UT7 Biography

Uthmani J.M. Talbot, affectionately known as “Mani” to friends and family was the 7th child of Saleem & Tasleem Talbot and will forever be remembered as a special young man who was charismatic, intelligent, passionate, yet humble and a leader in his own right. He was involved in a fatal bike accident in November 2013 at the age of 24 but left quite the legacy.

He was a skilled footballer, playing center midfield for X-Roads Warriors F.C. since the age of four and represented Bermuda on the U-16, U-17, U-21 teams. He grew up in Smith’s Parish and attended Harrington Sound Primary (valedictorian), Whitney Institute Middle School, and The Berkeley Institute where he was Head Boy and headed the volunteer group Senior2Senior which was committed to helping senior citizens with small jobs around the house and teaching computer skills. With the aid of scholarships awarded by ABIC, Bank of Bermuda Foundation, Bermuda Football Association, Jupiter, and the Ross “Blackie” Talbot Foundation, Uthmani was able to attend George Mason University as a scholar-athlete where he obtained a Bachelors degree in Finance and Accounting. He returned home during school breaks and worked hard to help supplement his education, having worked at Tuckers Point Beach Club, Devils Hole Aquarium , T9 Sports, as well as PwC. After his graduation in 2012 he returned to Bermuda to work at PwC full time as an associate and was a mentor for young aspiring accountants. He was in the process of passing his CPA exams before he passed.

Mani had a love for his family, his faith, as well as his community. Along with his fellow teammates, he founded the Warrior Foundation, a community outreach programme for X-Roads Warriors. He insisted that being a footballer wasn’t “just about the football” and sought to help uplift and encourage others prompting him to co-found the group “Footballers for Peace” in 2011. He also gave generously of his time and energy to the Bermuda Islamic Cultural Centre helping with outreach programmes for feeding the needy, assisting with building maintenance, and showing visitors the rich history behind the building. In his spare time he loved to swim, scuba dive (PADI licensed) and also served as a youth referee for local matches.

He was well loved, well respected, multi-talented, and continues to be a huge miss not only to local football but to the various lives he has touched. Uthmani was a unifier in life and continues to keep us working together to achieve our common goals. We are immensely proud to honour him with the “ UT7 Football Series”. A true Warrior!!