Hendon FC is set for an emotionally charged return to the pitch this Saturday, twelve days after the devastating death of their midfielder, Ezekiel Williams. The 26-year-old, known as 'Zekes' and 'Eze,' tragically passed away on November 2nd from head injuries sustained during an incident in Milton Keynes, for which two men have since been charged with murder. The Isthmian League South Central Division club has not played since the news broke, with players and staff grappling with profound grief as they prepare to face Bedfont Sports.
Williams, who joined Hendon in September, quickly became a key figure. Chairman Cyrus Cooper remembered him as a 'box-to-box midfielder with high energy who was not afraid of a tackle,' and manager Adam Fisher called him 'one of the nicest lads I have known.' Known for his 'razor-sharp wit' and being a 'humble, unassuming and generous individual,' his last match was October 27th, days after scoring against Jersey Bulls. His death has 'devastated' the club, with Cooper admitting, 'Nothing prepares you for something like this... the club is struggling to come to terms with what has happened.'
The personal impact on the club is immense. Manager Adam Fisher recounted his last interaction, a message from Williams, from Ruislip, about missing training for a family visit, followed by no reply. Fisher discovered his player's death via social media, leaving him 'shocked and in a daze.' Now, he faces the daunting task of delivering a team talk. 'What can you say that the players are going to take in?' he questioned. Midfielder Tashae Andall-Gibbons expressed the raw emotion: 'Saturday is going to be so hard because Eze is going to be on our minds... Everyone is distraught.' Counselling has been offered.
Williams' influence extended to coaching children at JOAP. His best friend, CEO Tyrique Clarke, remembered him as a 'most selfless, loving person and always a bright spark of energy.' His sister, Shadore, spoke of his passion for coaching and deepening faith. A crowdfunding page has raised nearly £19,000, and Hendon FC will honour Williams at their next home game on November 28th against Ascot United. As players said a prayer at training, Andall-Gibbons articulated their collective hope: 'I hope we use this pain in the right way and put on a big performance on Saturday. Eze will never be forgotten.'
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