Kingston, Jamaica (McKoy’s News) – Tributes are set to pour in for Allan “Skill” Cole, widely regarded as Jamaica’s greatest footballer, as his funeral services are scheduled this month.
Cole, who passed away on September 9 at age 74, will be celebrated at the National Arena on October 11. Additional events in his honour are planned at the House of Dread in Vineyard Town on October 9, starting at 5:00 p.m., and the Twelve Tribes of Israel will mark his legacy at its Hope Road headquarters on October 10.
David Cole, 53, one of Allan’s six children, described the expected turnout as massive, reflecting the immense contributions his father made to sports, arts, and culture. “He was a trailblazer, doing things way ahead of his time both on and off the field,” David said.
Born in Kingston, Cole represented Jamaica at age 15, starred in the daCosta Cup with Vere Technical High, and played for Santos and Boys’ Town in the Major League. He also had stints abroad with the Atlanta Chiefs in the North American Soccer League and Nautico in Brazil.
Beyond football, Cole managed reggae legend Bob Marley, including Marley’s last U.S. tour in 1980, and is credited as the writer of “War” from the 1976 album Rastaman Vibration.

