While most at his age might slow down and enjoy retirement, 69-year-old R.Manoharan from Hutan Melintang, Perak, affectionately known as Coach Mano is sprinting full-speed into his passion, youth football and unity.
For nearly three decades, Coach Mano has been the driving force behind Mano FC, a free football clinic he established in 1996 with the aim of steering young Malaysians away from harmful influences and building bonds across racial lines through the beautiful game.
“As I recall, it began around 1996, when I would often spend time either playing football or jogging at this field (Taman Pertama field). That’s when a few teenagers approached me and asked if I could teach them how to play football. Thinking about the social problems like drugs at the time, I immediately agreed to their request,” he shared in an interview with Bernama.
What began as a casual gathering of 11 teens has today become a thriving grassroots initiative. Mano FC now trains around 40 children and teenagers aged between 9 to 17, from all corners of Perak, Malay, Indian, Chinese, and Sikh youth coming together every weekend to train and grow.
A Field of Dreams, for All
Coach Mano, a former civil servant and amateur football in local leagues, sees his clinic as a blessing and his way of giving back. He conducts training every weekend and during school holidays from 4.30pm to 6.30pm, focusing on the core skills of the report, kicking, juggling, control, and positioning.
Some of his trainees have gone on to make a mark on the national football scene, including well-known names like V.Saravanan, Khalid Jamlus, and Kenny Pallraj. But Mano’s pride is not in producing stars, it’s in nurturing youth who play with heart and grow into disciplined individuals.
A Coach, a Mentor, a Role Model
Running Mano FC isn’t cheap. From equipment to tournament fees, the expenses often come out of Manoharan’s own pocket. Yet, he remains undeterred, supported in part by the goodwill of parents and the knowledge that his efforts are shaping lives.
“Even if it costs me thousands of ringgit to join a tournament, I don’t mind. What matters most is seeing how well they can apply what they’ve learned in real matches.”
His dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed by his students either.
Fourteen year old Alif Muizzuddin, a student of SMK ACS Ipoh, credits Mano’s training with improving his technique and giving him real match experience.
“It’s really fun training here. Even though Coach Mano isn’t fierce, he’s strict and teaches us a lot about how to improve our technique, especially ball control and my role as a midfielder”, said Alif, who dreams of one day following in the footsteps of his idol, Cristiano Ronaldo.
For Rashviin Abdullah (16), from SMK St Michael Ipoh, the clinic is more than just about football, it’s about discipline, commitment, and staying grounded.
“For example, the coach sets 4.30 pm as the time to be on the field. So as players, we have to be punctual and follow the instructions. This is one form of commitment that teaches us the meaning of discipline. I don’t mind if I don’t become a famous or top player, what matters more is becoming a disciplined and good person.”
To Coach Mano, football is more than a sport, it’s a powerful unifier.
“For example, in football, when Malay, Indian and Chinese kids cheer and hug each other after the national team wins, at that moment, no one is thinking about race. That’s the true Malaysian spirit.
In an era where division often dominates headlines, Coach Mano’s field in Taman Pertama is proof that unity still thrives in grassroots efforts. His story is not just about football, it’s about belief in community, in second chances, and in the power of one person to make a difference.
Sources: Bernama
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