Stern John’s mom passes away
ttproleague.com
One day before kicking off Trinidad and Tobago’s World Cup 2014 Brazil campaign against Bermuda at the Hasely Crawford Stadium on Friday 9 September, striker Stern John received devastating news on the death of his mom Janet ‘Jenny’ Burns.
The 72 year old Burns who had been ailing for sometime, passed away at her home in Trincity on Thursday night, while John was in a live-in team camp ahead on Friday’s match.
“When I got the news I was devastated as well,” said DIRECTV North East Stars Director of Football Kevin Jeffrey.
“Stern and I grew up from age 12 to 19 and we used to spend a lot of time together, so obviously the passing of his mom would be tough for me to accept as well although I know she was ailing for sometime now.
“Jenny and I used to talk a lot,” continued Jeffrey a former footballer and also a resident of Trincity. “She used to talk to me a lot about life, as well and things that she experienced… things that benefitted me today.”
Kevin believes that Stern will score against Bermuda, once he is used by T&T head coach Otto Pfister.
“Jenny would want him to play and he would want to score for his mom,” added Jeffrey. “He was always close to his mom and she supported him fully, especially in his football and that’s why he became the player that he is today.”
Stern, a former Coventry City and Birmingham striker joined North East during the pre-season and is expected to be a major pawn in the Sangre Grande club’s aspirations this season.
“We at North East Stars express deepest condolences to stern and his family. And anything that they would need, we would be there for them,” ended Jeffrey.
Two weeks ago the 34 yearold Stern John became the fifth highest all-time international goalscorer behind Iran’s Ali Daei (109), Hungary’s Ferenc Puskas (84), Brazil’s Pele (77), and the pairing of Kuwait’s Bashar Abdullah and Hungary’s Sandor Kocsis (75) after netting his 70th goal in 110 internationals for T&T when he converted from the penalty spot against visiting India in a friendly international.
On behalf of the League Board of Directors, Chairman, CEO, staff, clubs and officials of the TT Pro League, we extend condolences to the Stern John and family and friends of Janet Burns.