Fabian Olivera, a soccer coach for the boys 16 and under and 19 under teams at the Miami Lakes United Soccer Club, and recently guided them to victory in a prestigious tournament, died two weeks ago.
He was 42.
Olivera died of an apparent heart attack on October 23, said his childhood friend and registrar of the organization Tony Rodriguez.
Olivera was born in Uruguay in South America where he excelled in soccer as a young kid.
After his family moved to Miami, he enrolled at Hialeah Miami Lakes High School, where he resumed his incredible skills in the sport he had embraced since a tender age.
Following graduation, Olivera returned to his homeland where he played professional soccer and coached young kids.
He returned to Miami and coached several soccer clubs on Key Biscayne before he was tapped as head coach for the Miami Lakes Soccer Club last year.
A week before his untimely demise, Olivera led one of his teams to the United FC West Pines Classic tournament championship.
“That was his last game he coached,” Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez said he and Olivera grew up together in Hialeah, where the Uruguayan-born soccer player encouraged him to play the sport instead of football.
It was the best move he ever made, as Rodriguez became a standout soccer player.
“Being a Cuban-American, I grew up playing football,” Rodriguez said. “Then, I met Fabian, got a hold of a soccer ball and dropped football. If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be playing soccer. My kids now play soccer.”
Olivera’s players, family members and friends were also left shocked over his sudden death, as they expressed their condolences on the Miami Lakes Soccer Club Facebook page.
“I’m still shocked to know about this,” said Pato Garbo. “Our deep condolences to his family.”
Gladys De la Cruz said: “May you rest in peace Coach Fabian, you will never be forgotten and will continue to live in our hearts. Your kids will always play hard for you.”
Miami Lakes Soccer Club president Alvin Murray said his friend, Olivera, “will be truly missed.”
Olivera’s funeral service was held October 29 at Vista Memorial Gardens.
Before each soccer game at Royal Oaks Park, teams and coaches will take a minute of silence to pay respect to Olivera.