July 24th, 2018 -- If you followed football (soccer) in St. Kitts in the 1980’s, this honoree would be well known to you. He along with other footballers from Sandy Point played with teams in Basseterre. He was known as Tambo/Nantambo/John, all three names.
Clyde Garvey, better known as Tambo or John was born in Sandy Point St. Kitts. Tambo drew attention for his impressive football abilities at an early age. He showed a lot of passion in playing the game of football. He proved that persistence can overcome almost any challenge.
He loved being in the goal. He emerged as a goal keeper for the Sandy Point High School Football Team in the early 70’s. He went on to play for multiple teams such as Leeds United, Manchester United, Alley United, Third World, Rovers, The Sandy Point Youth Team and St. Kitts National Team.
Tambo always give towards any cause relating to Sandy Point because he feels like his donations matter to the people he knows and cares about. He feels honored to give back to the community he calls home and wants to make a difference in whatever way he can. Tambo was an inspiration to many youths in Sandy Point. When he coached the Sandy Point Youth Team, he encouraged the youths to be the best, play the hardest and be persistent. He let them know that success is hard work and learning from their failure. Helping the youths makes him feel happier and more fulfilled. He feels an enjoyment to give. He feels that it’s far better to give than to receive. He coaxed them to never give up and to be the best of whatever they are trying to accomplish.
Tambo made his Basseterre debut for Rovers Football Club in 1974 and lived up to the hype by earning Goal Keeper of the Year in 1975. He emerged as a very popular goal keeper for his team Rovers and was selected as goal keeper for the St. Kitts National Team in 1975. He represented St. Kitts in the Leeward Island Tournament from 1975 to 1979 and was the first goal keeper outside of Basseterre to goal keep for the National Team. And of course, there were set-backs and failures and successes and triumphs which are what made him a great player.
Tambo enjoyed a triumphant 1976 season earning him Player of the Year. He was considered by many as one of the best goal keepers to ever play in Warner’s Park. He proved that the power to keep going will conquer all other obstacles. Tambo has captivated fans for many years. His technical abilities and strength at 6 feet 1 inch tall had earned him the nick name “Bird Man” since he was able to literally fly from one end of the goal post to the other end to stop the ball and avoid a goal by his team’s opponent. He still often reminisces about the good old days of blocking the ball.
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