Former footballer and Bob Marley’s close friend, Allan Skill Cole, dies

One of Jamaica’s most talented footballers and a confidant of reggae legend Bob Marley, Allan Skill Cole, has died. The beloved sportsman was 74 years old.

Cole’s daughter, Debbie Cole, confirmed the news on Tuesday. The football legend was in poor health for some time before his death.

Best known for his stint with Jamaican top-flight side, Santos FC, Cole became renowned as a midfield maestro throughout his career and represented Jamaica internationally. Cole also spent stints in the United States with the Atlanta Chiefs and in Brazil with Nautica. Furthermore, he spent time in Ethiopia, where he coached their national team.

During the ’70s, Cole became Marley’s manager as his ascent to musical superstardom accelerated. Cole and Marley developed a close friendship until Marley’s death in 1981 following a much-publicized cancer battle.