Courtesy Overtime Media
Photos courtesy Tinto’s Sporting Academy
The recently-murdered 17-year-old Tinto’s Sporting Academy star, Ezekiel Ramdialsingh will be buried on (Saturday April 25- 2pm ) at the Tunapuna Cemetery, following what is expected to be an emotional service on the field where he spent many evenings training at Constantine Park in Macoya.
A standout defender and beloved former member of the academy and player of Beatnix FC for the past two years, Ramdialsingh was prounced dead following a drive-by shooting near his home in La Horquetta last week. Area MP Foster Cummings, Chairman of Tunapuna Regional Corporation, Josiah Austin, the Beatnix Fc Team and Tinto’s Academy all contributed to the funeral arrangements as family, friends, schoolmates and the extended community mourns the loss of this talented young athlete.
Members of Tinto’s Sporting Academy had just returned home to Trinidad last Tuesday night, April 15th after a victorious and undefeated showing at the Ithaca Youth Soccer Academy’s first International Connection Tournament, held in Binghamton, New York. The academy competed in twelve matches across the Under-12, Under-14, and Under-16 divisions, securing wins in every game and scoring over 50 goals throughout the tournament.
However, the celebratory mood was shattered by the tragic news of the murder of the academy’s Under 20 star, Ezekiel Ramdialsingh.
Chair and Co-Founder of Tinto’s Sporting Academy, LaToya Greaves shared:
“Before we could even disembark the plane, we received the heartbreaking news about Ezekiel. What was meant to be a joyful homecoming quickly turned into a moment of deep sorrow. I want to thank the Airport Authority and my staff for their support in getting me out quickly, as I was completely overwhelmed. My staff and I went straight to the Arima Hospital to confirm the news because I was in denial—I just couldn’t believe it. Ezekiel wasn’t just a player—he was a leader, a mentor, and an inspiration to our academy.”
Ramdialsingh had been a core player on the academy’s older team and was just a couple months away from celebrating his 18th birthday. He was also preparing to attend his US Visa appointment on May 5th, as one of over 32 members of the academy who have been granted the opportunity to travel for future international tournaments.
During the tournament in New York, players Njisane Harris (U12), Zidan Tinto (U14), and Simeon Joseph (U16) were each awarded Most Valuable Player (MVP) honors. Yet, those accomplishments have now been weighed down by the grief shared across the academy.
“We offered our support to Ezekiel’s family because nobody plans to bury their 17-year-old child,” Greaves added. “He had so much ahead of him—a national team trial, new opportunities, and a bright future. Instead of celebrating our success in New York, we’re all grappling with this immense loss.”
Many of the players and staff are currently in mourning, with counseling support being arranged to help them navigate this difficult period. As a result, all training sessions have been suspended until further notice. Greaves assured The Guardian that “the academy remains committed to its mission of empowering youth through sport” and will continue to honor Ezekiel Ramdialsingh’s legacy in everything they do.
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