Strict when it comes to business on the pitch, but friendly in interactions off it, former Singapore national team manager Omar Ibrahim was a popular figure in local football circles.
That was how former Singapore captain Fandi Ahmad described the Lions' longest-serving manager, who died on Oct 29 at the age of 81 after being diagnosed with fourth-stage pancreatic cancer.
Fandi told The Straits Times that Omar will sorely be missed, adding: "I knew him since I was nine as he was good friends with my father (the late national goalkeeper Ahmad Wartam) while managing the Singapore Malays, and I would go to his house often. He was also the manager when I got called up to the team at 15."
"He was a very disciplined man who was very focused on his job and set a high standard for everyone in the team. While he can be strict when there's a job to be done, he also likes to joke outside football and we all enjoyed his company."
Omar leaves behind Hasiah Sarbini, his wife of 57 years, daughters Julianah and Fariha, who is married to former national player Kadir Yahaya, grandson Illiya Izzudin, granddaughter Liyana Izyan and her husband Nur Hadi.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
M2M to reunite for Singapore concert
It has been 22 years since they went away, but Norwegian pop duo M2M are back and coming to Singapore.
Industry sources say the author also wrote BTS memoir
Hybe's document on K-pop industry trends
Paddington Bear's 'high jinks' are back in third movie
LONDON - Paddington is back and he has lost none of his \"charm\" and \"high jinks\", according to English actor Hugh Bonneville, who again guides the trouble-prone bear through the third film in the hit series that saw its premiere on Nov 3.
Quincy Jones left indelible imprints on jazz, pop and hip-hop
LOS ANGELES - Quincy Jones, a major influence on American music in his work with artists ranging from Count Basie to Frank Sinatra and who then reshaped pop music by collaborating with Michael Jackson, died on Nov 3 at the age of 91.
Young Chinese pianist brings wealth of emotion
There are so many young Chinese pianists plying their art these days that it is easy to reduce them to Lang Lang, Yuja Wang, Li Yundi and the rest.
White faces, open mouths
Avant-garde Japanese dance butoh finds foothold in Singapore
Seeking sleep at Hoshinoya Tokyo
TOKYO In December 2023, I check into Hoshinoya Tokyo for a sleep retreat.
Explore the bustling Ginza and Marunouchi districts in Tokyo
Ginza, located near Tokyo Station, is one of the city's busiest high-end shopping districts.
Pastoral and scenic views at JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa
JEJU - The island bursts with juicy tangerines, and is where women well into their 80s free dive for seafood against a backdrop of dormant volcanoes and tea estates.
Connecting with the city's past at The Murray Hong Kong
Although brand-new hotels pop up all the time, restored heritage buildings-turned-hotels have an allure of their own.