TERENGGANU goalkeeper Suffian Abdul Rahman died yesterday of a heart attack — leaving the state team reeling in shock just hours before they took on Negri Sembilan in their third Malaysia Cup game.
He was 41.
Terengganu manager Ahmad Shahrizal Yahya said the former national goalkeeper died at his home in Kampung Bukit Tunggal, near Kuala Terengganu, at about 1pm yesterday.
Suffian was reported to have been hospitalised at the Sultanah Nur Zahirah Hospital early this month for heart problems and was discharged a few days later.
The seasoned footballer had made 13 appearances for Terengganu this season and also played in last year’s Malaysia Cup against Perak, which the Turtles lost on penalties.
His passing away has shocked the local football fraternity, as players and officials took to the social media to offer their condolences.
Syed Adney Syed Hussein, the former national and Negri Sembilan goalkeeper, wrote a heartfelt tribute reminiscing the time they were both called up for the 2007 Asian Cup challenge.
“My thoughts go out to his family, friends and teammates in Terengganu,” added Adney.
The FA of Malaysia (FAM), Professional Footballers Association of Malaysia (PFAM) and the Malaysia Football League (MFL) also offered their condolences.
Former Perlis player Fahrul Razi Kamaruddin, who considered Suffian as a brother, took to his Instagram page to express his sadness, as did others like Melaka’s Raimi Nor, Selangor’s Wan Zack Haikal Wan Nor and former national goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat.
Two years ago, Terengganu were also dealt a blow when their then goalkeeper Sharbinee Allawee Ramli was forced to quit and rest for a year after being diagnosed with lung problems.
But Sharbinee has since made a full recovery and plays for Kuala Lumpur now.