Fondly known as Coach Mano, the 69-year-old from Hutan Melintang, Perak dedicates time and energy to the sport, and has even set up a free football clinic called “Mano FC”, which he has run for the past 29 years.
Mano, a former civil servant, told Bernama he had embarked on this venture out of a desire to steer young people away from negative influences that could ruin their future.
“In around 1996, I would often play football or jog at this field. A few teens approached me and asked if I could teach them how to play football.
“I thought about the social problems at the time, such as drugs, and I immediately agreed.”
What began with just 11 youths from the Taman Pertama area soon gained momentum: Mano’s free coaching service quickly becoming a hot topic. Today, about 40 children and youths aged between nine and 17 from across Perak train under him.
“To me, this is a blessing. My experience and knowledge as an amateur player in community leagues around Perak can now be put to good use coaching young players, whether they are Malay, Indian, Chinese or Sikh,” he said.
Among the many players he has trained are some of Malaysia’s notable football names, including V Saravanan, Khalid Jamlus, and former national player Kenny Pallraj.
“Those three are my greatest success stories. To this day, whenever they have time, they drop by the field or call me just to catch up,” he added.
Mano’s football clinic is held every weekend and during school holidays from 4.30pm to 6.30pm. Training sessions focus on basic techniques such as kicking, ball control, juggling, and off-the-ball movement.
Despite having to fund the initiative out of his own pocket, Mano has never hesitated to send his players to various competitions to assess their progress.
“Even if it costs me thousands of ringgit to join a tournament, I don’t mind. What matters is seeing how well they apply what they’ve learnt in real matches,” said Mano, who also receives financial support from the players’ parents.
Asked about the role of sports in fostering unity, Mano believes that, if properly nurtured, sports can serve as a catalyst.
“For example, in football, when Malay, Indian and Chinese kids cheer and hug one another after a win, no one is thinking about race. That’s the true Malaysian spirit.
“That emerges spontaneously, and it helps build close bonds between people. That’s where we can see how a sport like football can be the best bridge to foster patriotism,” he said.
Fun and discipline
Fourteen-year-old Alif Muizzuddin said the training provided by Coach Mano has helped him improve as a footballer and has given him exposure through participation in various tournaments.
“It’s really fun training here. Coach Mano teaches us a lot about how to improve our technique, especially ball control and my role as a midfielder,” he said.
For Rashviin Abdullah, 16, football not only helps him avoid wasting time on unproductive activities but also teaches him discipline, punctuality, commitment, and the ability to follow instructions.
“For example, Coach sets 4.30pm as the time to be on the field. So, as players, we have to be punctual – it’s a form of commitment.
“I don’t mind if I don’t become a famous or top player – what matters more is becoming a disciplined and good person,” said Rashviin, who aspires to join the military.