Former schoolboy football stalwart Alinton Frankson (left) in discussion with Digicel's Chief Marketing Officer Tari Lovell during the ISSA Schoolboy Football launch last Wednesday.
contributed
Alinton Frankson’s name was once synonymous with grit and determination on the football field, but he now faces his toughest battle yet—not against an opposing team, but against a severe medical condition that threatens his quality of life.
The former schoolboy football standout, who represented Paul Bogle High and Excelsior High with distinction in the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA) schoolboy football competitions and later played in the SportsMax Elite League, is in dire need of Complex Lymphoedema Therapy (CLT) following an injury that has left him with complications requiring urgent treatment.
Lymphoedema, a condition characterized by severe swelling due to fluid retention, has taken a toll on Frankson, limiting his mobility and causing immense discomfort. The treatment he needs, CLT, is a highly specialized form of care that requires significant financial resources—resources that are beyond the reach of the former athlete and his family.
But Frankson’s story is not just one of adversity, it is also one of hope and community. The now 24-year-old’s plight has touched the hearts of many, leading to a remarkable outpouring of support from several major Jamaican corporations and influential figures in the sports community.
In a show of solidarity, Digicel and Wisynco, two of Jamaica’s leading brands, committed $300,000 each for Frankson’s treatment, while KFC committed a generous $500,000 through their Add Hope program, and a well-known figure in Jamaican football, Craig Butler, pledged another $800,000. ISSA has also hosted a silent auction to raise funds for the cause.
ISSA President Keith Wellington (second right) greets Alinton Frankson as Cari-Med Group's Brand Manager Stephen Reid (right) and Tynielle Chambers look on.
Frankson, who was initially reluctant to make his situation public, is now overwhelmed by the tremendous outpouring of support, which provides a much-needed boost in his efforts to secure the treatment.
“I'm really grateful, especially knowing that I don't have that strong family support. At first, I didn't want to take it to the media, but I realized that I had no choice but to do so because I wasn't getting the help that is needed, so I am happy that I did. I want to say thanks to each and everyone who have come forward to provide support, and I will make the most of it,” Frankson told SportsMax.Tv.
Since being diagnosed with the condition, Frankson revealed that he has endured bouts of depressive episodes, but he continues to draw strength from the fact that recovery is very much possible and, as such, he refuses to be defeated.
“To be honest, some of the times when I see football playing, my emotions set in, and there are times when I feel depressed knowing that I don't have the chance to play the game that I love so much. But at the same time, I have to try to encourage myself, knowing that it's not the end of the world and I still have life and there is still hope. So I just keep a positive mind and just try not to stress or think about the situation,” Frankson, who was present at this year’s ISSA schoolboy football launch at Stadium East, shared.
“So, even though the foot at this moment is swollen and sometimes there is a little stiffness and discomfort, my spirit has been lifted even more now knowing that so many people are behind me and knowing that I am supposed to do some therapy session in Jamaica sometime soon. So again, I am really grateful and just looking ahead with a positive attitude,” he added as he fought back tears.
KFC's Brand Manager Andrei Roper
For Digicel’s Chief Marketing Officer, Tari Lovell, Frankson’s situation presents another opportunity for Jamaicans to once again showcase the power and strength found in unity.
“As a Jamaican brand, we thought it would only be fit that we make a donation towards Alinton's surgery and towards the complex needs that are required for his diagnosis. It's important as a corporate business and Jamaican brand to give back to Jamaica. We are all about nation-building, and, of course, the youth athletes are the future of Jamaica, so it would be remiss of us not to be a part of this and not to put our money where our mouth is. So we're really excited to be able to donate to this phenomenal cause, and I encourage all Jamaicans to rally behind this,” Lovell said.
KFC’s brand manager, Andrei Roper, said it was a no-brainer that his organisation stepped up, especially given that their Add Hope program is a charitable initiative aimed at supporting community causes and, by extension, to positively impact individuals facing life-altering challenges.
“Alinton’s plight is a serious one. We know the potential that he has both on and off the field, and so we wanted to do our part through our KFC Add Hope program to ensure that he gets the surgery he needs,” Roper said.
“Separate and apart from feeding programs, we also have extended our Add Hope program to focus on education and culture. In this instance, a young man with a bright future is at risk of having that future cut short, and we wanted to, along with the other sponsors, play our part through this additional donation of $500,000 to complement our $15 million investment in this year’s schoolboy football,” he explained.
Mona High's head coach Craig Butler (left) with Clarendon College counterpart Lenworth 'Teacha' Hyde.
Butler, who was deeply moved by Frankson’s situation, pointed out that his contribution is not just financial but one that represents a message to the entire sports community about the importance of rallying behind one of their own in times of need.
“I have beaten cancer, and I'm also now not well, so I know what it feels like to be in a tough situation, and to see a young man in that position, I want him to know that he should fight. I want him to know that people love him and believe in him. Many times God puts us in positions where we are successful, but we forget the reason why, which is to lead the way and help others,” Butler reasoned.
“When I heard his story, I was moved, I thought of Dujuan Richards, who did a minor surgery, but it could have easily been a career-ending surgery. So, I want to help this young man to start to believe again, to fight again, because no matter what the diagnosis is, God heals, and we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us,” the Phoenix Academy boss and coach of reigning Manning Cup champions Mona High noted.
Sherdon Cowan is a five-time award-winning journalist with 10 years' experience covering sports.
Gen Sec Dennis Chung defends JFF’s decision to rehire Busby; labels media allegations as “witch hunt”
Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) General Secretary Dennis Chung has defended the decision to rehire Hubert Busby Jr as the senior Reggae Girlz Head coach, as he pointed out that the country’s governing football body conducted due diligence before moving forward.
Chung’s declaration is in response to an article published by British daily newspaper The Guardian, alleging that the JFF misrepresented Busby’s reinstatement, stating that he was cleared of sexual misconduct allegations by Fifa’s Ethics Committee.
He dismissed the article published on Friday and headlined “Jamaica FA falsely claims women’s team coach was cleared of alleged sexual misconduct” as a “witch hunt” and accused the outlet of distorting facts and overlooking critical details.
This, as the article cast doubt on Busby’s “clearance,” noting that Fifa’s Ethics Committee had closed the preliminary investigation due to a statute of limitations without formally exonerating him.
SportsMax.Tv obtained a copy of the correspondent from the Investigatory Chamber of Fifa's Ethics Committee stating that the investigation against Busby was closed based on information available. An email titled 'Fifa Clearance Letter' was also obtained, the content of which clarified that Busby is clear to seek employment.
Busby was reappointed Reggae Girlz Head coach earlier this year, after he was initially suspended by the JFF in 2021, when the allegation of sexual misconduct was brought against him by former player Malloree Enoch.
Enoch alleged that Busby made sexual advances towards her during his time in charge at the Vancouver Whitecaps women’s outfit between 2010 and 2011. Busby denied the allegations.
“Do you think that the JFF, which is the organisation that dismissed Busby when the allegation was made, wouldn’t have done our due diligence? The technical committee received information to say that the investigation has closed and there was nothing based on the information that they had; there was nothing to support what was alleged,” Chung told SportsMax.Tv.
“The letter had stated that Fifa closed the investigation based on the information available. They never referred to any statute of limitations, as the article said. In addition to that, there was an email that Busby forwarded from Fifa stating that he could share it with us for employment purposes,” he added.
SportsMax.Tv obtained a copy of the correspondent from the Investigatory Chamber of Fifa's Ethics Committee stating that the investigation against Busby was closed due to information available, and could be shared
Chung clarified that contrary to the statement that he declined multiple requests for interviews and comments, he only received one call from a Guardian journalist, whom he directed to Busby or his legal representatives.
“They said that they reached out to me multiple times; that is not true. They called me once, and I told them, just like any organisation would, that Busby is a staff member and I am not at liberty to discuss his situation or give out any information on him. I told them they should call Busby, as it is he they need to get that information from,” Chung shared.
Since the article surfaced, SportsMax.Tv has been reliably informed that Busby is in the process of filing a defamation lawsuit against someone in the UK. It is not clear if the individual is an employee at the British newspaper.
SportsMax.Tv obtained a copy of the correspondent from the Investigatory Chamber of Fifa's Ethics Committee stating that the investigation against Busby was closed due to information available, and could be shared
Chung also rubbished the claim in The Guardian article that several witnesses—including Enoch—were not interviewed by Fifa’s Ethics Committee.
“Does that make sense? If she is the one that made the allegations, do you think Fifa wouldn’t interview her? So what it is, it’s a witch hunt that they are on; it is almost as if they are saying he is still guilty even though the investigation is closed, and that is totally ridiculous,” Chung opined.
Finally, Chung said he is deeply disappointed by the article, which he believes unfairly targets Busby. He also expressed the view that the report adds unnecessary scrutiny to an issue that the JFF and Fifa have already addressed through established protocols.
“I don’t understand what it is about, but there is obviously something behind it. Because the letter never said the investigation was closed based on the statute of limitation, it said the investigation was closed based on the information that they had,” he noted.
“Not because an allegation is made means you’re going to hold it against a man for the rest of his life. Allegations are made against politicians all over, and they are still in positions of authority. You can’t because an allegation is made against a man; hold it against him, and there is nothing to prove that it happened,” Chung ended.
Bournemouth 2-1 Manchester City: Cherries end worst record in English football with shock victory
Antoine Semenyo and Evanilson helped give Bournemouth their first-ever league win against Manchester City as they beat the defending champions 2-1 at the Vitality Stadium.
The hosts boosted their giant-killing credentials as they secured a third home victory on the bounce, having beaten Arsenal last time out.
Semenyo got Bournemouth off the mark inside 10 minutes as he turned to fire in at the far post from the centre of the box, before Evanilson doubled the lead after the restart.
Josko Gvardiol gave the visitors a consolation goal with a brilliant header at the back post on 82 minutes but it was too little too late.
While Erling Haaland hit the post and Phil Foden fired just wide in a frantic stoppage time, Bournemouth secured all three points and left Pep Guardiola's man to travel back north empty-handed.
City drop down to second and fail to take advantage of Arsenal’s earlier falter, while Bournemouth move up to eighth.
Data Debrief: Historic victory for Bournemouth ends City's winning streak
This is the host's first-ever win against City in all competitions (D2 L19 before today), while it’s their first league win over the reigning Premier League champions since a 3-0 win over Chelsea in January 2018.
The defeat brings City's 32-game Premier League unbeaten run to an end. They’ve lost successive matches in all competitions for the first time since September 2023.
This is their first defeat when going at least two goals behind in a Premier League game since October 2021 against Crystal Palace, having avoided defeat on their last five previous occasions before today (W3 D2).
Conversely, Bournemouth's fortunes are looking up. They are unbeaten in their last three Premier League games, with those results coming against three of last season's top four (W2 D1).
This is just the fourth time they’ve won three successive home games in the Premier League after October 2016, February 2018 and April 2024.
Bayern Munich 3-0 Union Berlin: Kane nets twice in easy Bundesliga win
Harry Kane scored twice to propel Bayern Munich to a 3-0 win over Union Berlin on Saturday.
Vincent Kompany's team moved, temporarily at least, to the top of the Bundesliga standings with the minimum of fuss at the Allianz Arena.
The Bavarians, who host Benfica in the Champions League on Wednesday, opened the scoring with a 15th-minute penalty from England captain Kane before Kingsley Coman curled a shot past keeper Frederik Ronnow to make it 2-0 two minutes before the break.
Union were constantly on the back foot and could do nothing to stop Kane from stabbing in his second goal from close range six minutes after the restart.
Kane, who also scored a hat-trick against Stuttgart two weeks ago, now has 11 league goals this season.
Undefeated in the league and eager to reclaim domestic dominance after last season's double by Bayer Leverkusen, Bayern have now scored 32 goals and conceded seven in nine Bundesliga games.
Data Debrief: Goals, goals, goals
Bayern just cannot stop scoring. While they may be struggling in the Champions League, they are flying domestically, and they have now netted 50 times under Kompany in all competitions this season.
They are the first club from Europe's five major leagues to reach the 50-goal mark in this competitive season.
Meanwhile, since detailed data collection in 2004-05, only one player has collected more direct goal contributions in the first nine matchdays of a Bundesliga season than Kane this season (16), and that was the former Tottenham captain himself last year.
SportsMax is the Caribbean sports channel of choice, committed to providing sporting content of the highest quality to the Caribbean, delivered by a team of highly innovative, passionate and qualified professionals.
(876) 619-7629
digitalmedia@sportsmax.tv
