Penang legend Shukor pines for golden years

Keep it rolling: Penang players in jubilant mood after winning the Premier League title last season and Shukor (inset) hopes they will find more success in the Super League.

GEORGETOWN: Malaysian football legend Datuk Shukor Salleh wants Penang to regain their glory days.

The midfielder known as ‘Mr Cool’ and the ‘Ardiles of Malaysia’ hopes that they will start by finishing strong this season and eventually win the Super League title.

Shukor was a household name during the heydays of Malaysian football and a key player for the national team during the 70s.

Born in Tanjung Bungah, he started playing for Penang at the age of 18 in 1966 and faithfully served the state until he was 37.

Now at 74, Shukor hopes the Panthers will roar again and strike fear in their opponents.

“It is my hope for Penang to be champions of the Super League, ” said Shukor.

“When I led the team as manager, coach and captain in 1981, the Panthers were a fearsome squad.

“I’m confident that with the efforts of all parties, Penang will shine again.”

Penang and Malaysian football fans can draw inspiration from Shukor’s journey as a footballer.

He has decided to launch his autobiography entitled “Lagenda”, which would focus on him and other sportsmen who became his friends.

“Lagenda brings together stories of my life and other fellow athletes. Hopefully, the book will be ready by Hari Raya Aidilfitri, ” he said.

“It is a souvenir from me to sports and football fans in the country, ” he said when met at his condominium in Tanjung Tokong on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the committee members of the ex-Penang players association paid Shukor a visit after he fell at his home last week.

“I picked up an injury which made it difficult for me to move around without assistance.

“I am still slowly recovering.”

The team’s former president Radzuan Putah, 56, said he and his committee members decided to visit Shukor and gave him some cash contributions.

“Shukor is one of the established football legends in Penang.

“He has contributed a lot to the state and country.

“We will also be visiting another Penang football star, Datuk M. Kuppan, 83, who stays on the mainland, ” he added.