The Jamaica Football Federation has expressed sorrow at news of the passing of former national player Chris Zaidie who died on Sunday after a prolonged battle with lung cancer.

 The 55-year-old Zaidie played briefly for Jamaica between 1992 and 1993 but excelled at St George’s College High School where as a player he won the coveted ‘triple’ in 1983 and 1984. The triple comprised the Manning Cup, Walker Cup and the Olivier Shield.

 “The JFF joins the local football fraternity in mourning the passing of former national player Christopher Ziadie, who died peacefully in the United States on Sunday,” the JFF said in a statement Monday.

 “Christopher was an individual who cherished the game and gave many years to its development whether as a player or administrator in another instance.

 “He wore his emotions on his sleeves and was not afraid to stand up for his teammates in any situation. Chris played with distinction for various clubs and institutions both locally and internationally, but was most proud and honoured to play for Jamaica.

 “We know that his passing will not only leave a void in our lives but in the hearts of all those who knew him. The President of the JFF, Michael Ricketts, conveys sincerest condolences to his family and close friends, especially at St Georges College where his exploits were first recognized.

May his soul rest in peace.”

Zaidie represented Kingston Lions and Boys Town FC locally. He also coached Jamaica’s U20 team in 1999 as well as at Jamaica Premier League team Waterhouse FC.

He leaves behind two children.

Former Jamaica national football footballer Christopher Zaidie died on Sunday after a bout with cancer. He was 55.

Between the 1980s and 1990s, Zaidie, a midfielder, was a staple in local football in Jamaica.

As a member of the St. George’s College Manning Cup team between 1980 and 1984, Zaidie was teammates with the likes of Ziggy Marley, Andrew Price, Christopher Morgan, Michael Forbes, Nicholas Zaidie, Brian Hamilton and Garfield Pearcy. Under the guidance of the late coach Dennis Zaidie, he won the coveted triple twice – Manning Cup, Nutrament Shield, and Olivier Shield in 1983 and the Manning Cup, Walker Cup and Olivier Shield in 1984.

Dennis Zaidie and Jackie Bell, who coached Premier League club Santos, would perish in a motor vehicle accident in Mexico in 1986 having gone there to watch a match in the FIFA World Cup.

Chris would go on to represent Jamaica during the 1994 World Cup campaign, playing six matches between 1992 and 1993.

Price, who is now the head coach at Jamaica Premier League club Humble Lion and three-time Manning Cup champions Calabar High School, has been close friends with Zaidie since they played against each other in Alberga Cup football in the late 1970s– Zaidie for St Peter and Paul, Price for Alpha.

“Chris was more than a teammate, he was a friend and a brother and somebody who I could depend on and he could on me,” Price recalled of Zaidie, who at the time of his death worked as a teacher in Miramar, Florida.

“We were close from we were kids and played Alberga Cup football. We ended up at George’s and as schoolboys played for Kingston Lions in the now defunct Caribbean semi-professional league and Boys Town FC.”

Zaidie is survived by his wife Debbie and two children.

The recent Jamaica Gun Club Sporting Clays tournament turned out to be a good one for the McMaster family.  The tournament attracted 148 shooters from across the island to its Salt Island facility in Clarendon where the McMasters demonstrated their mastery.

In extreme heat, Ray McMaster shot a score of 92 to take the top spot by long run ahead of Chad Ziadie and Brett Thwaites, who also had scores of 92.

McMaster’s wife Wendy shot a 78 to win the Ladies' competition while their in-form daughter Aliana was second with a score of 69. Aliana’s sister Abigail finished with a score of 62 to finish in fourth place.

McMaster, who for the second time walked away with the trophy for the Highest Overall score, was thrilled at the outcome.

"Awesome, awesome, awesome! I actually didn't think the 92 would prevail," he said, revealing that he was unable to say exactly what made him victorious.

"I don't know but I just come out and do the same exact thing, come out and execute. For one, the breeze wasn't blowing too much and I think that helped with the course. Shooting is like that, you just come out and everything happens for you on the day. I must say I am happy that I prevailed but the score could have been better but I am very happy."

Wendy, meanwhile, was equally chuffed at her triumph.

"I feel really good. My confidence level is going back to where it was. I was struggling back in several shoots before and I worked on my weakness and I have discovered how to correct it so right now I am in a good place, just to work on it a little bit more so I can always be on top," she said.

The top three shooters in the various classes were as follows:

 A Class: Brett Thwaites 92, Shaun Barnes 91 (LR) and Jordan Thwaites 91 (LR);

B Class: Najeeb Haber 79, Craig Davis 77 and Evan Thwaites 76;

C Class: Nathan Chin 90, Paul Burke 82 (LR) and Ricky DuQuesdnay 82 (LR);

D Class: Gordon Bucknor 87, Justin Samuda 83 and Richard Todd 80;

E Class: Noah Vaughn 81, Matthew Grant 77 (LR) and Carlton Davis 77 (LR);

Hunters or Beginners: Kashka Jones 72 (LR), Lucas Thomson 72 (LR) and Anthony Ayoub 72 (LR);

Ladies: Wendy McMaster 78, Aliana McMaster 69 and Tara Brown 67;

Juniors: Nathan Chin 90, David Wong 87 and Mark Desnoes 82;

Sub Juniors: Christopher Lee 50.

Two shooters, Noah Vaughn and Kashka Jones were promoted to D Class and E Class respectively after winning their respective classes on the day.