Sunshine Queens and Sunshine Stars Football Clubs of Ondo held a candlelight procession in honour of departed goalkeeper of Sunshine Queens, Elizabeth Johnson, on Saturday in Akure.

Elizabeth died on March 19, after a training session with the team earlier in the day.

Emotions were high as players of the two clubs and their officials held the procession hours after the Sunshine Queens returned from an away game against FC Robo of Lagos.

Players and officials adorning customised black T-shirts with Elizabeth’s image printed on them were visibly in sober mood and could not hold back tears as the procession progressed.

A minute’s silence was observed in Elizabeth’s honour at the main bowl of the stadium at the Ondo State’s Sports Complex where the exercise ended.

Prayers were said for her departed soul; for her family; for Sunshine Queens and Sunshine Stars at the event.

Team Manager of Sunshine Queens, Kehinde Odogun, who spoke on behalf of the management, consoled the players, urging them to be strong in their belief in God.

“The deed has been done; our beloved sister has gone and we can’t query God because He giveth and taketh.

“I pray that God gives each and every one of us the strength to bear the irreparable loss.

“We are with the family of the deceased. I want to reassure them that management will not abandon them,’’ he said.

Odogun added that Sunshine Queens management would be fully involved in Elizabeth’s burial arrangements whenever they have been concretised.

(NAN)