A Jamaican Icon

Decided to divert from my usual stuff based on a special request. So here goes.

Onandi Lowe was born on 2 December 1974. He emerged as a member of the Jamaica National Team - The Reggae Boyz in 1995. Lowe has proven himself as an all-rounder on the field and was a member of the Jamaican contingent to World Cup Competition in France. Under the direction of former technical director Rene Simoes it was said that Lowe would become one of the best sweepers in Jamaica and one of the finest worldwide.

Lowe's ability to play as defense, midfield and striker has branded him as an all around talented player.

Nandi, as he is popularly known has had stints at several football clubs both at home and abroad. These include: Rushden & Diamonds FC, Kansas City Wizards, Arnett Gardens and Port Vale. He has attracted the attention of other internationally renowned clubs such as Arsenal in the English 1^st Division League.

His career has not been without its share of ups and downs. His early career was blotted with incidents of violent physical retaliation for hard tackles against him sometimes resulting in his spending many games on the sideline, having been issued with red cards. This sort of high strung behaviour spilled over into his professional career and more recently he has had a brush with the law that saw him brought up on drug related charges. He was arrested on April 14, 2004. He was cleared of all charges last week as is now free to continue his career.

Over the years Nandi has earned the nickname "Big Man" probably because of his 6'3" 200lb frame that towers an imposing image on the field of play. A past student of Dunoon Technical High School, Lowe despises incompetent referees and negative comments and enjoys music by several artistes. He lists his ideal mate as needing to be smart, intelligent, possessing a sense of humour and a well toned body.

I am not a football fanatic so my views may conflict with others but I stand by them. It has long since been my opinion that Onandi Lowe is a talented player. I am however, of the opinion that talent alone is not enough. Thankfully (some may say) that I am not the person in charge of team selection or Mr. Lowe would have long since been dropped. I firmly believe that one must adhere to a code of conduct when one represents your country at events. Mr. Lowe has stepped out of that box on too many an occasion. If you are an imposing player then one should expect to be the target of many a team, but in the same breath I believe that the management of those incidents is the responsibility of the game referee. No player has the right to take the rules into their own hands. In doing so you disgrace an entire nation. I do hope that Mr. Lowe has matured. I am uncertain if he will ever again represent Jamaica but I do hope that he has learned from his experiences.

I don't think he is married, so Kami might still have a chance if she ever gets to Jamaica. You might have to fight off the girlfriend(s) though. Sunshine, not sure if he's your type. Sorry Mel and Camp, you are spoken for already.

Later all.