Sathianathan was the former coach for Harimau Malaya and football player as well. In the Malaysia Super League, he finished his coaching career at Sarawak United. Prior to that, he was the coach of both the Malaysia national football team and the Malaysia under-23 squad. He passed away yesterday at the age of 65. It is reported that the sportsman was battling with cancer for the past one year.
Sathianatan, a former footballer and attacking midfielder, played for the Negeri Sembilan Chinese Recreation Club (NSCRC), the Negeri Sembilan FA, and the Malacca FA. He was also a major member of Malaysia’s bronze-medal winning side at the 1983 Sea Games. In 1988, he was named Negeri Sembilan’s captain at centre-back. Sathianathan began his coaching career with Negeri Sembilan FA before becoming an assistant coach for the national Olympic team from 1997 to 1999 and 2002 to 2004. Following the dissolution of MPPJ FC, he briefly served as interim head coach.
He was appointed as the head coach for the Malaysia Under – 23 side in preparation for the 2008 summer Olympic Qualifiers. After winning the 2007 Merdeka Tournament, FAM president Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah appointed him as the senior team’s head coach. Malaysia played in the 2010 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers and the 2008 AFF Suzuki Cup during his term as the national team’s head coach, where the club saw both success and failures. Sathianathan coached Kelantan FA to victory in the 2010 Malaysia Cup after his time with the national squad. He took over as coach of Armed Forces Football Club in 2011, leading them to victory in the 2012 Malaysia Premier League and promotion to the 2013 Malaysia Super League. Sathianathan continued his coaching career in 2017 with Felda United F.C., where he earned the Super League’s Best Coach award. Despite Felda’s relegation, he successfully brought them back to the Super League in 2018 by winning the Malaysian Premier League. Sathianathan quit as coach of Selangor FA in September 2020 with so much of contribution to the team.
As a whole throughout his journey, he won 1992 Sultan’s Gold Cup with Negeri Sembilan FC, Malaysia under-23 became champions of the 2007 and Runners up in 2008 Merdeka Tournament under the guidance of Sathianathan. In 2010, Sathianathan won championship in Malaysia Cup with Kelantan FA. Followed by that, ATM FA became champions of the Malaysia Premier League 2012 and Felda United FC took ever the crown in 2018 under the coaching of Sathianathan. Moreover, Sathianathan has been honoured with National Football Award for Best Coach in 2010, 2012 and 2017.
The demise of the legendary football coach and player Sathianathan is a great loss to the world of soccer. His dedication to the sports was incredible. The plyers trained by him were lucky enough to get the golden opportunity. May the soul of the legend be placed in better place! His contribution to football will always be remembered.
Source: Indias Magazine
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or Telegram for more updates and breaking news.
