ALOR SETAR — Former Kedah football coach, the late Mohd Azraai Khor Abdullah was honoured with the Maulidur Rasul Special Award during the Kedah state Maulidur Rasul celebration at Wisma Darul Aman today.
The Special Award was presented by the Raja Muda of Kedah, Tengku Sarafudin Badlishah Sultan Sallehuddin on behalf of Kedah Sultan Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah, to the widow of the late Azraai, Rohani Ibrahim, 64,
Rohani received a certificate of appreciation, an accompanying gift and a mock cheque for RM7,000 in appreciation of the services of the late Azraai in the national football arena, notably in Kedah.
Rohani expressed the family’s ongoing grief over Azraai’s death, which occurred seven months ago due to a stroke.
She noted that while they are saddened he did not live to see this award, his contributions to football were widely respected.
“We are sad because he did not live to see this award as a token of recognition of his meritorious services to state football. He was well liked by everyone because he was a good person, he left on a good note and everyone respected him.
“They call his passing a great loss to football, especially in Kedah. He still wanted to devote himself to Kedah, but God loves him more,” she said.
The mother of three children said in his lifetime, Azraai never stopped short of giving and generously gave treats to acquaintances, supporters including journalists who wanted to know the progress of the football team.
Rohani said till now, people have not forgotten Azraai’s dedication so much so that they visit his residence and now the grave still draws homage from well-wishers.
Azraai, 72, whose birth name was Khor Sek Leng, was a legendary coach and former player.
He played for Kedah in the 1970s and represented the national team from 1975 to 1978.
As a coach, he led Kedah to historic successes, including the ‘double treble’ in 2007 and 2008.
He also coached Negeri Sembilan to a Malaysia Cup win in 2011 and several other teams, including Harimau Muda A, T-Team, and Kelantan.
In 2007, he was named Malaysian Favourite Coach and Malaysian Best Coach in 2008. His passing on February 8 was a significant loss to the football community, especially to Kedah Darul Aman (KDA) FC supporters. — September 16, 2024