Granville "Sam" Nusum
FOOTBALL
Achievements:
Bermuda Select Team Debut (1964): Made his debut against Crystal Palace, representing Bermuda.
English Club Trials (1967): Competed in trials with Rotherham and Barnsley football clubs.
Olympic Qualifying Match (1967): Earned the nickname 'El Gato' (The Cat) for his outstanding performance against Guatemala.
Bermuda MVP Awards (1970, 1980): Awarded Most Valuable Player in 1970 with North Village and in 1980 with Hotels International Football Club.
NASL Career (1972-1975): Played for Montreal Olympique, Vancouver Whitecaps, and New York Cosmos, achieving 17 shutouts and making 510 saves in 67 games.
NASL Rookie of the Year Runner-Up (1972): Runner-up for the Rookie of the Year Award in his first season.
Honorable Mention Team (1972): Selected to the NASL's Honorable Mention Team.
Record Saves (1973): Set a league record with 22 saves in a game against the Miami Toros.
Biography:
Granville ‘Sam’ Nusum grew up in the Ord Road area of Paget, Bermuda, and attended Paget Glebe Primary School, Prospect Boys School, and Bermuda Technical Institute. His football journey began in 1960 with the Warwick Bombardiers, a team his father also played for, before moving on to North Village Community Club. Nusum made his debut with the Bermuda select team against Crystal Palace in May 1964, beginning a decade-long representation of Bermuda on the international stage.
In 1967, Nusum had competitive trials with Rotherham and Barnsley football clubs in England, which underscored his potential and motivated him to further hone his skills. Upon his return, he played a pivotal role in a historic match where Bermuda drew 1-1 against Guatemala in an Olympic Qualifying game. His remarkable reflexes during this match earned him the nickname 'El Gato' (The Cat).
After his stint in England, Nusum alternated between playing in Bermuda and New Jersey before eventually settling in Bermuda as a construction worker while continuing to play for North Village Community Club. His talent shone through, and he won his first Most Valuable Player Award in Bermuda in 1970, a feat he would replicate a decade later with Hotels International Football Club.
A construction strike in 1972 led Nusum to sign with the Montreal Olympique, a North American Soccer League (NASL) team coached by former Bermuda National team coach Graham Adams. Over his NASL career, Nusum played 67 games for Montreal Olympique, Vancouver Whitecaps, and New York Cosmos, achieving 17 shutouts and making 510 saves. His first season was particularly noteworthy as he was runner-up for the Rookie of the Year Award and selected to the league's Honorable Mention Team. In 1973, he set a league record with 22 saves in a game against the Miami Toros. Nusum concluded his NASL career as a teammate of the legendary Pele with the New York Cosmos.
After returning to Bermuda, Nusum continued to contribute to football as a player and coach for various clubs, including North Village Community Club, Prison Officers Club, and Hotels International Club.
Legacy:
Granville 'Sam' Nusum's contributions to football in Bermuda are profound. His journey from local fields to the international stage serves as an inspiration for many. Known for his remarkable reflexes and dedication, Nusum left an indelible mark on Bermuda's football history. His career highlights and accolades reflect his exceptional talent and commitment to the sport. Even after his playing days, his influence continued through coaching and mentoring the next generation of footballers. Nusum's legacy is one of excellence, perseverance, and passion for the beautiful game.