Feroz Dean had died at the age 58, a week last Wednesday, said a family.
Dean, best remembered for being a workhorse of a footballer, who was always admired by his teammates for his defensive traits.
Originally from Qeleloa, Nadi, Dean was no superstar but made name for his unerring contribution to football.
He was identified during a Sunday pickup soccer match in the mid-90s and went on to become a regular on the late, Sunny Khan managed team, up-until a time the team’s ownership changed.
Former teammate and close friend, Jagat Singh, an Edmontonian, said Dean was more than a footballer, he was a man bigger than life.
“Before being a great player, he was a great man with great heart and always ready to help”.
Singh said it was just two weeks ago that he was in Surrey, BC, and asked a friend about Dean and other players of his Eagles FC, days.
“What a coincidence, here I was in Surrey the very day I had talked about him and less I knew he had already met the maker.
“Hard to grasp that he is gone. Rest in Peace hero”, said Singh.
Singh has a vivid memory of Dean’s debut game at the Hillcrest Park in Vancouver against the Diamond Stars, said Dean was all upbeat about playing alongside a pair of brothers late, Quddous and Shafie Hussein.
“Diamond Stars were a great side with some exciting young players, we didn’t have to worry about the right back position as Dean was very solid. He had the knack to read the game so well. He was a rare breed”.
Shane (Sen) Kumar was lost for words after being told of Dean’s passing away, said he couldn’t believe the news at the outset.
“Awesome individual, friendly and always wore that huge smile stretching ear to ear, I’m saddened”.
Kumar and Dean were in close contact for many years after their footballing careers ended but Kumar’s relocation to Vancouver Island had restricted them regular catch-ups.
“It’s sad to hear that a few of the players on that great Eagles team have passed away. May their souls Rest In Peace”.
