Veteran footballers defy odds to keep their cleats on.
In the vibrant world of football, where agility, skill, and teamwork take centre stage, with young athletes in their prime leading the charge and chasing after victory on the green pitch; a different side of this beloved sport is quietly emerging, one that involves a more experienced and mature group of individuals – senior citizens.
Far from the traditional notion of retirement, these golden-aged football enthusiasts are proving that their contribution to the game goes beyond just nostalgia as veterans can play an active role in shaping the future of football by passing down their accumulated wisdom and skills to the next generation of players.
If one were to stroll past a local football field, one might be surprised to see not only youth but also groups of seniors engaging in the spirited game of football.
The sight of these seasoned players kicking the ball with vigour and determination challenges conventional stereotypes of what age should limit us to.
These individuals are living proof that football is not just a young person’s game; it’s a lifelong passion that can transcend generations. Grassroots coach and veteran football player Abdul Kadir bin Mohamad Som, who is in his 50s, has been playing football since childhood.
“I remember playing football within the village and in school with friends, which eventually led me to officially compete in the football leagues around the late 90s.”
As a football veteran, the sport has been tightly woven into his life as it opens up opportunities for him to engage and meet with friends.
“When we gather to play football, we feel passionate to play with people that are like-minded and share the same passion in football.”
Beyond the passion and the thrill of the game, these golden-aged footballers bring a treasure trove of experience and knowledge to the pitch.
Having weathered countless matches, strategies and evolving tactics, these seasoned players have developed an acute understanding of the nuances that make the sport tick. Their insights into teamwork, game analysis, and decision-making are invaluable assets that can’t be gleaned from textbooks or training sessions alone, with Abdul Kadir being one of the many coaches leading the next generation of young and passionate players for their position in the spotlight.
“For me, I follow a principle when it comes to the sport, which is this football ecosystem. What I mean is that there is a role that everyone plays to develop the sport, this includes the veterans as well as parents and community.” As a grassroots coach, he follows his own principle as his role is to actively become a mentor and role model for aspiring young footballers to become living, breathing examples of perseverance and dedication.
Young players can be in awe as these elders demonstrate not only their technical skills but also their unwavering passion for the sport. This interaction between generations fosters a sense of camaraderie that transcends age and helps build bridges between players from different walks of life.
“From quantity, we get the quality of the people (who are passionate about the sport of football). For me, football is part of my life and I hope that there will be more proactive initiatives made to engage with the youth at the grassroots level.”
He also added that while the actions made now may not have an immediate impact on the status quo, but rather will emerge over time. “These qualities (among young football players) must start from the grassroots, and only then can they grow and become the players who will stand at the top where they can represent the district and nation.”
While passionate players and coaches such as Abdul Kadir aim to be role models in leading the next generation, there are many who sought out football for the community, as most fans of the sport find themselves forming football clubs of their own.
These clubs provide a haven for like-minded individuals to come together, reliving the exhilaration of the game while also cultivating friendships that extend beyond the field.
The camaraderie that emerges from these interactions is a testament to the unifying power of football, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds and walks of life.
This is evident as one of the veteran players in the Manggalela Veteran Football Team Azharuddin bin Muhd Nasiruddin who is at 60 years of age, shared his take on being a veteran player of the sport as an avenue to spend time with friends.
“At our age, it (playing football) can be for silaturahim and to meet with friends. It can also be for health benefits, as well as to fill the time as this is one of the activities that we can enjoy and be happy together even at our age.”
Similarly, team Manager Suhaini bin Haji Othman shared how he wants to lead as an example of being a veteran for others to follow.
“I want to create opportunities for the veterans among us despite us being at a much older age, to shine and to maintain a healthy lifestyle. For me, football is not only a sport to compete in but also an avenue to keep fit.”
In their enduring love for the sport, veterans of the sport stand as a testament to the timeless spirit of football, where age is no barrier to the boundless joy and camaraderie it brings. – Daniel Lim
