Shebby Singh: remembering a football pundit who lived and breathed the beautiful game

As a football pundit, Serbegeth 'Shebby' Singh was ESPN Star Sport's first Asian pundit. With his bold and insightful views on football, he gained a following in almost 30 territories across Asia. Photo: The Star/Filepic

The outpouring of emotion and the stream of tributes that greeted the passing of Shebby Singh this week tell you just how much the man meant to football fans and TV audiences across Asia and beyond.

In the cruellest twist of fate, a man who had more life and vitality than virtually anyone I have ever known, was taken from us far too soon. With his passing, his family has lost a father who took constant, glowing pride in his son and daughter, his country has lost a former international footballer and a world-renowned analyst of the beautiful game. Those of us who worked with Shebby, first at ESPN STAR Sports then during the Fox Sports era, have lost a dear friend.