SHAH ALAM, Feb 16 — Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj has urged today’s generation of players to emulate the spirit and determination of past footballers who remained unwaveringly loyal to their team.
His Royal Highness said the contributions and dedication of former Selangor players should serve as an example for current players.
“When the Selangor team was led by Dato’ Seri Harun Idris in the 1960s, I still remember and personally witnessed how the players displayed extraordinary loyalty to the team.
“They played with all their heart, not for personal glory but for the badge on their chest, the red and yellow colours, and the honour of the state.
“I also remember the famous slogan of the late Dato' Mokhtar Dahari: 'I live and die for Selangor’. It is this spirit that I hope will continue to live on and guide today’s generation of players.
“What we can learn from past players is their unwavering loyalty to the team,” he said at the launch of the book Gemilang: Sejarah Perjalanan Bola Sepak Selangor at the Merdeka Stadium in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
Recalling the period from the 1960s to the 1980s, the Sultan said Selangor did not have foreign imports at the time, yet still managed to dominate the league, win major trophies, and achieve success at the international level.
He said focus then was placed on efforts to unearth local talent from every district in Selangor, nurturing sons of the state with discipline, determination, and a deep love for the team.
“This approach produced players with great character and fostered a strong emotional bond between the team and its supporters.
“I greatly admire the spirit and perseverance of the players and supporters at the time, who succeeded in elevating Selangor’s name as a team that was feared and respected."
His Royal Highness also recorded his appreciation to the Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS) for its support of the team.
“The history of Selangor’s glory would not be complete without mentioning great names such as the late Mokhtar Dahari, together with Datuk Santokh Singh, Datuk Soh Chin Ann, Dato’ R. Arumugam, and Tan Sri Abdul Ghani Minhat.
“Also among them were the late Dato’ M. Chandran, Dato’ Zainal Abidin Hassan, Azman AdrIan and many others who not only created victories, but built a legacy forever etched in the memory of the people of Selangor.”
Selangor football legacy celebrated in book
The book Gemilang: Sejarah Perjalanan Bola Sepak Selangor launched yesterday revisits the nostalgic glory of the Selangor team, including the traditional Selangor–Singapore rivalry, which is described as a special era in local football history.
Sultan Sharafuddin said that at the time, football served as a unifying language for the people, with stadiums filled by supporters from across the country regardless of age or background.
His Royal Highness said the sport is one of the best instruments for uniting Malaysia’s multiracial society.
“Although the rivalry was intense, the values of respect, decorum, and sportsmanship were always upheld. This is the spirit of football that we should remember and inherit.
“This book is not merely a historical recollection, but records the struggles, sacrifices, and pride of the Selangor football team."
His Royal Highness also expressed appreciation to the Football Association of Selangor (FAS) and all parties involved in publishing the book.
The Sultan said the publication, which had been planned for the past 10 years, required careful research as it involved many former coaches, players, and individuals who had contributed to Selangor football.
“This book compiles the long journey of the Selangor football team from its establishment to the present day. It records the team’s achievements, ups and downs, as well as data and statistics of Selangor’s successes from the Malaya Cup era to the Semi-Pro League, Premier League, and FA Cup.
“It also highlights Selangor’s remarkable achievements in winning the league six times and securing 33 Malaysia Cup titles, which have cemented Selangor as one of the most successful teams in the history of Malaysian football."
