GOPINATH Naidu could not express any words on the sudden death of his long-time friend and former national football teammate Serbegeth “Shebby” Singh.

He said Shebby’s death was a big loss for the country, adding that he was also one of the most knowledgeable individuals in Malaysia’s football industry.

“We played together for Kuala Lumpur and I still remember how he always gave me advice. He always told me to read and gain knowledge.

“He was the one who guided me throughout my career and even after retiring, he was still there to advise me on life,” he said at the Loke Yew Crematorium in Kuala Lumpur.

Shebby died from a heart attack while out cycling in Johor Baru on Wednesday.

Gopinath, who used to live under the same roof with Shebby, said he would try his best to step up and guide the country’s youngsters like how his friend did.

“Shebby was a big inspiration for the youth, especially those coming from small towns. I will try my best to guide the youngsters like he did,” he said.

Former Kuala Lumpur player Stanley Bernard said the legend’s death was a massive loss for the country as not many footballers have a trophy cabinet like Shebby’s.

“I used to be a TV pundit with Shebby.  Although we always had different opinions, we had a lot of respect for each other.”

Stanley, who is also the Kuala Lumpur football team chief executive officer, said the club would plan a tribute for Shebby in the coming days.

Also present at the wake today was Youth and Sports Minister Ahmad Faizal Azumu.

“Many not only looked up to his playing style but also the way he analysed the game as a pundit.

“My fondest memory with Shebby would be playing a friendly match with him at Manchester (England) in the early ‘90s, ” he said.

Many former athletes were present at the ceremony to pay their last respects.

Among them were former footballers Santokh Singh, Dollah Salleh and Zainal Abidin Hassan.

Meanwhile, two-time SEA Games gold medallist Semret Singh, who won medals for the hammer throw, said he was placed in the same camp with Shebby during the games.

“Although we didn’t play the same sport, Shebby was someone who knew something about every sport and that was how we became friends.

“I have not seen him since the Covid-19 pandemic and it is extremely sad to see him go.

“I hope many youngsters will take Shebby as role model as he was one of the most disciplined athletes this country has ever produced,” he said.

Shebby started his career as a defender for the Johor FA team, before moving to the Kuala Lumpur team in 1983.

He also played for the Negri Sembilan and Pahang teams, before ending his career with Perak in 1996.

He won a SEA Games gold medal in 1989.

After retiring from professional football, Shebby spent more than 20 years being a pundit for a number of media outlets, including Astro Supersport, FoxSports and ESPN.

He also worked for English Championship side Blackburn Rovers as a global adviser during the 2012/2013 season. – January 14, 2022.