Mark Titus, Freelance Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

When the annals of Jamaica's campaign in the 1998 World Cup are written, Steven 'Shorty' Malcolm and Peter 'Jair' Cargill are bound to take positions of prominence.

Both players, known for their never-say-die attitude and passion for the game, were instrumental in Jamaica's qualification to the 1998 World Cup finals in France, as well as our on-the-field engagement in France during the World Cup, which saw us coming out 2-1 winners against Japan.

Although most of the former Reggae Boyz from that era are around to celebrate the 10th anniversary of that historic occasion, Malcolm and Cargill are no longer with us.

Malcolm was killed in a traffic accident on January 28, 2001, after he played his part in a pulsating draw against Bulgaria. A motor vehicle accident was also responsible for the untimely passing of Cargill on April 16, 2005.

The absence of Malcolm, who was in the twilight of his career, and Cargill, who became a promising coach at the end of his playing days, has left a void in Jamaica's football. Nonetheless, their many admirers had nothing but good to say about them.

"Stevie can be described as the corner stone of the Reggae Boyz programme," said Horace Reid, general secretary of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF). "He was one of the players who was an example both on and off the field, and his sudden departure from this life was a shock to the entire nation. And it is something that we still have not come to terms with."

He described Cargill as a leader extraordinaire and a coach's dream, whose insight into and knowledge of the game benefited the entire team, as well as made him one of the brightest prospects as a coach after the end of his playing days.

Echoing Reid's sentiments, former president of the JFF, Crenston Boxhill, described the former Camperdown High School star as a fearless player.

Fearless

"He will always be remembered as a fearless individual and was actually our brightest prospect as a coach. All the members of the team looked up to him."

"Shorty had heart and was an exemplary player both on and off the field," said Boxhill of the player who had 68 caps for Jamaica. "He was someone that could be depended on to carry out in-structions that were given to him."

Captain Horace Burrell, president of the JFF, remembered Cargill as a master of the arts, who had passion, precision and class, while Malcolm, who was a key player in the all-conquering Ruseas High School 1984-85 Dacosta Cup team, was described as a man with the heart of a lion.