5 West Malaysians that made an impact with Sarawak FA
April 4, 2019
Sarawak FA had decided to not employ any West Malaysian to their side this season, but that does not mean that their presence in the team previously had not helped.
In fact, Sarawak had triumphed with these West Malaysians with many Sarawakians hailing them as heroes when they played their trade with Sarawak.
To recall those glory days, here’s five players of West Malaysian origins that made an impact in Sarawak football until today.
SHAMSURIN ABDUL RAHMAN
Who can forget the Melaka born Shamsurin Abdul Rahman? Together with John Hunter, he was lethal in the box and was one of Sarawak’s most prominent strikers. With Sarawak, the former Malaysian national player scored a whopping 32 goals from his 81 appearances for Sarawak. He left Sarawak in 1999 after winning the Piala FA, Charity Shield and Liga Premier with Sarawak.
MAZLAN WAHID
Mazlan Wahid is a legendary goalkeeper in many Sarawakians’ mind. The Melaka born goalkeeper amassed 126 appearances for Sarawak FA before moving to joining Kedah in 2002. During his tenure with Sarawak, Mazlan was called up to represent Malaysia and was voted as the best goalkeeper of the league in the nation in 1994. Like Shamsurin, Mazlan also won three trophies when playing for Sarawak which are the Piala FA, Charity Shield and Liga Premier.
ONG KIM SWEE
Ong Kim Swee’s stint with Sarawak was short, but he made quite an impact with Sarawak in his 31 matches with the Crocs. The Melaka born midfielder was much fancied for his good passing and ability to control the midfield of Sarawak during his days. The former national player was controversially transferred to Sabah at the end of 1994 after playing 31 games for the Crocs.
SAFEE SALI
Not many know that Selangor born Safee Sali used to play for Sarawak as he was part of a Sarawak side which had not made much of an impact in the Malaysian football scene during his days at Stadium Negeri. His sole season with Sarawak however enabled him to gain plenty of footing in the Malaysian football scene as he became the top local goal scorer with Sarawak in 2005. Thanks to his days at Sarawak, Safee was poached by Selangor in 2006.
S CHANTURU
Chanturu was brought in Sarawak by Robert Alberts and performed admirably with six goals to show off during his tenure with the Crocs. The Kedah born player had fast runs and many fans loved seeing his agility and speed with the ball, likening him to a legendary winger named Affendi Julaihi. Chanturu left for JDT in 2015 after a year with Sarawak.
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This article is brought to us by our Sports Writers Club resident columnist – Cyril Dason.
