Winners at 43rd One Love football tourney to collect Bob Marley Trophy
Published:Monday | February 17, 2025 | 10:25 AMLivingston Scott/Gleaner Writer
The 43rd staging of the annual Bob Marley One Love football matches takes place on Ash Wednesday – March 5 – at the Harbour View Mini Stadium, and for the first time, teams will battle for the Bob Marley One Love trophy, designed by the legend’s daughter, Cedella Marley.
Organiser Clive ‘Busy’ Campbell said players from the various teams, over the years, have asked for a trophy incentive for the winning team, and he has decided to include one at this year’s renewal.
“There was a demand that they want to play for something, for bragging rights. So that is why we went out and got this new trophy,” he disclosed.
The participating teams this year are Master and Celebrities, Entertainers, Christian Ambassador, and Referees.
The day’s activities are set to kick off at 3 p.m. Teams will play each other once, and the team with the most points at the end will walk away with the trophy.
Four veteran entertainers will be honoured this year, including Taurus Riley, Bongo Herman, Ernie Smith, and Tanya Stephens. Admission to the event is $500 with free entry for children under 12.
Speaking at the launch at Tuff Gong studio last Thursday, manager of the Bob and Rita Marley Foundation Alicia Williams said they were proud to be sponsors of the Bob Marley One Love matches, which have become a calendar event.
“Football fans and community persons always look forward to good music, great entertainment, and rivalry in the football matches.
“The mission of the Bob and Rita Marley Foundation is aligned with this event, which celebrates and honours the life of Bob Marley,” she said.
She also hailed Campbell for his commitment to the event for over 40 years.
“He (Campbell) is unapologetic about honouring his (Marley’s) memory. Campbell and Masters and Celebrities have been on this mission for over four decades.
“When we attend the event we are witness to the fact that football lovers and patrons come out, of all ages, to fulfil this unique family experience,” she stated.
Campbell also handed over six of 12 One Day, One Goal, Peace banners to Professional Football Jamaica Limited (PFJL) CEO Owen Hill while noting that his intention is for every team in the Jamaica Premier League (JPL) to have one to walk out with ahead of their games at home.
“We had two (banners) that we always use. But we want 12. We have an agreement with the PFJL and they have assured that the banner will go out to each club,” he added.