Sports enthusiast Sydney Alexander passed away all of a sudden at his residence, Bandra on Saturday evening. Sydney, 72, the co-founder of Companeroes Sports Club hockey and football teams returned home from a MFA Harwood Premier League match, and suffered a cardiac arrest and breathed his last. Alexander, a bachelor, is survived by a sister and two brothers.
The affable Sydney was a passionate sportsman in his youth and excelled in both hockey and football. Sydney played for Companeroes, which came into existence in 1970, and eventually took over the administrative role and was also coach, mentor and self-financed the clubs till his passing away.
“Sydney was an excellent person, who loved sports. He served hockey and football with a lot of commitment and ran both the hockey and football teams with money spent from own pocket, without expecting much returns. He selflessly worked towards the promotion of both sports and did not seek any recognition or rewards,” noted hockey Olympian M.M. Somaya.
Companeroes hockey and football teams for both men and women, provided opportunities for upcoming football and hockey players to showcase their talent on the local circuit. This helped the players secure employment in corporate teams.
With Sydney Alexander’s sad demise Mumbai has lost one its most ardent sports lover, who has contributed immensely to hockey and football.
The funeral mass will be celebrated at the St. Andrew’s Church, Bandra at 3.00 pm followed by burial at the church cemetery.