Former double international M.Joseph from Negei Sembilan passed away in Seremban on Sunday.
He had the rare distinction of being a double international, having represented the country in both hockey and football.
My acquaintance with M. Joseph or fondly called one eyed
Jo, started in the early 1980's as I used to go to the Station Padang to
watch Negeri Sembilan in action in the Malaysia Cup.
Joseph was coaching the state side, which comprised of the likes of G. Torairaju, Tony Chia and Zainuddin Hussein to name a few.
And on the smaller pitch (hockey) Joseph used to play in the NS League for NSCA as well as the state veterans squad.
A disciplinarian, one could often catch Joseph in his trade mark
shorts and t-shirt tucked in, watching the youngsters play hockey and
football at the famous NS Padang.
One of those who Joseph
coached was former national coach B. Sathianathan, who was under the
guidance of Joseph for the Baradhan Cup.
"He was a dedicated coach and was always willing to impart his
knowledge to the younger generation. His loss is a blow to football as
he was a great mnotivater. I will surely miss him," said Sathia when
contacted by this blog.
Indeed such dedicated sports official are hard to come by and his demise is truly a sad day for sports in Negeri Sembilan.
May god bless his soul.
