Cayman’s own Lee Ramoon will be among the players in star-studded teams on Saturday when top footballers from around the world take the field in a testimonial farewell game for former World Player of the Year, George Weah.
Liberia-born Mr. Weah, who has had a distinguished career as a footballer and a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador, invited Mr. Ramoon to partake in the match while the international footballer was in Grand Cayman in January to attend a ceremony honouring Mr. Ramoon’s recognition by football’s world governing body, FIFA, with an award of the Centennial Order of Merit.
During that award ceremony on 29 January at Pedro Castle, Cayman Islands Football Association President Jeffrey Webb advised Mr. Weah that in order to score goals at his testimonial match, he should include Mr. Romoon in his selection.
Saturday’s game will be held in Marseille, France, where Mr. Weah ended his European career three years ago playing for Olympique Marseille.
A George Weah select side, that includes Mr. Ramoon, will take on the Olympique Marseille team.
Mr. Ramoon expects to be playing as a forward or an attacking mid-fielder, and will join the line-up with such players as Italian striker Roberto Baggio, Mr. Weah’s teammate at AC Milan; and former Italian Captain Paolo Maldini.
‘For me it is a great honour to be invited to this game. To be in the presence of the great players is phenomenal,’ Mr. Ramoon said.
He said the significance of his selection for Cayman Islands football is that by working hard and sticking to what they believe, players can achieve their goals.
‘I wish to thank the Football Association, president Jeffrey Webb and the people of the Cayman Islands who gave me the encouraging tap on the back when things were down and out,’ Mr. Ramoon said.
He was among the first local footballers to complete a university scholarship granted by the Cayman Islands Football Association.
Mr. Ramoon is currently Director of the Revenue Unit in the Portfolio of Finance.
Mr. Webb wants young players to look towards Mr. Ramoon’s attitude to the game and his achievements as an example of the way forward.
‘Both on and off the field Lee has been a role model and leader for Caymanians,’ said Mr. Webb, who nominated Mr. Ramoon for the FIFA award on the 100th anniversary of the organisation.
Mr W.ebb, currently a member of FIFA’s Internal Audit Committee, said:’He has demonstrated that football not only offers an opportunity to show off skills, but also can act as a guide for life, once approached properly.’
Mr. Ramoon leaves for France today.
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