SHAN A RARE BREED OF SPORT ADMINISTRATOR

 

 

SHAN IS PROOF THAT YOU DONT HAVE TO BE AN ATHLETE, TO BE RENOWNED ADMINISTRATOR 

By Tony Mariadass

 

SHANMUGA RAJAH V NAVARATNAM, 72, long-serving gymnastics official, who passed away on Friday, is proof that one does not have to be an athlete to excel as an administrator.

Shanmuga, was just a school clerk from Kuala Kubu Bharu, who not only became an iconic name in the sports of gymnasium in Malaysia, but internationally.

He was the ex-honorary secretary-general of the Malaysia Gymnastics Federation (MGF) for 38 years (1978-2016), ex-honorary secretary-general of Southeast Asian Gymnastics Confederation (SEAGCON), ex-assistant secretary of the Asian Gymnastics Union (AGU) and ex-chairman (Asia) of the International Sports and Cultural Association (SCA).

One person who has known Shan, as he is affectionately known, is Datuk Datuk A. Vaithilingam, the former secretary-general of Selangor Schools Sports Council.

“I have known Shan from 1970s when he was the secretary of the MSS Hulu Selangor District Gymnastics Committee and was a clerk with SRK Inggeris Kuala Kubu Bharu where Gurdip Singh was the headmaster and Liu Kwai Kiat was the chairman MSS Selangor Gymnastics Technical Committee,” said the 87-year-old Vaithilingam.

AM Francis was the MSS Hulu Selangor Chairman then, with A. Trapadi (athlete B.Rajkumar’s coach) as secretary.

“Gurdip was the one who appointed Shan as the secretary,” disclosed Vaithilingam.

Liu was the Selangor Amateurs Gymnastics Association (SAGA) secretary and Vaithilingam was deputy president SAGA.

Malaysian Schools Sports Council (MSSM) secretary-general then, Abdullah Marzuki, agreed to appoint Liu as Technical Chairman of MSSM Gymnastics.

Shan was later appointed in Majlis Sukan Swekolah Selangor (MSSS) as technical gymnastics chairman. 

Shan attended courses conducted by Liu and later organised courses in most districts.

“Shan also helped to organise activities in Selangor and later assisted in the formation of MGF.”

Vaithilingam said C. Kula also played an important role in the development of the sports and together they persuaded Prof Datuk Dr Zakaria Ahmad to lead MGF.

“We struck a good partnership for future development.”

Vaithilingam added that Selangor had excellent support from former National Sports Council (NSC) director-general Datuk Mazlan Ahmad in setting up Sekinchang School Centre.

“The first ever SEA Games gold came from a Sekinchang gymnast.

A full-time coach appointed by NSC in Sekinchang led to many outstanding gymnasts for the nation. 

“Shan was largely responsible for the great development of gymnastics in the Klang Valley with these key people, which eventually developed to a nationwide programme with many key players arising from Malaysian Schools Sports Council (MSSM), MGF, NSC, Olympic Council of Malaysia and their state/district equivalent bodies.

“I have lost a good, honest, and sincere friend. We were together in the gymnastics action for about 40 years. 

“I am proud of his successes and treasure the memories of our struggles in the development and progress of gymnastics.”

Vaithilingam said Shan was proof that one does not have to excel in the sports to become a great administrator and promoter of the sports.

“Shan not only was passionate of gymnastics and was a tireless worker, but he became very knowledgeable of the technicalities of the sports and not only made his name in Malaysian sports, but internationally also,” added Vaithilingam.

Shan also saw one of his two daughters - Dr S. Priya Devi – become a gymnast and his wife S Poovanesvary, too got involved following her daughter in her development as a gymnast.

 In 2016, the FIG awarded the long-serving administrator the silver medal for his contribution and tireless service over 36 years in the world of gymnastics.

However sadly, in Malaysia he was not given the recognition he fully deserved like inducted him to the Olympic Council of Malaysia Hall of Fame or a Datukship.

A posthumous award in line?

Indeed, Shan has left behind a legacy in the sports of gymnastics and done the nation proud.

He may be longer with us, but he will forever be remembered.

Rest in peace Shan, you ran the race and walked the path with distinction.

Shan leaves behind his wife Poovanesvary, daughters S. Shamila Devi, Dr S. Priya Devi and son, S. Yogarajah, son-in-law Johnathan Keith Hartley, in-laws, brothers, grandchildren, nephew, and nieces.

CHECKMATE BY FAM

NATIONAL TEAM TSUNAMI HAS BEGAN AS COACHING STAFF OPT OUT

S. BALACHANDRAN (pixs courtesy of Balachandran)

By Tony Mariadass

Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) went a step ahead of the national team Harimau assistant coaches who were speculated by this blog that they would follow national coach Tan Cheng Hoe to resign, in support of the latter’s move.

The assistant coaches at the recent Suzuki AFF football tournament in Singapore were S. Balachandran, Azmin Azram Abdul Aziz (goalkeeper coach) and Martin Stano (fitness coach).

However, even before the coaches could submit their resignation letters, they together with team administrator, Andy Azzuddin, were called up to meet up with FA of Malaysia president Datuk Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin on Wednesday.

The discussion with the president surrounded on their positions with the national team and it was suggested that since national coach Tan Cheng Hoe has already resigned, and they were part of the ‘package team’ for the national team, it was best they considered their future with the national team which going to announce a new national coach or their future plans tomorrow afternoon.

An investigation body led by former national player and FAM general secretary Datuk Dell Akbar Khan, was set up  to investigate the cause of the national squad’s failure in Singapore, and will submit its report tomorrow.

After discussions with the President, all four decided to severe their ties with the national team, after they were told they could not be placed with other age-group national teams, as all positions were filled.

Balachandran, who has been assistant national coach from 2018, confirmed tonight that he is no longer with the national team

“We had a fruitful meeting with the President and understood each other’s predicament and came to a mutual decision to part ways,” disclosed Balachandran.

“We have been told that we will be compensated but will be told how many months soon.

“I am grateful to FAM for having given me an opportunity to work with them and hope that if there is an opportunity in the future to work with them again, I will be considered.

“I leave now with rich knowledge from my stints with the national team. Although with a heavy heart, it is all part and parcel of the job,” said Balachandran who has stints with the National U-16, U-15, U-14 as head coach.

“Besides, it is only logical and fair that we leave in support of national coach Tan Cheng Hoe who has resigned because we are a ‘team’.

BALACHANDRAN AND TAN CHENG HOE

Balachandran said he will now move forward to look for a job either locally or overseas.

“I have not applied anywhere officially but have made enquires and depending on the feedback, will consider my next move.”

It is learnt that Balachandran had send feelers for coaching opportunities in Philippines too.

When asked about Philippines, he said: “Nothing official. Am just considering all options I have and am prepared to coach locally or overseas if the opportunity arises.”

Balachandran who holds an AFC Pro Licence, besides having attended FIFA coaching course, is a holder of AFC ‘A’ Licence and a certified Physical Conditioning Specialist Program Level 1.

He is a former national midfielder, who was part of Kuala Lumpur hattrick Malaysia Cup victors (1987-1989).

It is indeed going to be an interesting day for Malaysian football tomorrow for besides Dell Akbar submitting his report, the FAM executive committee will also be convening to discuss the report, before Hamidin will be hold a press conference to reveal all proceedings,

 

IMMINENT FOOTBALL TSUNAMI?

CHENG HOE TO GET SUPPORT?

By Tony Mariadass

NATIONAL football team Harimau assistant coaches could follow suit national coach Tan Cheng Hoe to resign in support of the latter’s move.

The assistant coaches at the recent Suzuki AFF football tournament in Singapore were S. Balachandran, Azmin Azram Abdul Aziz (goalkeeper coach) and Martin Stano (fitness coach).

Whether all three coaches will be resigning or one or two of them, is not known, but there is strong indication the two local coaches will resign in the next few days.

If this happens, it will not give FA of Malaysia the liberty to ‘sack’ the assistant coaches or the new incoming national coach the choice to exclude them in his lineup.

FAM of Malaysia deputy president Datuk Yusof Mahadi who is also the national team manager, had recently, said the investigation body led by former national player and FAM general secretary Datuk Dell Akbar Khan was currently investigating the cause of the national squad’s failure in Singapore.

He added that he and team captain Mohd Aidil Zafuan Abdul Radzak were among the individuals called to provide statements.

Surprising that Yusof who was interviewed, gave a statement on the investigation when he is a party involved.

Even more surprising is that as a deputy president he is holding several keys positions in the body which is of conflict of interest.

Coaches who are appointed at all levels of national teams are interviewed and must have the relevant qualifications.

But whether team managers appointed are interviewed or have any football qualification or knowledge, or but merely appointed by their position they hold at FAM, is a question which need to be addressed.

And the need for two assistant team managers besides the team manager for Singapore, whereas only 24 players were selected and registered when they could have registered 30 players, is another question to be answered.

Should the assistant coaches resign as speculated, it is indeed going to force FA of Malaysia to answer more questions.

FA of Malaysia president Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin has said that he will be holding a press conference on Friday to explain more on the national team’s performance.

It is indeed going to be an interesting week for Malaysian football.

 

SHEBBY GONE TOO SOON

SHEBBY LEAVES A LASTING IMPRESSION

By Tony Mariadass

LATEST UPDATE: 

Shebby's body which was in the wake from yesterday evening (Thursday) at the Nirvana Memorial Centre ib Skudai, Johor, was brought this morning  to the Loke Yew crematorium. The wake at the Sukhmani Sahib at the Loke Yew crematorium will be from 2pm and followed by the cremation ceremony at 4pm.

All wishing to pay their last respects are requested to strictly adhere to all Covid-19 SOPs in place.

FORMER national football defender Serbegeth (Shebby) Singh passed away yesterday evening  suspected from suffering a heart attack while cycling in Johor Baru.

Shebby who had turned 61 on Aug 20, indeed was a household name as a player and television pundit.

News of his passing away was indeed a shock, as he was still young and a considered a very fit person.

A national player from 1982 to 1991 who hails from Kluang, Johor, made his name with Kuala Lumpur whom he played from 1984 to 1990, where he won the Malaysia Cup for a hattrick time, League Cup and FA Cup.

At a reunion luncheon for the KL team in 2001, Shebby speaking on behalf of his teammates had said: “It was the close relationship among the players and officials that made us a family, and leading to our success.

"We were very lucky in the sense that we all gathered together as a team at the right place and right time and we had a great coach (the late Dr Josef Venglos) to mould us."

His teammates with the city team included the Singapore trios – Fandi Ahmad, K. Kannan and Malek Awab – and local players - Rashid Hassan, Mohamad Noor Basri, M. Pavalamani, Razip Ismail, Tang Siew Seng, Chow Siew Yai, Kamarulzaman Yusof, See Kim Seng, Nasaruddin Mat Din, Ramlan Askolani, S. Balachandran, Subadron Aziz Hashim Marman, Mat Zan Mat Aris, Saidin Osman, Lim Teong Kim, Nazim Din and the late Mohamad Zaid Jamil.

The man responsible for bringing Shebby to the bright city lights was the late KLFA and City Mayor, Tan Sri Elyas Omar and coach late S. Subramaniam.

 I played a small part in Shebby’s arrival in KL, as I as a rookie sportswriter went with Subramaniam to Kluang in 1983 to meet Shebby and his parents to offer him to play for KL.

 I have known Shebby personally since I covered my debut Sea Games in Singapore in 1983, when the former was turning out for the national team.

 Shebby was turning out for Johor from 1978 till 1983.

It was a weekend after the Sea Games in Singapore, that I drove coach Subramaniam to Kluang from Kuala Lumpur.

Subramaniam, a day before had called me and asked if I could follow him to Kluang and if I could drive him, as he was going alone to make a surprise visit on Serbegeth.

Obviously, I obliged, and the rest was history.

We arrived in Kluang and went straight to the LLN (now TNB) office, where Shebby worked.

Shebby was not in the office, as he was on holiday visiting his girlfriend then, former national athlete Harbans Kaur, whom he went on to marry.

We met a close friend of Shebby who works with him (a Chinese boy by the name of Ah Chew), who took us to Shebby’s home to meet his parents.

The late Subramaniam who passed away about five months ago, told Shebby’s parents that he wants to offer their son a professional football contract with Kuala Lumpur and asked their permission to allow him to move to the city.

The parents objected as they did not want to see their son move to KL and leave them, but Subramaniam assured them that Shebby will be looked after by Tan Sri Elyas and he personally will be responsible for the well-being of Shebby and he will look after Shebby like his own son.

And rest was history after Shebby returned home after his holiday in Penang and came to KL to meet Tan Sri Elyas and Subramaniam to sign up for KL.

But what followed, rocked Malaysian football as Shebby was banned by Johor FA for moving to KL without their permission and fine RM500,000.

Shebby served the banned and went on to play for KL after that where he made a name for himself and even captained the KL team.

Shebby and I became close friends, and I followed his playing career from KL moving on to Pahang (1991 – 1992), back to KL (1993-1994), Negri Sembilan (1994-1995) and Perak (1995-1996).

As a player, Serbegeth was a disciplinarian who trained hard, watched his diet, slept early, a teetotaler, never smoked and loved reading on football.

On field, he got his job done, although some players complained that he would be very vociferous and got into argument with his teammates.

He was just being very competitive and always wanted to give his best and win matches,

After his playing career, he made a name for himself as a football pundit and was still involved in football as coach of MyTeam, Technical Advisor of Malacca (2007), ‘Global Adviser’ for Blackburn Rovers (2012-13) and technical director of JDT.

As a pundit, his audience either loved him or hated him for his style of presentation.

But without doubt, he made his lasting impact.

Indeed gone too soon.

Condolences to his family and may he rest in peace.

Goodbye my dear friend Shebby.

 

 

WAS CHENG HOE A SCAPEGOAT?

 CHENG HOE A PROFESSIONAL AND GENTLEMAN

By Tony Mariadass

Why has national Tan Cheng Hoe to resign with a one-year contract still in hand?

Was there more than what the eyes meet in his resignation?

Yes, Cheng Hoe is a professional and a gentleman, who was brave to stand accountable for the national team’s failure to meet the target to qualify for the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup in Singapore.

But the target was set by team manager Datuk Mohd Yusoff Mahadi, who is also the deputy president of the FA of Malaysia.

“For sure we should be eyeing the title or at least entering the final each time we play at the Asean level. This is because FAM has set its sight on Asia,” he told a new conference after the FAM executive committee meeting in November.

Fine, but was Cheng Hoe given the full liberty to select his players, was he given ample time to prepare the team, did he had a voice on naturalized players and did he have full say in the lineup of the team for matches.

Cheng Hoe in resigning form his national coaching position on Monday, had said that he was just being a professional and his quit decision was his own as he did not achieve his target.

Did anyone expect him to say otherwise and state his real reasons?

In Malaysian football one must be diplomatic and not step on anyone’s toes or face the wrath.

And Cheng Hoe is a true gentleman who would not even hurt a fly. But he was a great coach and a timely change for Malaysian football. He was exemplary as a player and a coach.

Had it been the late firebrand coach Chow Kwai Lam, he would have probably spilled the beans as it was and would have taken no nonsense from anyone.

B. Sathinanthan has come to say that he made all decisions as a national coach in 2007 despite trying to be influenced not to recruit a certain player.

It only goes to show that in Malaysian football, those who do not have any knowledge in football, still can make calls because of their position or political connection.

I have covered 24 national coaches since my reporting days in 1977 and often, when a coach is dismissed, resigns or contracts not renewed, it is always the coach who failed.

None of the FAM Council members, team managers or the hands behind the scenes, will come forward to admit their mistakes or failures.

The State affiliates who make up the FAM are equally guilty when a national team fails because it is because of their failure at the State who do not have quality local leagues or any league at all, to unearth new talent, do enough grassroot development and work with the schools, that see dearth of talent coming through.

And the obsession of hiring foreign players instead of looking for local talent and grooming them, has further dragged Malaysian football through the mud!

There has been a coach whose contract was not extended because with one match to qualify with just a draw for the second round pre-World Cup, the authorities decided to appoint a local coach, recall ex-internationals and players off position. And we lost the match!

Then, there was a coach whose contract was not renewed despite winning a regional tournament because he was too close to the players!

Another coach decided to leave because he sensed a final match which Malaysia won in a regional tournament was ‘fixed’ by the referee.

Another reputable coach was relived of his duties but went to several other countries and did well.

Then, we had coaches who earned their coaching badges in Malaysia who become national coaches only to produce mediocre results in mediocre tournaments.

Of course, there were coaches who were fired because they were inept in their job, but NOT those who hired the coach.

Many of the coaches have confided in me the real reasons for their departure but were not willing to come out in the open for fear of their remaining wages being delayed, might have problems finding jobs elsewhere or have struck a deal to leave without revealing the real reasons for their departure.

While foreign coaches normally speak after they have left the country or secured a job elsewhere, local national coaches normally remain silent and take the brunt and keep silent, as they still need to find a job with the states or clubs.

We have had several local coaches who have done well, but in the end, they leave with frustrations of not being able to work independently with their working staff or players ‘fixing’ them.

It is never easy being a coach and being a professional they are the ones who should take the blame for failures – provided they are given a free hand to manage their team.

But when ‘hidden hands’ and other interferences are involved, everyone should take the responsibility and not look for scape goats, while the actual culprits are still around to do continue to do damage.

Good luck Malaysia. Until and when we can have fair play at all levels and from everyone, we will continue to walk down the dark lane.

ANOTHER NEW YEAR BUT SAME OLD SONG FOR MALAYSIAN SPORTS

ANOTHER NEW YEAR WITH A BROKEN RECORD

By Tony Mariadass

FOR as long as Malaysian sports try to achieve success through short term programmes, incompetent sports officials making key decisions with personal agendas as their priority, constant changes to programmes, coaches not having their say, external interferences, foreign coaches being bounced back and forth because of indecisiveness and a whole lot of decisions which are questionable, we will be facing disappointments over and over.

The problem in Malaysian sports is at the top. We need to make drastic changes where it needs to be done to put things right and wait for success.

Nothing happens over night and no magic wand can give you instant results.

Even long-term programmes planned by some associations are soon forgotten and want overnight results.

There is no short cut to success. Only hardwork, proper planning with the right qualified personnel helming programmes, with no interference, one or two Olympic cycles planning, patience, determination, proper and fair selection with the best players being given the opportunity – which means combing the length and breath of the country with more than 30 million population to look for new, the best and young talent to be given the opportunity - will there be a flicker of hope to see Malaysian sports make a turn around for the better.

It is pointless coming out with beautiful roadmaps, all looking great on paper and impressive launches, but not implemented with same vigour and commitment and more often these plans collecting dust on the shelves in some corner.

Talent scouting by ex-internationals for all sports should be immediately implemented to search for talent at every nook and corner of Malaysia.

Foreign players to be naturalised is NOT the answer.

Yes. sports these days is borderless. Maybe at worst we can resort to mixed parentage players, but it should be done with proper scrutiny and done by technical officials and not team managers and agents, who more often are more interested in the money they can earn with these dealings.

And national sports bodies alone cannot be held responsible for the ills of Malaysian sports.

The national bodies can come up with elaborate programmes, but the implementation of these programmes largely is the responsibility of the affiliates – besides states, districts, schools and even at the grassroot with the academies playing a huge role. It is collective effort.

It is pointless collecting data or making selections, but only to collect dust and not utilised.

Analysis and recommendations must be done by qualified technical officials and not team managers who hold a string of posts in their national body, which clearly makes their report a conflict of interest.

In fact, in many cases team managers have been the cause for the failure of teams but in their reports which is supposed to be transparent, switch the blame to everything and everybody else, but themselves.

There have been cases where team managers who are hardly qualified in the game make decision and get involved in line-ups and sometimes even naming players into the squad, both local, naturalised and mix-parentage.

Some heads of associations who have been dragged through mud for their incompetency in managing their state or national associations, still hold on to their post and even stand for elections in political parties.

Sports associations for many has become a platform to promote themselves and achieve their personal agenda rather than look into the promotion of the sports and taking it to the next level.

Failure after failure, controversy after controversy and incompetency, never sees them shun the limelight to continue to hold on to their sports portfolios.

Some even are heads of several sports bodies and more often is seen as a conflict of interest. But do they care?

And who are we to blame for this sad scenario in their Malaysian sports? None other than the affiliates who vote them in because of favours, positions and money promised.

How can Malaysian sports have any proper continuity, vision, or direction, when we have three Sports Ministers in one term!

Each one comes with their own agenda and the ones to suffer are the sports associations and athletes.

Some have even quit or prefer to be independent sportsmen or women because of all these uncertainties at the highest level.

Sports Associations themselves must start to stand on their own feet and manage their association like a company.

They cannot depend on the Ministry of Sports or National Sports Council (NSC) to be funding all their programmes and training of their athletes.

As National Sports Association (NSAs) they are responsible for their sports.

Any aid from NSC’s is welcome but that should not be their sole source of funding for their programmes and activities.

It is pointless in complaining that NSC is holding court when it comes to the training of their respective sports’ athletes, when the NSA’s themselves surrender to them.

Malaysian sports need a drastic overhaul immediately for it to have any hope in the future.

But are the National bodies, NSAs and the affiliates ready to make the bold move and change?

If not, stop mourning, groaning, and complaining and just accept that Malaysian sports is doomed.

A Very Happy New Year and sports bodies if you are making a resolution, make the right one that makes a difference. Otherwise, just sit back and continue to enjoy the ills of Malaysian sports.

Continue to look for excuses for the poor performances and blame it on Covid-19, the weather, lack of funding etc., as other nations with lesser means continue to soar and embarrass us.

The choice is yours. Either we move forward to year 22 or go back to 20!

 

HUAREN RC BAGS DATUK HAMIDIN MOHD AMIN CHALLENGE TROPHY

HUAREN RC BAGS DATUK HAMIDIN CHALLENGE TROPHY

Co-organising chairman B. Rajkumar presenting a momento to Datuk Siva Sundram, Deputy President of the FA of Malaysia

OPENING CEREMONY

Huaren Recreation Club emerged champions of the inaugural Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin Challenge Trophy XMail FC Veteran 9s Football Tournament when they beat International Football Club (IFC) 1-0 in the final last Saturday at the Mini Stadium in Kuala Kubu Bahru.

Datuk Siva Sundram, Deputy President of the FA of Malaysia (FAM), who represented FAM President Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin, presenting the Challenge Trophy and Cup to Huaren RC president Datuk Jimmy Hoo

KL Wednesday FC took the third spot and RM300.00 after beating host KL XMail FC 1-0, while Melwood FC emerged Losers’ Pool winners after beating Rawang Indian FC 1-0 and took home RM200.00

Huaren RC who had the services of former Perak players Chee Wan Hoe, Lim Seng Kong, Ching Hong Yik and goalkeeper Mohd Nazreen Chong, won RM1,200.00 in prize money besides the winning Cups.

They also bagged the Top Scorer’s award (Chee Wan Hoe – 3 goals including a goal in the final) and Man-of-the-match award (goalkeeper Mohd Nazreen).

IFC besides the runners-up Cup took home RM600.00

The best goalkeeper’s award was also won by IFC’s Gurvinder Singh.

On hand to give away the prizes was Datuk Siva Sundram, Deputy President of the FA of Malaysia (FAM), who represented FAM President Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin.

Also in attendance were Datuk Sivarajah Chandran (former MIC Vice President) and Balasundaram Kumarasamy (MIC Chairman Hulu Selangor Branch).

A total of six teams competed in this inaugural tournament adhering to all SOPs with the Covid-19 requirements which included double dose vaccination and the second vaccination 14 days before the competition, registering with MySejetera at the Stadium, adhering to social distancing, and wearing the mask when not playing.

 

ROLLOF HONOUR

 

Champion: Huaren RC

Runners-up: International Football Club (IFC)

3rd: KL Wednesday FC

4th: KL XMail FC

LOSER POOL CHAMPION: Melwood FC

LOSER POOL RUNNER-UP: Rawang Indians FC

INDIVIDUAL PRIZES:

TOP SCORER OF TOURNAMENT: Chee Wan Hoe (HUAREN FC) 

BEST GOALKEEPER: Gurinder Singh (IFC) 

MAN-OF-THE-MATCH (FINAL): Mohd Nazreen Chong Abdullah – Goalkeeper. HUAREN FC)