AYOUB 'U-BEE' HASSANALI
SOUTH TRINIDAD LOSES A HERO

Express December 27, 2001, p.29

Passing almost unnoticed recently was the death of Ayoub 'U-Bee' Hassanali, an outstanding South Trinidad sportsman, and brother of former president Noor Hassanali.

A grandson of an indentured labourer (Hassanali Khan), Ayoub was born on February 20, 1916.

He was one of the unsung heroes of sport in South Trinidad, with a career starting around 1930 on the family-owned playing field at Hassanali Trace, Barrackpore, called "Lords".

Playing for Lower Barrackpore, a team captained by his big brother Nourshaire (Noor), Ayoub captured 49 wickets in the 1935 season which resulted in his exclusion from the Rahamut second division competition because he was described as "just too good".

Ayoub continued his career representing Naparima College in the Rahamut First Division, the top competition in those days. He also led his home team Victoria Village on Sundays in the Ell Jay Cricket Competition.

After leaving Naparima he continued with Victoria Village until 1942. He earned the nickname "Hitler" from the Reform villagers for the number of sixes he hit in a game there.

Ayoub was in demand by several village teams and eventually he played for Tollgate Club.

He was at the forefront of his team's effort when they won the Rahamut First Division, being fourth in the bowling averages and second to Learie Constantine' s brother Elias in the batting.

He represented South both at official and touring team levels over the years.

Ayoub was such a big favourite that although a devout Muslim, he even represented "South Hindus" at one time.

He also made a solid contribution as a coach. Many youngsters in remote areas, from Mayaro to Cedros and from Moruga to Couva, benefited from his tutelage.

In fact, to represent Oriental's Championship team, it was mandatory that one played on the Colts team coached by Ayoub, to learn from the instructions that were firm, but simple ... play with a straight bat, don't hit across the line, don't bowl short.

Ayoub's on-field demeanour was legendary. Dropped catches and mis-fielded balls earned an immediate reprimand. It was said by those who knew him well that he never smiled on the filed when the serious business of cricket was in progress.

Ayoub umpired at all levels around Trinidad and Tobago in the 1970s.

He stopped in 1980 following a sudden illness after a match in Guayaguayare. But it was not the end for this determined competitor.

He returned briefly in 1982 before deciding to close his illustrious innings as an active participant.