TARA HAS LEFT A LEGACY FOR CLUB FOOTBALL IN THE COUNTRY

 MEDIA COVERAGE BY THE STAR AND NEW STRAITS TIMES LINKS;

Tara’s legacy of turning a small club into giant killers will live on https://www.thestar.com.my/sport/football/2021/12/04/taras-legacy-of-turning-a-small-club-into-giant-killers-will-live-on#.Yaq0iays5O4.whatsapp


https://www-nst-com-my.cdn.ampproject.org/v/s/www.nst.com.my/amp/sports/football/2021/12/751119/death-legend-selangor-club-football?amp_js_v=0.1&usqp=mq331AQKKAFQArABIIACAw%3D%3D#origin=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&prerenderSize=1&visibilityState=visible&paddingTop=32&p2r=0&csi=1&aoh=16385517537264&viewerUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Famp%2Fs%2Fwww.nst.com.my%2Famp%2Fsports%2Ffootball%2F2021%2F12%2F751119%2Fdeath-legend-selangor-club-football&history=1&storage=1&cid=1&cap=navigateTo%2Ccid%2CfullReplaceHistory%2Cfragment%2CreplaceUrl%2CiframeScroll

 South City FC’s 50 years in existence and a grand dinner was held three years ago and Tara was honoured by their current managed led by president V. Sunderaj and secretary R. Sivakumar.

BY TONY MARIADASS

A football legend on his own rights, Tara Singh Pall Singh, who passed away on Oct 28 at the age of 74, has left behind memories of how he worked wonders with a small football club – South City FC – in Selangor, which will live forever.

 Tara was an example of what passion, dedication and sacrifices can even make a small unknown club like South City FC, become ‘giant killers’ and get noticed.

 Tara who worked with JKR Salak South since 1967, started his involvement with the ‘beautiful game’ playing for seven-a-side team – Red Devils – a ‘Village team’ where he stayed at the JKR quarters at Salak South.

 This team went to win many seven-a-side tournaments and it was in 1969 that Tara decided to change their team’s name to ‘South City FC’ and made its debut in the FA of Selangor Reserve league in 1976.

 Training at the community field at Salak South, Tara a goalkeeper, was a rare sight, as it was not common to see a Sikh boy play the goalkeeper position.

Goalkeeper Tara Singh standing second from left with South City

 He made his impact and helped his team win the Selangor Reserve league title in 1978 and earned promotion to Division 3.

 One year later South City won the Division 3 title and earned promotion to Division 2 where they played in the Division till 1981, when they won the title to move up to Division 1 in 1982 and Tara won all titles as a player with the team.

South City earned promotion to Selangor Premier League in 1982 which was the highest league at that point of time, before the Dunhill league was initiated in 1984.

Tara took a break from the game from 1982 till 1983 and return to manage South City as a manager from 1984, where South City emerged as the Premier league champion and promoted to Dunhill league in 1985, where they finish 5th from 12 team league.

It was in 1986 that South City stole the thunder and got noticed when they created history to qualify as Selangor’s representation to the FAM Cup – the national club tournament.

South City qualified for the 3rd round only to lose to RMR from Armed Forces.

Tara’s dedication to football was noticed by the football administrators of FA of Selangor and was offered a seat as a council member in FAS but he declined as wanted to focus on development of football in rural areas.

Among the players that were groomed by him include P. Somasundaram, Basil Johnny, R. Kannan, and R. Sivakumar to name a few.

Tara was a very outspoken in giving his views on football especially development of football in Selangor. Tara also easily stood out, as he spoke fluent Tamil and was hit among the Indian players at tournaments, when he used to give encouragement in Tamil.

Sadly, he did not have the means and support to implement development programmes the way he wanted.

Soon he realised that as a small club like South City, it was difficult to compete against the ‘big boys’ in the Klang Valley, where more and more banks, government agencies and corporate sectors started setting up football teams and used employment and money to lure the better players from small clubs like South City to join them.

 South City found the going tough with the drain of their top players to join bigger clubs and soon they were demoted to Selangor Premier league and kept dropping down season after season.

Today South City still exists but the current management see their team more involved in ‘social veterans’ matches and tournaments.

Three years ago, was South City FC’s 50 years in existence and a grand dinner was help and Tara was honoured by the current managed led by president V. Sunderaj and secretary R. Sivakumar.

In recent years before Tara passed away, he was regular at veteran tournaments to lend his support and his sons Kiranjit, who used to play for Public Bank, is the president of the veteran International Football Club (IFC) and Shiranjit who played KL Malay Mail in Premier II, now plays and is the convenor of the Kelab Aman Football team.

“We are going to miss him greatly. Our involvement in football is because of our father with whom we followed from his younger playing days. Later years he supported our involvement and was always there to lend his moral support,” said Kiranjit.

“Life is never going to be the same without our father. Football was his life, and it played a great part in our lives too. Him not being around is going to leave a huge vacuum in our lives,” said Shiranjit.

Tara leaves behind his wife, Manjit Kaur and another younger son, Sanjit.

 Tara may no longer be around, but his memories and legacy left behind will always be remembered and cherished.

 

ICONIC FOOTBALL DEVELOPMENT OFFICIAL, VINCENT PASSES AWAY AT 90

VINCENT A TRUE LOVER OF THE BEAUTIFUL GAME OF FOOTBALL

 By Tony Mariadass

MJ Vincent, who celebrated his 90^th birthday on January 22, an iconic name in football development in the nation, passed away this afternoon (July 13).

Vincent who started his football love with Selangor, where he played the game, was an official with the FA of Selangor, team manager of the Selangor Burnley Cup team (now Razak Cup) and referee, was among the founder members of Federal Territory Football Association (now Kuala Lumpur FA) in 1974 with others like Datuk K. Rasalingam, Datuk Goh Ah Chai, Hamzah Muhamad, Shariff Mustafa, Jeswant Singh and T. Manickarajah.

I have known Vincent from the time I started writing in 1977 and my first trip to London was with him, when I was invited by the KLFA President, late Tan Sri Elyas Omar, to join and report to the KL 1974 victorious Razak Cup team during their one-week training stint in Birmingham City, under coach Patrick Wright.

I last spoke to him on his 90^th birthday and even sent a video message which his daughter Jenny, had prepared for her dad and had requested me to say a few words.

Vincent watching the video message I sent to him on his 90th birthday of Jan 22

Indeed, a gentleman to the core and was involved in the game till extremely late in his age – actively being involved with the Ex-Internationals Association.

Few may now this, but Vincent has been credited for giving the late Datuk Mokhtar Dahari his career path in the game.

Much is said about the late Mokhtar Dahari and that no player like him has come through since.

But do the very people who talk about ‘Super Mokh’ know that he was not discovered by design but by chance — because of a club coach who felt Mokhtar had the talent and recommended him?

In my interview with Vincent seven  years ago for the New Straits Times, the Selangor team manager of the Burnley Cup (now Razak Cup) team, said Mokhtar was introduced by a coach of a club team by the name of Wan.

“Wan told me there was this player whom he thought was an excellent player.

“I told him to bring him for trials and the rest is history,” said the then 83-year-old Vincent.

“Without doubt, if not for this coach, Mokhtar would have been discovered later or never. This coach, who acted as a talent scout indeed played a key role,” added Vincent when talking about talent scouting in the interview.

Mokhtar himself in an exclusive interview to Suresh Kumar and Shanmuganathan for the Seladang magazine (Victoria Institution school magazine) in 1982, had acknowledged Vincent, when he asked if he was, he was popular in school:

“No, no not exactly. Well, that came only after I left school. It was during a trial to play with the Selangor Junior Squad at the Piala Razak tournament. Later, my manager, Mr M J Vincent, recommended that I join the senior squad and from then everything started coming my way.”

MJ Vincent the team manager being hoisted by Selangor team members after their Burnley Cup victory in 1974

There were many other youngsters whom Vincent had put them on their football path and among them was Datuk Yap Nyim Keong, the former FA of Malaysia general-secretary and current secretary of Mini Football Malaysia (MiFoM).

This is what Yap had to say:

“He was also my manager when I captained the victorious Selangor Burnley Cup team in 1970. He was the one who approached me to come for training with the Selangor team. I was disillusioned because I was dropped in the last minute from the team the year before. An older player was preferred on top of me, although I was in the starting 11 in all the friendly matches. My name was also in the souvenir programme.

He assured me then that this time was different and made me the captain despite the presence of other senior players who represented Malaysia in the Asian Youth competition. We remained good friends throughout and I have great respect for Mr Vincent, the gentleman. It is incredibly sad that I did not get to meet him because of the pandemic. May his Soul RIP.

Another player from Kuala Lumpur. T. Gopinath Naidu had this to say:

“Good man and manager. Sad to see him go. Thanks for everything sir. My manager for many youth tournaments from 1988-1992. We love you sir.”

Vincent second from right with the KL youth team

Probably his daughter Jenny best sums up Vincent’s life when she wrote this message for her dad on his 90^th birthday:

“Dearest Dad. I have so many things to say to you as you turn 90 today. You have been such an inspiration to many young and old. You have been a father figure to many young football players, inspiring them to be their best. You have brought your football managerial ways to our round-table family meetings too. Football runs through your veins and the passion you have for it has kept you going all this time. A heart attack in Bangkok while refereeing a game in 1969 did not set you back but you continued with football. 

Mum always and still complains that you were never home while we were growing up, but you know what, I get it now! When you have that passion, it truly drives you. I recall going to many football matches with you. From Merdeka Tournaments to Malaysia Cup matches. You have been on the team organising the Merdeka football tournaments when teams stayed at the Federal Hotel. 

MJ Vincent standing fourth from left with the FA of Selangor Council members with the Malaysia Cup

The football life continued even after your retirement from the government service. Going to the Kuala Lumpur Football Association was a thrill for me when you worked there. Being a football player from a young age you have kept up with staying fit. I remember those days when I waited in the car for you as you did the long Taichi sessions at the Selangor Chinese Recreation Club. After moving to Taman Desa, both mum and you have always kept fit by walking to the nearby park. Pottering in the garden being a favourite past time for many years. Even a bypass in 1997 never stopped you from being involved in the Ex-International Malaysian Football Association together with Uncle Clement Soosay.

MJ Vincent standing far left with ex-internationals including the likes of late Mokhtar Dahari in an undated photograph

Through all of this you lead a very colourful life with many loved ones who bring so much joy to you. Happy 90th birthday D, may God Almighty continue to bless you in abundance and I thank the Lord for every day that I can be with you. 

Dad @ M.J. Vincent you are a legend, a treasure to the football growth in Malaysia, so special to all your family and friends. Loving you always, Jenny.”

 

REST IN PEACE VINCENT. MAY THE LORD GRANT YOU ETERNAL REST.

YOU MAY BE GONE, BUT FOND MEMORIES AND YOUR WORK FOR FOOTBALL WILL FOREVER BE REMEMBERED.

Final journey of a legend

Tuesday, February 04, 2014 - The Malay Mail

TRUE FRIEND: Choon Wah's best friend Chin Aun paying his last respect at the crematorium yesterday. In the background Choon Wah's three daughters — (L-R kneeling) Fai Lai, Fai Mei, Fai Siang.

THE sports fraternity came in numbers to pay their last respects to footballer extraordinaire Wong Choon Wah in the last two days when his body laid in wake.
Yesterday, on his final journey before being cremated, they came again, not just footballers, but badminton, hockey and officials of various sports.
Accolades were pouring endlessly as they spoke of the midfield maestro's playing days and what a simple man he was.
Choon Wah, who would have turned 67 on March 31, certainly touched many people.
Among the officials present yesterday were Datuk Peter Velappan, the former Asian Football Confederation secretary and assistant team manager of the 1972 Munich Olympics squad which Choon Wah was a member, and former FA of Selangor treasurer R. Ramalingam.
The other sports personalities present included former hockey internationals Datuk Sri Shanmuganathan, Datuk Poon Fook Loke and K. Balasingam, badminton's Datuk James Selvaraj and a host of ex-footballers such as Khoo Luen Khen, who flew in from Hong Kong.
Others present included Choon Wah's former national team buddies, Datuk Soh Chin Aun, Datuk Santokh Singh, Bahwandi Hiralal, Lim Fong Kee, N. Thanabalan, Vincent Thambirajah, V. Kalimuthu, Wong Hung Nung, N. Thanabalan, Vincent Thambirajah, K. Kanagarajah, and Ho Hon Seong to name a few.
Choon Wah, a former Selangor player, was a member of the illustrious 1972 Munich Olympics team, played professional football in Hong Kong (1972-74) with South China Athletics Association, won a Asian Games bronze medal in Teheran in 1974, collected Malaysia Cup medals with Selangor in 1968, 1969, 1971, 1975 and 1976 and Merdeka tournament victor in 1973 and 1974.
Choon Wah may be gone, but his memories will forever live on.
He leaves wife Lee Nyok Ching, daughters Fai Mei, Fai Mei, Fai Siang, son-in-law Mike and grandchildren Nathaniel and Grabrielle Precious.

PAYING TRIBUTE: Among the sportsmen of yesteryears who came to pay their last respect to Choon Wah — (from left): Narasimha Rao, I. Sundram, Teoh Teck Huat, Thanabalan, Luen Khen, Vincent, Santokh, Chin Aun, Kalimuthu, Fong Kee, Balasingam, Soh Chin Lay, Datuk Yap Nyim Keong and Hon Seong

Farewell Ah Tuck

TRIBUTE TO WONG CHOON WAH

Football legend Choon Wah leaves memories to be cherished


By TONY MARIADASS
 
mmail@mmsports.com.my


DESPITE his status as the best midfielder Malaysia has produced thus far, Wong Choon Wah, fondly known to his close friends as Ah Tuck, lived a simple life. And he passed away on Friday, the first day of Chinese New Year, a simple man.
I grew up idolising Choon Wah and never in my wildest dream did I think that he would one day be a good friend of mine.
I bonded with him as a rookie reporter in the late 1970s, when I used to cover the local league in the Klang Valley. I met Choon Wah when he was playing for the Selangor Chinese Recreation Club (SCRC) in the Selangor League.
It was Kuala Lumpur FA treasurer Goh Ah Chai who introduced me to Choon Wah at the SCRC building in Jalan Pudu, where the club played their league matches.
I could not believe I was meeting Choon Wah, a legend and one whom I had admired all those years.
Being the unassuming man he was, he welcomed me warmly and immediately offered me beer. When I told him that I was working and that I did not drink, he said: “My friend, if you want to cover sports and be a journalist, you had better learn to have a few, especially with friends.”
I obliged, and we became friends. It was there too that I met another football well-known, a referee – the late Koh Guan Kit.
Every time I dropped by SCRC, I made sure I paid my respects to Choon Wah. But it was in the last 10 years that I became very close to the man as he was an ambassador for club football and youth development programmes and was actively involved actively with the Ex-Internationals Football Association.
He never missed any event organised by the Ulu Kelang Recreation Club (UKRC), International Football Club (IFC) and Royal Selangor Club where he would join the other ex-internationals to add glamour to the event and inspire the younger players.
At the Ex-Internationals Soccer 9s organised by the association two years ago, Choon Wah, although he did not play, was a hit as almost everyone wanted to take a photograph with him.
He was also involved with IFC – a club for ex-internationals – with former international Ho Hon Seong being among those who keep the club alive and active. It was at IFC that I got to know Choon Wah better as we met regularly.
I last met Choon Wah on Jan 25 at the Sports Flame dinner and appreciation night organised by four former sports journalists (George Das, R. Velu, Fauzi Omar and Lazarus Rokk) to recapture the sports fraternity’s golden moments in the 1970s and 1980s and to show their appreciation for the athletes of that era who have been mostly forgotten.
A smartly dressed Choon Wah walked in during cocktails and I called him over and introduced him to a few who did not know him.
He then left to mingle with the rest. But at the end of the dinner, he came up to me to say that he was leaving. It was only 10pm, and I invited him to have a drink, remembering the time he first offered me one.
Sadly, he turned it down, saying that he had to meet some people elsewhere. Next time then, I told him, but that is not to be.
Accolades are being heaped on Choon Wah, including from the prime minister, who has expressed shock at his demise. But I wish this midfield maestro had been given some recognition when he was still alive.
While many of his teammates and even footballers who came long after him have been honoured with titles from various heads of state, Choon Wah was bestowed none.
He lived a quiet life and probably that’s the way he wanted it to be.
To recap, Choon Wah was the first player to venture into professional football in Hong Kong with South China Athletics Association from 1972 to 1974 before the likes of Lim Fung Kee, Chow Chee Keong and Yip Chee Keong followed suit.

ONE FOR THE MEMORY: The scribe with (from left) Chow Chee Keong ,Choon Wah, Santokh Singh and Yip Chee Keong at a UKRC function.

 He is among the footballers who played in the Olympics – in Munich 1972 – the only time Malaysia played in the Games. He played in all three matches – against West Germany (the tournament’s opening match) the USA and Morocco in group stage.
His teammates included Wong Kam Fook, Fung Kee, Othman Abdullah, Namat Abdullah, M. Chandran, Khoo Huan Khen, Hamzah Hussain, Sharuddin Abdullah, Wan Zawawi, V. Krishnasamy, Ibrahim Salleh, Harun Jusoh, Ali Bakar, Mohamad Bakar, Looi Loon Teik, Rahim Abdullah and Bahwandi Hiraral.

Choon Wah, who would have turned 67 on March 31, made his Malaysia Cup debut in 1968, playing for Selangor. The state never lost a Malaysia Cup final when Choon Wah was in the team, winning in 1968, 1969, 1971, 1975 and 1976. He also turned out for MCIS in the local league and FAM Cup.

Known for his precision, defence-splitting passes and total control of the engine room, Malaysia has not seen another player of his calibre since.
It is somewhat fitting that this great footballer galloped out on the first day of the Year of the Horse.
Rest in peace, my dear Ah Tuck. You will always be remembered and talked about at every football function from now on. You may be gone, but your memories will definitely live on.

Quotes from former players Datuk Santokh Singh
HE was fantastic midfielder. I have lost a good friend. We got together and had a good time whenever there were functions. I will miss that. I only have fond memories of him, especially the bronze he helped us win at the Teheran Asian Games in 1974.
Datuk K. Rajagobal
He was from a legendary era. I was sad when I heard the news. He contributed a lot to the country and I am honoured to have played with him towards the end of his career. He was a midfield maestro that was never afraid to play the ball.
Soh Chin Aun
We were like brothers. I came to KL in 1971 and stayed at his house till 1979. I will miss my big brother. He doesn't like to compare himself with others but he was the best in the business.

N. Thanabalan
He was a great player. I was on the left flank while he was in the middle of the park and was very skillful. He was always very jovial and easy to get along with, both on and off the pitch. My best football memories are the Malaysia Cup final in 1968 for Selangor and several editions of the SEA Games. He was a council member ex State and ex National Footballers Association and we were planning an AGM, which always begun with players from north of Malaysia going against southern counterparts. He was appointed as coach for the south team. I've lost a very good friend.
Ho Hon Seong
We were both working in MCIS in the 1970s. He was very humble person and rarely lost his anger. He was always there to guide us. He treated everyone the same. We used to get togehter often for ex-international meet-ups or meetings and he wished me Happy Chinese New Year the morning he passed away. It's very sad that he went after that. Thought it was a joke when I heard it. We were planning a trip to New York last year but we could not make it and we were hoping it would be this year. We lost a legend, I lost a friend.
Bahwandi Hiralal
To lose a great friend is always a great loss. He was a no nonsense guy and football was everything. Until today there has been no one like him with brains in the middle of the field. He was a midfield general, the best Malaysia had seen. In his company, things were never dull. I will miss him a lot. There are a few of us who remained close over the years, he was one. Practically every month we met. Everyone was equal to him. He had no air about himself.
Datuk M. Karathu
We played in the 1968 Merdeka Tournament, where we were champions. It was fantastic playing alongside him. He was a left footer and with so much of creativity. Only last Saturday I met him, and fellow ex interntonals at a function honouring us. We always met at functions, more recently at Royal Selangor Club tournaments. He was dedicated to football, very quiet but works hard on the field. He also trained very hard to get on the starting line-up.

Datuk Khaidir Buyong
He was very friendly and down to earth. He was very hardworking and the best midfielder by far.

K. Gunalan
We got close during the Sultan Selangor Cup in 2001 where he managed the ex-Selangor side. He was always easy to communicate with. I will miss him dearly

In Memory of Master Vincent Fernandez (Zahari Abdullah)

With deep regret I have to inform the passing of Master Vincent Fernandez (Zahari Abdullah) earlier this evening about 6pm. His body will be at 32, Jalan Limau Perut, Bangsar Park. Funeral will be held before 1pm tomorrow (Monday). May his soul rest in peace.

 Deepest condolences to his wife Hajjah Zabedah (my Bahasa Malaysia teacher), children JJ (Hitz FM DJ), Zabrina (winner of Amazing Race ASIA), Mohd Joshua and Nor Zacky and family members.

We have indeed lost a decidated teacher who moulded thousands of students who passed the corridors of St John Institution and a friend.
Teachers like Master Vincent are a rare breed (read here: http://www.blogger.com/goog_1815517035

Below is a piece I posted on my blog in 2009 when I attended a reunion organised by the hockey boys of 1974/1975.
http://level-field.blogspot.com/2009/07/to-sir-with-love.html

Indeed, we are going to miss Master Vincent dearly.
I last met up with him when we, the Class of 1975 Five Arts 3, organised a reunion at Mist Club on Nov 11, 2011 where our Form Teacher, Mr James Gonzales and Mr Kirubakaran were present too.

I have been in touch with Mr Vincent constantly after school and it has always been a pleasure to be in his company each time.
The Class of Five Arts 3 (75') had earlier in June also had a small reunion at Lake Club and Master Vincent was also present.

On Sept 16 (Malaysia Day) - I had invited Master Vincent to team up with Radha Krishnan to form the Ever Green radio Station as part of the dinner programme for the 1st Malaysia Day Ex-International Soccer Veterans dinner at the Olympic Council of Malaysia Arena. I wanted to get the rest of the team of Sports Talk on Sunday like Ronnie Attickson, Chris Syers and Jessie van Riesen, but they could not make it because if prior engagements.
But Master Vincent and Radha were hit among the ex-internationals and officials from soccer, hockey and athletics as they held the show for 45 minutes before dinner with interviews, reminicing good old times and talking about sports as it.

Master Vincent has touched thousands of people and everyone will only have great things to speak about him because he was a great man.

We are indeed going to miss him. May God Bless his soul and he will definitely be remembered forever.