Former Penang football coach Moey Yok Ham dies

Moey Yok Ham

GEORGE TOWN: Former Penang football coach Moey Yok Ham passed away at Penang Hospital on Wednesday (Dec 16). He was 76.

A dedicated and responsible coach, Moey had transformed the Penang football team during his tenure as one to be reckoned with.

He was the Penang head coach from 1996-2000 and under his guidance, the team finished fifth in the Premier League I (now Super League) and went on to win the title in 1998.

The Penang team under his guidance finished as runners-up in Premier 1 in 1999 and 2000.

Among the players under his watch were Morrocan player Merzagua Abderrazak, current Penang head coach Manzoor Azwira Abdul Wahid, Hasmawi Hassan and Rahim Hassan.

Fondly known as Uncle Moey among fans and players, the seasoned coach went on to coach Home United in Singapore before retiring.

Manzoor described the passing of Moey as a great loss to the state and he should be remembered as one of the greatest coaches Penang has ever had.

"He was a great coach during his time and brought several achievements. He was also known as a coach who liked to bring young players into the senior team and mould them to become good players," he said.

Manzoor said even after retirement, Moey will always come to see the players and gave him good advice on how to guide the Penang team.

Another former player, Mahathir Mohd Jamal, 41, said Moey was the coach who was responsible for bringing him into the senior team that won the title league in 1998.

"His priority was always discipline and he liked players who are hardworking – on and off the field," he said.