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‘This award is very special’ - Honourees deeply appreciative of recognition at Bell-Ziadie football festival
October 24, 2025
Honourees at this year's annual Bell-Ziadie Football Festival expressed deep appreciation for the award bestowed on them at the annual event, held on Heroes' Day at Winchester Park, St George's College, to memorise football stalwarts Winthorpe 'Jackie' Bell and Dennis Ziadie.
Former national players and coaches, Bell and Ziadie were major influencers in Jamaica's football.
Bell was the chief administrator and coach at Santos Football Club in its heydays, including when they won five National Premier League titles, and he was an integral figure in Jamaica's football. Ziadie also dedicated his life to the development of football primarily as a coach, especially at his alma mater, St George's College, who he coached to top honours in the ISSA schoolboy football competitions, winning the Manning Cup and Olivier Shield.
Both died together, tragically. in a bus accident while attending the 1986 World Cup in Mexico.
The honourees this year were referee Karl Tyrell, Reggae Boyz and Portmore United equipment manager Ronald Watson, and former national players Neville Glanville and Douglas 'Dougie' Bell, and coach Andrew Price.
EMOTIONAL
For Price, who was coached and mentored by both Bell and Ziadie, who really gave him his start in football, the occasioning of the award proved overwhelming because of the significant role they played in his life and what they meant to him.
"Very emotional," Price stated. "These two gentlemen really gave me my lease on life in football, Dennis Ziadie and Jackie Bell, and I am honoured," he said.
"I have gotten a lot of awards in my lifetime. This is very special. When your peers give you an award for two gentlemen who have done so much for football in this country, I am really appreciative of the gesture.
"I am really happy and humbled to accept this award. Both men attended St George's College, and there are so many similarities. They played Manning Cup and were successful. I played Manning Cup for this school and was successful," he related.
"They have really driven me in my life. The two of them were like fathers to me, and I really appreciated the worked they did with me. They have left an indelible effect on my life and I want to honour them as long as I live."
RARE RECOGNITION
Watson, who gets a rare recognition for his commitment and hard work with Portmore United and the national team for over a decade, said he is overwhelmed that organiser Clive 'Busy' Campbell took the time to recognise his contribution to the sport.
"I never expected this award. As a youth from Westmoreland, Grange Hill, it is a surprise. But I have always said, through hard work anything can happen; and this is one of the strange things that happened, and I give thanks," he said.
Watson, known for his dedication and always working with a smile, said the entire Portmore United family were elated and appreciative of the award.
"Coming here to collect this award, the entire Portmore United team is probably focused on me right now. Even though they have a game right now (Monday), they are just happy for me to get this award," he commented.
THE BEST
Former Kingston College and Jamaica defender Douglas 'Dougie' Bell, the brother of 'Jackie', said of the many awards he has received over his lifetime this one stands up there with the best, and he flew all the way from New York just to accept it in person.
"I have received quite a few awards. But this one means even more to me, because it is in my brother's honour. So for me to come down and receive this award is very special and I appreciate it," he said.
"The fact that it is named after my brother makes it very emotional for me, and I am honoured to just receive this award," he said.
Dougie is pleased that Jamaica continues to remember them for their outstanding contributions to the development of the sport.
"It is good to keep their memories alive, and I appreciate the fact that 'Mr Busy' is doing this. It keeps their names alive, and deservedly so. Hopefully, it will continue for as long as possible, because it is very important for the country to know what Jackie and Dennis did for this country. They did a lot, and occasions like these keep their memory alive," he added.
