KUALA LUMPUR − Every time Merdeka Day celebrations draw near, legendary footballer K. Sanbagamaran, 49, would often find himself reminiscing about the Merdeka Cup tournament.
“My batch was one of the last ones to play in the Merdeka Tournament in 1997, and I am proud to say that it was a good experience for our team. Those days, it was a prime tournament − not just in the country − but in Southeast Asia as well,” he recalls.
“Our team had played against Singapore and Finland… and won. Unfortunately, we lost to China. That was an unforgettable experience,” he said.
The Merdeka Tournament was one of the most exciting tournaments in Asia and the brainchild of former Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman, to commemorate Merdeka in 1957. Since its inception 64 years ago, 32 teams from Asia, Europe, Africa, and South America have graced the tournament.
Sharing the sentiments of former national goalkeeper, Wong Kam Fook, and footballer, Shahruddin Abdullah, on bringing back the tournament, Sanba − as he is fondly known − said the tournament provided an opportunity for local players to showcase their skills and strengths to the world.
“We also see players of all races, playing in the national team, with only the thought of giving their best for the country,” he added.
Sanba reflected on the lack of opportunities for locals to shine in today’s football arena as more foreign players have come to dominate the scene.
“Previously, during my time, there were only three foreign players allowed to play in the teams so there were more opportunities for local players to showcase their talent. We also had more playing time, which really helped us improve. But now, preference is given to foreign players, for obvious reasons, such as advantages in terms of height, physical and tactical strength, skills and experience,” he said.
As a result of this, Sanba feels local players are at the losing end. “I feel they should scrap the five and go back to the three (players).”
Recalling his days working with foreign players, such as Abbas Saad, Josh Berg Zoraini and Fandi Ahmad, he said that the local players learned the tempo of foreign players, who helped support and build their careers as professional footballers.
“They also advised us on mistakes to avoid when on the field. They really helped the rest of the players in the team to improve, and we learned a lot from them, which was important, when we played against international teams,” he said.
However, Sanba could not hide his irritation with the current batch of foreign players. Without naming anyone, he expressed disappointment that they were not up to the mark when compared to players in his day.
“During my time, the local players represented the country, where they gave their passion and commitment, but now the national team allow neuralised players to represent the national team. This is stopping our locals from playing. These foreign players come and play and then return to their own countries. They are here only for a short period, just for the tournament; they have no heart or spirit for the team,” he said.
However, he was quick to add that there were some good foreign players, such as Brandon Lee and Matthew Davis, who knew how to mingle with the locals.
He said there is always room for improvement and hoped to see a better ranking in FIFA for the national team.
“When I was playing, we had Chinese, Malays, Sarawakians and Sabahans, who played as a team. Very multiracial and we had no problems. Today, we see a lack of Indian representatives in the national team. So, it is important that we go back to that original quote of limiting foreign players to only three, and get more local players,” he said.
He said another reason why local players failed to shine is because they don’t get to play.
“Our players are sitting on the bench most of the time as preference is given to foreign players for the advantages that they bring. But in the long run, locals suffer because if they do not play, they cannot improve,” he added.
Asked if he would venture into coaching, like former players such as Dollah Salleh and Zainal Abidin Hassan, Sanba said he is happy where he is now.
“I have given my best years for the state and national football. Now, I want to concentrate on my business and family,” said Sanba, who has two children aged eight and 10.
As an exco member in the Selangor Football Association, Sanba still plays with other veterans.
“We have our own games, sometimes we travel to local or foreign countries on invitational tournaments,” he said.
“I started my career at the Merdeka Stadium for Selangor state, and for the national team. It was an honour to play and represent the national team in the Merdeka Tournament,” he said.
What would his wish for Merdeka to be this year?
“I just want the Covid-19 pandemic to die down and for life to go back to the normal that we knew because we cannot play, watch or support the football clubs. I think all the football enthusiasts in the country would want the same.”
Sanba, who was the youngest player to join the national team during his time, had played for Sabah FA and Selangor PKNS FA. Scoring a hattrick during the Tiger Cup in 1996 earned him the name ‘Super Sanba’. − The Vibes, August 31, 2021
