Skip to main content

Advertisement

Advertisement

Honour our 1977 Malaysia Cup heroes next year

Singapore has enjoyed many sporting triumphs, but there is still something special about winning the Malaysia Cup in 1977. Next year is the 40th anniversary of that triumph, and it would be timely to mark the occasion.

Follow TODAY on WhatsApp
Thiyaga Raju Arumugam

Singapore has enjoyed many sporting triumphs, but there is still something special about winning the Malaysia Cup in 1977. Next year is the 40th anniversary of that triumph, and it would be timely to mark the occasion.

Perhaps the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) could kick off the year by organising a gala dinner at Jalan Besar Stadium to honour our former footballers. That would be ideal and nostalgic.

It is important for sports associations to send a message of unity and appreciation of worthwhile efforts. As a follower of local football in particular, I would be gratified if the FAS could start the ball rolling.

The players and their families must be thrust into the limelight, with praise and respect. I am certain that many of our loyal fans would agree with my suggestion. These men were once among the nation’s finest footballers.

Fans drooled over S Rajagopal (“The Camel”), who was known for his banana kicks from corners and set pieces. There was Mohamed Noh, the original pin-up boy of Singapore football, who dazzled with his dribbles and body feints.

Not all of the squad are alive, but those who are should be honoured. The family of the late Choo Seng Quee, who coached that victorious team, could also be invited.

It would be a great gesture to a bunch of players who have given much. Their achievement was tremendous, and they did it in style, beating Penang 3-2 in extra time, with Quah Kim Song bagging a brace.

It remains the greatest day in Singapore football. The image of captain Samad Allapitchay hoisted upon his teammates’ shoulders while holding the Malaysia Cup trophy aloft endures as an image of our sporting pride.

While “Crazy Horse” Nasir Jalil and “Gelek King” Dollah Kassim have died, the rest still serve as ambassadors for the game, despite some suffering from financial hardship or ill health. They are a humble group of men.

The New Year is less than five months away. The FAS has time to organise a meaningful event to commend the services of these footballers, who worked and fought hard to bring honour to Singapore.

Read more of the latest in

Advertisement

Advertisement

Stay in the know. Anytime. Anywhere.

Subscribe to get daily news updates, insights and must reads delivered straight to your inbox.

By clicking subscribe, I agree for my personal data to be used to send me TODAY newsletters, promotional offers and for research and analysis.