Football Association mourns the passing of Joella “Bella” Fanus

The St. Lucia Football Association (SLFA) sadly mourns the passing of Joella Fanus who hails from the district of Micoud and was selected to play on the 2013 National Female squad.

Joella “Bella” Fanus who always had an infinite love for football officially began her football career at the age of 15 with the Amazons Soccer Club. Whenever the opportunity presented itself she could always be found on a football field, where she either played or looked on with avid interest. She was surrounded by a family of footballers and that aroused her interest and determination to play the game. She would observe with awe as her family members played or coached a game.

On the field of play Joella was definitely a living example of the club’s motto: “Accepting and Surmounting Challenges.” Her versatility and natural skill allowed her to play on various positions for the club; whether it was in the midfield, defense and forward.

In addition she never shied away from her responsibilities and being a team player, who was always willing to sacrifice for the benefit of the Club. Indeed, she always did an amazing job at it. She was a feisty footballer and a relentless one as well.

Her passion and dedication for the sport was indeed remarkable and she always fought for what she believed in. Her motto: “You see things and you say why, but I dream things that never were and say why not.”

In 2009 she was called to trials for the St. Lucia National Under- 20 team but failed to make the final squad. Joella was undaunted by that setback and vowed to keep on persevering. She was rewarded when once again being called to trials in 2011 and was subsequently selected on the national training squad.

Joella “Bella” Fanus will be remembered for her “never say die” attitude on the field of  play and a determination to succeed. While aggressive on offense she was nevertheless fearless in defense and presented an imposing figure to her opponents.

Because of her exquisite qualities she was a source of inspiration and motivation to her teammates and more often than not led by example.

Her love for the sport and club was unquestionable. She must be remembered by the following words. “Love seeketh not itself to please, nor for itself have any cure, but for another gives it ease and builds a heaven in hell’s despair.”

We must always forget what is behind us and strain towards what is ahead. Press on towards the goal this beautiful game of football which Joella so passionately loved and enjoyed.

President of the SLFA, Lyndon Cooper was quoted as saying: “For a female footballer to die at the age of 19 years is distressing to the extreme.”

The SLFA mourns her loss and on behalf of the football fraternity extend their deepest sympathy to the family and National Female Training Squad on the lost of  Joella Fanus. Our Prayers and condolences go out to the family at this critical time.

Rest in Everlasting Peace Joella.