One of the most famous faces of football in South-East Asia, Malaysia's evergreen coach K. Rajagobal returns with his book 'Inilah Saya'

The Star

17 hours ago

ON a hot Saturday, after my morning prayers, this writer decided to have a nice Indian breakfast in SS3, Petaling Jaya.
It was the utmost pleasant surprise when I bumped into a legendary football face of Malaysia and also the region of South-East Asia. It was Datuk K. Rajagobal himself. Indeed, it was a sight to behold.
"Hello Datuk ... It is indeed great to see you... How are you and I do hope you still remember me," said this writer.
And the spontaneous answer: "Dear Navalan ... how is it possible to forget S. Navalan from the Star. And how are you good brother," that was the response from the man himself.
For me, it is indeed a great honour to be remembered by someone I know as a football fan, student, a football player and then a sports journalist.
It has been (many) years since I had stopped writing on sports. My mind has been elsewhere in many other sections these days.
And yet to be remembered. That for me is and always will be the highest honour.
But today it's all about the man himself Rajagopal, well known as 'King Gobal' in the football fraternity.
The 69-year-old Rajagopal, a legend of Malaysian football, a true son of Selangor and this country. Having given his whole career and just about his whole to life to this wonderful game. We call it football and some call it soccer. And many call it the game life. For Rajagobal, football is just that, his life.
And at 69, he has now come to the fore writing about football and his experiences in, 'Inilah Saya'. A book that chronicles his life and also the path he took, with never once a regret, and also much about the good old days of football.
Those days when many fans in this country talk about Malaysian football first and foreign football in way behind in second place.
Unfortunately, that has changed these days (the time we are living in now, I guess).
But going through the book, it is one definite fun read when in the good old days, Malaysia, were the kings of the game in South-East Asia. None mattered to us, when we use to tame the likes of Thailand, Indonesia and our heated rival Singapore. None just mattered to us.
We also beat the likes of South Korea in the 80s and when Rajagobal was in the thick action of the game in those days for his club, state and country.
The twinkling was still in his eyes when we spoke about the good old days, when the Merdeka Staidum was full in the 80s and Shah Alam Stadium was packed to the brim of 80,000 fans for a simple and a mere Malaysia League match -- whether it was against Pahang, Perak or Singapore, it was PACKED.
"Brilliant days. I do believe we will see that again. That is my hope too," said a smiling Rajagobal.
The former Selangor, PKNS, Sarawak and Kelantan head honcho and Malaysia coach has given it all to the game. These days he simply just loves to sit back and enjoy the game and even watch his boys play now in the veteran tournaments or veteran leagues.
As for the book which was encouraged by his eldest son Kanason, Rajagobal's autobiography chronicled his life journey beginning with his childhood days at Air Panas, Setapak, where his love the for sports was planted, right up to his short stint as the chief coach of Brunei as recently as 2020.
Rajagobal's personal accounts – from growing up in the heart of the city along with the likes of Datuk Santokh Singh, Datuk Soh Chin Ann, N. Nallathamby, Avtar Singh Gill, R. Arumugam and the late R. Subramaniam to his role as the architect behind Malaysia's win in the AFF Cup in 2010 – has been candidly captured, divided into 16 chapters.
That is the power of 'King Gobal', lovingly nicknamed by fans and local media.
Despite having played for Selangor and Malaysia some four decades ago, and later gaining national fame as coach from 2009 to 2013, Rajagobal continues to be loved by Malaysian football fans, young and old.
Much has been written and said about Rajagobal, but he is best remembered as the man behind the euphoria that swept the nation when his squad won the 2009 SEA Games gold medal and the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Cup in 2010. And now in the autobiography.
The book 'Inilah Saya' was recently launched Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair at the World Trade Centre.
"This book has been in the works for about 10 years actually. I have been encouraged by my son and also by friends and other family members. It was a fun ride. Just thinking about it all. It has been quite a journey. I'm thankful to God for guiding me this far. Truly, I have been blessed with a memorable career and also a wonderful family," said Rajagobal.
In a recent interview, asked why he decided to write it, Rajagobal said: 'I want to share my journey – the challenges I faced, my struggles, my hardships. I also want the younger generation to realise that anything can be achieved if we are mentally strong. Just focus on hard work, and you won't be easily defeated. You'll fall many times, but you'll get up.'
'I also hope this book inspires, motivates, and encourages Malaysians to be patriotic. The younger generation is our future.'
'I would love to see other Malaysian legends and future players from various sports document their journeys and achievements. It allows others to learn from different experiences and become better individuals.'
Indeed, an incrdible journey by a true Selangor boy who also gave it all to this country and on the way received much adulation from football fans all over the region and as far as Asia too.
"You know all that really is something that comes along the way. What is more important is that be honest in everything. Just give your best. That will make you the man you are today. And I'm just glad a lot of good things have come my way. They were many, many tough moments. But love and your family will see it through. That is my honest aspects of my life," said Rajagobal.
As for football, Rajagobal said he is happy to see the national team is also doing well now and he hopes they continue to shine in international tournaments.
"If it is the national team, then I just want to see them win and win and win. Nothing else matters. The side now seems to be very good. We just want to see them keep on doing well in tournament," he said.
These days, Rajagobal also loves talking about his two grandchildren.
"They are my prince and princess now -- Ammika Leah and Darshan Liam -- my wonderful joy for me and my wife. I hope they play the game too of course," he smiled. "But it is entirely up to them really."
Well for the record, Rajagobal was a speed monster and one of the fastest wingers seen in the game in Malaysia.
Imagine the grandson or grand daughter picks up the game and become even better than their legendary grandfather. That is indeed 'A sight to BEHOLD ...'
(Note: Priced at RM49, 'Inilah Saya' is available at bookstores and also can be purchased online at Karangkraf Mall.)