Former Reggae Boy Griffiths passes on

Dave Lindo, Gleaner Writer

MAY PEN, Clarendon:

Former Reggae Boy Winston 'Fanna' Griffiths died at the May Pen Hospital on Sunday.

Griffiths, born September 12, 1978, was seen as one of the most talented footballers to have come out of the parish of Clarendon.

Griffiths, an attacking midfielder, made his debut for the Reggae Boyz in 1998 against Guatemala. He last played for Jamaica in 2002 against Barbados, after playing a total of 28 games and scoring two goals. Up to the time of his death, Griffiths was living in Canada.

As a youngster, he was above his peers, gifted with special dribbling skills, speed and awareness on and off the ball.

Michael Ricketts, Clarendon Football Association (CFA) president and chairman of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) Competition Committee, remembering Griffiths, said: "I remember years ago he was playing for the (national) Under-17 team and Downswell (Wendell) was the coach. After the game, Downswell said to me that no one has his talent in his age group.

"I am saddened by his death. He lost his father in his early 20s ... he was a really talented youngster ...," added Ricketts. "The CFA will be doing everything that we can in support. We send condolences to his mother, other members of family and friends."

Griffiths hailed from the community of Hayes. His talent was identified at an early age and he shone while playing for the parish of Clarendon at all youth levels. He was also outstanding representing Jamaica at all youth levels.

Griffiths represented Glenmuir High in schoolboy football. His crowning moments playing for the May Pen-based institution were back-to-back Ben Francis Cup titles in 1993 and 1994.

After leaving Glenmuir High, Griffiths got a football scholarship to Rhode Island University in the United States. He led Rhode Island to the Atlantic 10 Conference regular season and tournament championship in 1999.

After graduating from Rhode Island, Griffiths began his professional career with Connecticut Wolves of the United Soccer Leagues (USL), but later returned to Jamaica to play for Galaxy in the National Premier League.

Dazzling skills

At Galaxy, he lit up the premier league, displaying dazzling skills which caught the eye of then Reggae Boyz coach René Simoes, who brought him into the national senior team programme.

In 2002 after the relegation of Galaxy from the Premier League, Griffiths had stints with Major League Soccer (MLS) clubs New York/New Jersey Metro Stars, Los Angeles Galaxy and New England Revolution. He reached the finals of the MLS with New England in 2002, but lost to his former club Metro Stars.

He signed with Portmore United in 2003, but although showing glimpses of brilliance, it was evident that he was way below his best.

In 2005, he was signed by Arnett Gardens, loaned to Toronto Lynx and later returned to Arnett.

In 2007, he was signed by Toronto Supra of the Canadian Soccer League, scoring a hat-trick on his debut against Canadian Lions in their 5-2 victory. He returned to Jamaica in that same year to play for Sporting Central Academy in the Premier League.