KUALA LUMPUR – Football, a universal language of unity, has long transcended borders, and Malaysia stands as a shining example of how the sport can be a force for good.
For decades, the Malaysian government and the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) have embraced a diplomatic role, extending a hand of solidarity to nations in need, offering them a place to train, compete, and dream.
In the 1970s and 80s, when the Philippines found itself stifled under the oppressive regime of Ferdinand Emmanuel Edralin Marcos Sr, their national football team faced the harsh reality of having no proper venue to train.
The Malaysian government and FAM – ever a friend in times of need – stepped in, opening its doors and offering its facilities to help the team prepare and compete on the international stage.
Fast forward to today, Malaysia as a nation continues to lead by example.
When the Palestinian national team faced the challenge of hosting their 2026 Asian World Cup Qualifiers match against Jordan due to the ongoing war on Palestine, Malaysia once again rose to the occasion, offering its grounds as a sanctuary.
However, many may not know that Malaysia once extended its generosity to its neighbour Brunei when its national football team were facing one of its most challenging periods in the 80s.
Brunei, lacking a proper training venue in the early 80s, turned to Malaysia which was then a leading football nation in Southeast Asia.
Malaysia provided a temporary home where the Bruneian team trained and played friendly matches in preparation for the 1983 Singapore SEA Games in May, while awaiting the completion of their own Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium which was finished in September 1983.
Speaking to Scoop, former Brunei national goalkeeper Ali Ismail, who played during this period, shared how training in Malaysia significantly enhanced his team’s preparation for major tournaments.
Ali also reminisced about the strong friendships he forged with some of the legends of Harimau Malaya back then.
“I will never forget this beautiful country, as it is the place that shaped me into who I am. Playing and training at the Merdeka Stadium made me a better player.
“I also had the privilege of building a career in this country, where I played in Liga Malaysia and competed against some of the finest players at the time,” said Ali during the closing ceremony of the 18th International Soccer 9s tournament at the Ulu Kelang Recreational Club (UKRC) last week.
For competitive purposes, Brunei’s professional football club, Brunei Duli Pengiran Muda Mahkota Football Club, competed in Liga Malaysia – which was later renamed to Malaysia Super League from the year 1982 to 2008.
“But more than the competitiveness and becoming a better player, what I cherish most are the friendships I’ve built with the footballers in this country. They never treated me as a foreigner, they always welcomed me as part of the family.
“Some of the good friends I made here include Datuk Dell Akbar Khan, V. Kalimuthu, and Datuk Santokh Singh. I still keep in touch with them today via WhatsApp.
“Whenever I come to Malaysia, I always make sure to visit them. I’m forever grateful to this country for all the beautiful memories it has given me as a footballer,” Ali added.
Even at 69 years old, Ali’s competitive spirit is still alive. The veteran goalkeeper recently helped his side Youngster FC Brunei clinch the plate category championship at the 18th International Soccer 9s tournament, held at UKRC on September 8.
“Instead of resting at home and watching television, I’d rather be on the field playing football with my friends. It’s what I love most.
“This is the third tournament we’ve played abroad as a team, and it won’t be the last. We’ll be back next year to win more titles,” Ali vowed.
The 18th International Soccer 9s tournament, held on September 7 and 8, featured 10 teams, including Koalas International from Australia, Youngster FC Brunei, Kixx Veteran from Sabah, Penampang Old Boys from Sabah, Penang Sports Club, Malacca Club Veterans, Malaysian Grasshoppers, STG Veterans, Bright & Bright Master FC, and home team UKRC. – September 14, 2024