B. SATHIANATHAN has always been a controversial man, speaking his mind whenever it matters. It had even cost him his job at times, but he is not one to falter.
Sathia was a man for whom football comes first. He was after all known as the “Malaysian Jose Mourinho” for his no-nonsense approach in press conferences.
The former national football coach, who died of cancer at the age of 64 yesterday, always stuck by his players no matter what.
Sathianathan, who also was president of the Malaysian Football Coaches Association (PJBM), led the under-23 squad (B-23) to the 2007 Merdeka tournament title and was made coach of Harimau Malaya until early 2009.
The former Negri Sembilan player also coached several local teams, including Kelantan, the Armed Forces, Felda United, Selangor and Sarawak United.
As a coach, he was meticulous and his man-management was among the best in the business.
One issue that struck me the most was his take on racism – and favouritism – in Malaysian football.
Many had whispered about it but for him to go to a press conference and utter these words, “I was told that I choose my own ‘bulu’ (skin). This term came from an ex-player. I want to ask these people, is it wrong? The way these commenters write these things is like they have not gone to school at all.”
That was three years ago. Since then, campaigns have been run to put a stop to racism. It still rears its ugly head but his ferocity in dealing with the issue has left a lasting impact.
For all his anger and temper, Sathia was also a kind soul – and certainly not a racist.
When I first met him, I was fearful and even stuttered when I asked my first question.
But after the presser, he came to me and said: “Avinesh, I am just a man who loves football. I’ve nothing to lose with what I say and you have nothing to lose by asking tough questions.”
Since then, I have had nothing but respect for the man who has been in the game for more than 40 years.
After the press conference, he spoke of his young days in Negri Sembilan, where he lived in a Malay village.
“It was beautiful, the best days of my life.
“We were one and I didn’t hear them insult my colour or religion. I played football with them, ate with them, I did a lot of things.
“I even wanted to marry a Malay girl and convert,” he said.
Last year, when it was announced that he would be out of the game for a while to treat an illness, believed to be prostate cancer, I texted him to ask if everything was okay.
His reply was typical Sathianathan: “Do not worry, I will be back.”
Come back he did, as a pundit on Astro. But behind the great quotes on TV, coach Sathia was battling an errant club and a relapse of his condition.
His last stint with Sarawak United proved to be unceremonious as they owed him wages and also other payments. He even had to fork out his own money to pay some of the players during his time as a technical director with the club.
Last month, The Star reported on his predicament, together with imports Taylor Regan and Sandro Mendonca, all of whom were not paid for months.
Only last week, I asked him about the situation. He replied: “Still waiting.”
I was not to know that he had a relapse and was in hospital, as he was still his gung-ho self and was always available for a call. That was the fighter Sathianathan.
His death is a huge loss to Malaysian football. And to Sarawak United, I hope his dues will be settled. That’s the least you can do.
