Overview:
Haitian soccer participant Jeff Barrionette, a fan-favorite identified for his dazzling left foot and artistic playmaking, died throughout a match in Les Cayes. His passing has prompted renewed requires routine well being screenings for Haitian athletes, who usually compete beneath excessive bodily circumstances with out medical oversight.
CAP-HAÏTIEN — Jeff Barrionette, one among southern Haiti’s most beloved soccer midfielders and a fan favourite for his dazzling left foot, died on July 28 after collapsing throughout a match in Les Cayes. He was 27.
At Parc Nerva Delva in Lakou Simon, the place he was representing the novice membership Love a Kè—“Love at Coronary heart”—in a summer time league recreation. He fainted mid-game and was transported to the hospital. He by no means regained consciousness, in keeping with a former teammate.
Identified for his signature passe cachée, French for “hidden go,” Barrionette delivered mouthwatering assists with such finesse that he left defenders guessing and followers gasping. Whether or not enjoying for a top-tier workforce or an area summer time squad, he introduced pleasure to each area he touched.
The reason for Barrionete’s dying is unknown, however his sudden passing plunged Haiti’s soccer neighborhood into deep mourning.
Few knew him higher than Feguens Joseph, additionally identified by his nickname Ramirès, a nod to the Brazilian footballer. The 2 shared not solely a midfield however a house, having lived collectively for over a 12 months in Les Cayes. They shared meals, goals, and every day routines, buying on the native marketplace for fruits to make recent juices and practising lengthy passes.
“I’m damaged to the purpose that I really feel like I’m not even residing anymore,” Joseph mentioned. “On Saturday, he advised me he was properly [over text]. Then on Sunday, one thing went fallacious on the sector. Jeff died. I remorse that I can’t see my brother once more.”
Since Barrionette’s passing, Joseph has not returned to the sector. The grief is compounded by fears that he’s not wholesome sufficient to play.
From Port-au-Prince to Petit-Gôave and past
Barrionette’s soccer journey started in Port-au-Prince, the place he was born, however it took root within the western commune of Petit-Gôave, the place he grew up after dropping his mom on the age of 5.
He would later return to the capital, the place he performed for the nation’s historic membership, Aigle Noir Athlétic Club. However as violence escalated in Port-au-Prince, Barrionette and his father fled. His father settled in Petit-Goâve whereas Barionette moved to Aquin, drawn by his soccer community.
He performed for a number of prime golf equipment, together with Racing Club Haïtien and Real Hope Football Academy. Finally, he joined Les Cayes Soccer Membership, a second division workforce.
Barrionette discovered stardom within the chanpyona vakans—novice summer time tournaments the place he routinely earned “Man of the Match” honors and was revered for his creativity and imaginative and prescient.
“He was a terrific participant, an excellent lefty,” Schneider ‘Dèdè’ Kernizan, a Les Cayes participant, mentioned, reminiscing on when he performed in opposition to Barrionette. “I wasn’t near him, however we’re all deeply affected by his dying.”
Off the sector, Barrionette was identified for his calm temperament. He hardly ever argued, not even with referees.
Haiti’s gamers overworked and under-tested
On Feb. 28, simply months earlier than Barrionette’s dying, one other Haitian participant, Olnick “Fabregas” Alesy of Arcahaie Football Club, died of a heart attack throughout a pickup recreation in Arcahaie, a western commune. He was 31.
It was a warning signal the neighborhood largely missed.
In Haiti, many soccer gamers—particularly in novice circuits—play a number of video games in every week with out the good thing about medical evaluations. They usually compete relentlessly in the summertime leagues to earn revenue. Some skip meals, eat poorly, and drink excessively, in keeping with residents and fellow gamers. The grind is bodily. The dangers are sometimes invisible.
Joseph admitted he’s by no means undergone a medical screening, himself. He doubts Barrionette had both.
“I’m damaged to the purpose that I really feel like I’m not even residing anymore. On Saturday, he advised me he was properly [over text], however on Sunday, one thing went fallacious on the sector. Jeff died. I remorse that I can’t see my brother once more.”
Feguens Joseph, ex-teammate
The week of his dying, Barrionette had simply performed in Léogâne and was scheduled to seem in Aquin after his match in Les Cayes. Joseph emphasised that Barrionette didn’t drink alcohol however usually went with out consuming.
“He by no means confirmed indicators of sickness,” Joseph mentioned.
Medical screenings for Haitian footballers are uncommon. One of many solely instances they’re performed is forward of worldwide competitions. This month, Juventus des Cayes gamers have been examined in preparation for the CONCACAF Caribbean Cup. One participant was discovered to have a coronary heart situation—fully undetected till then.
“That participant might’ve gone on the sector and fainted,” Marcval Esmeus, communications supervisor for the membership, advised The Haitian Occasions. “We don’t know which gamers within the league are enjoying with undiagnosed well being points. Se mèt kò ki veye kò, (One must be cautious about one’s well being). The gamers must get examined.”
Joseph, like many others, can’t afford a non-public examination. However he plans to demand one from his membership when the brand new season begins.
“I’m actually scared, think about your boy, your brother dying on the sector,” Joseph mentioned, laughing nervously. “Why am I scared? Do I’ve an sickness I don’t find out about? I really feel wholesome, however I’m not a health care provider. I don’t have a tool that detects sicknesses in my physique.”
Barrionette is survived by his girlfriend and numerous teammates who thought of him household.
His funeral will probably be held Aug. 7 at Église Notre Dame de Petit-Goâve at 9 a.m. native time.