CSMS Magazine Staff Writers

 It is with consternation that we learned this afternoon of the passing of Emmanuel Sanon at his home in Orlando, Florida this morning. For sometimes we knew of his frail health. But last month was particularly special for him when he was honored in Port-au-Prince at the Sylvio Cator stadium, a place that made him the most famous Haitian soccer player in history. Manno Sanon, as his fans called him, reached the zenith of his career in 19974 in Munich, Germany when he scored against the legendary Italian goalkeeper, Dino Zoff.            The match began before a public of 65,000 spectators, and the Haitian team held its own during the entire first half. But within the first few minutes of the second half, Sanon surprised the Italians and the world by scoring the first goal for Haiti, sending shockwaves to the hearts of the Italian fans—unforgettable moment for Haiti, where the excitement reached fever pitch.            Born into a poor Port-au-Prince family in 1951, Sanon become a serious soccer player when he played as a striker with the Don Bosco club of Petionville. His celebrity was solidified in 1973 when Haiti hosted the CONCACAF World Cup qualifying tournament. Although Mexico was favored to win the cup, Sanon’s goals propelled the young Haitian team to the championship. Sanon later went on to become a serious pro, playing in clubs in Europe and in California.            We are not sure of the date of his funeral. He survives by his wife Suze K. Sanon and his three children.