KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian football fraternity mourns the passing for one of its favourite sons – Mohd Shah Alias Norbit who passed away this morning at his home in Keramat. Shah suffered from diabetics and hypertension. He was 68 years-old.
Shah plied his trade with Selangor in the early 70s where he played alongside other legends such as Datuk Santokh Singh, Datuk Soh Chin Aun, Datuk Dell Akhbar and the late Datuk Mokhtar Dahari.
He is a 6-times Malaysia Cup winner and was the hero in two finals – 1971 and 1972 where he was on the scoresheet.
Shah burst into the football scene in the 70’s and was known for his speed, dribbling and back heel tricks that would often confuse opponents. He was also part of a formidable partnership with Mokhtar Dahari and the Bakar brothers – Ali Bakar and Isa for the national team in the Sea Games and the Pestabola Merdeka in 1975.
Shah was also one of the team members for the National team, which took famous English team Arsenal on in a two-leg friendly match at the Stadium Merdeka and at the Bandaraya Stadium, Penang in 1975. Malaysia defeated the Gunners 2-0 in Stadium Merdeka and drew 1-1 in their second meeting in Penang. Here are what some of his ex-teammates and close friends had to say about Shah.
Bakri Ibni:
Shah was the most talented and hardworking player that I have known. Some players may have the talent but are not hardworking and vice-versa but Shah had both in him – talent & hard work. Apart from his footballing skills, Shah was a joyful and kind person and he always encouraged his teammates to do better. All I can conclude here is that, we have lost a gem in Malaysian football.
Datuk Santokh Singh:
Shah was a very good midfielder and a good friend of mine. We played together for PKNS and then for Selangor. It is difficult to accept the fact that he is no more. A good footballer and great man.
Datuk Soh Chin Aun:
Shah is my close friend and it is sad to lose a friend like him. We played together for Selangor and also for the National team. Great midfielder with fast pace as he is also very skilful. His backheel tricks always confused our opponents. Our chemistry on and off the field worked so well. We had a lot in common.
Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin:
I was privileged enough to know Shah personally in my capacity as a fan and later as FAS’ executive secretary and later on as the general secretary in the 90s. Before joining FAS, I knew Shah as one of the three Norbit siblings. Shah was a long-serving, dedicated and loyal servant with Selangor who discharged his duties to the best of his ability. He served as a loyal assistant to the likes of Datuk M. Chandran, Bernd Schumm, Ken Worden, Datuk K. Rajagobal and Steve Wicks. As the head coach of the youth team, Shah won the President’s Cup twice. He was firm and very serious in training. On the pitch, he was a no nonsense guy but I got to see the other side of his character off the field. He was a happy go lucky and loved by everyone. When I was told of his illness, I paid him a visit. My deepest condolences to his family. – The Vibes, October 20, 2020.
