KUALA LUMPUR – Close friends and family members of Serbegeth “Shebby” Singh paid their last respects to the national icon and football legend.
His body was cremated at the Loke Yew Crematorium today following an earlier wake at the Shamshan Bhoomi Hall.
Also paying their respects were former teammates Zainal Abidin Hassan and Dollah Salleh.
Also at the ceremony was Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu.
“The whole nation mourns the passing of football legend Serbegeth Singh. His demise is a great loss to all football fans, not only from the old days but the current era too as he was an insightful football pundit throughout the local and international broadcasts,” he said.
“I’m sure his family is proud of the man he had become as both a family person and a football idol.”
Meanwhile, Kuala Lumpur City FC chief executive Stanley Bernard recalled his memories with Shebby, sharing his respect for what the legend has done throughout his career.
“He was a top sports figure, one of the best. Although we have different opinions, that is part and parcel of being an analyst. No matter how tense it got on the TV show, the respect we have for each other off-screen was mutual,” he added.
“Outside of the show, we shared a good number of years as football analysts. But the unique thing about Shebby was that he always spoke about health. He’d always bring his own packed food. His love after football was cycling.
“For me, him being my senior in a lot of ways, I always learnt something new from Shebby. He was a true gentleman in every way.”
Veteran entertainer Datuk Irwan Shah Abdullah, fondly known as DJ Dave, said that he and Shebby go way back and the last time they met was before the Covid-19 pandemic.
However, Dave pleads to the public to not jump to conclusions and relate Shebby’s passing with his booster vaccination, which the 61-year-old received three days before the incident.
“Death comes when we least expect it. It may have nothing to do with his vaccination.
“People should not be discouraged to take the booster shot,” Dave said.
“When he used to play football, we were all very much into the game and we followed his passion. He was a very happy and friendly man. He rose to fame when he became a football commentator for Astro.
“He knew the game on his fingertips, which enable Shebby to comment on the international games too. This is a big loss to the industry.”
Speaking to The Vibes, two-time SEA Games gold medallist Semret Singh shared memories with Shebby when both won the gold medal at the 1989 SEA Games in the hammer throw event and football respectively.
Semret said that Shebby was a brother to him.
“I remember that we had a very good relationship with each other. He was a cordial, warm, and kind man.
“I’ve known him for more than 30 years.” – The Vibes, January 14, 2022
