Latest news with #Rajagobal
The Star
28-06-2025
- Sport
- The Star
One of the most famous faces of football in South-East Asia, Malaysia's evergreen coach K. Rajagobal returns with his book 'Inilah Saya'
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.)
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Sinar Daily
17-06-2025
- Sport
- Sinar Daily
[EXCLUSIVE] ‘Inilah Saya': Rajagobal's long-awaited autobiography captures golden era of Malaysian football
The book, published by Karangkraf, offered a heartfelt, unfiltered account of the man who brought glory back to Malaysian football. Former Harimau Malaya coach, Datuk K. Rajagobal, launched his book entitled "Inilah Saya K. Rajagobal" at the Karangkraf Group sales booth during PBAKL 2025 on May 31, 2025. - Photo by ROSLI TALIB KUALA LUMPUR - After nearly a decade in the making, former Harimau Malaya coach Datuk K. Rajagobal launched his much-anticipated autobiography "Inilah Saya K. Rajagobal." The book, published by Karangkraf, offered a heartfelt, unfiltered account of the man who brought glory back to Malaysian football. Rajagobal's name was etched in Malaysian football history as the one who ended decades-long drought by leading the national team to triumph at the 2009 Sea Games and the 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup. Now, the football icon has taken on a new challenge; documenting his journey in his own words. "After witnessing the launch, it is hard to put my feelings into words, but I am truly happy. After such a long journey writing this book, it is finally complete and published. I am especially glad that Malaysians can now buy it and read it. "Through this book, I wanted to share my experiences, my challenges, my struggles and most importantly, the lessons I have learned along the way. I hope it shows the younger generation the importance of perseverance. Life will present hurdles, but we must face them with determination and never give up easily. "My hope is that this book becomes a meaningful resource to inspire and motivate young Malaysians, helping them grow into individuals who are not only resilient but also deeply patriotic. "That is the heart of why I wrote this book, to share my journey in a way that can uplift others," he said during the book launch at the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair held at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur on Saturday. Former Harimau Malaya coach, Datuk K. Rajagobal (two, left) with Karangkraf Group co-advisor Datuk Muhammad Nasir Hamzah (left), former national goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat (two, right) and FAM deputy president Datuk S. Sivasundram (right) during the launching of the book "Inilah Saya K. Rajagobal" at the Karangkraf Group sales booth during PBAKL 2025 on May 31, 2025. - Photo by ROSLI TALIB The book, written in Malay, chronicled Rajagobal's rise from a young footballer in Setapak to becoming one of Malaysia's most successful coaches. He shared the field with legends like the late Datuk Mokhtar Dahari, Datuk R. Arumugam and Datuk Santokh Singh in the golden Selangor team of the 1980s. Rajagobal then reminisced about the moment he would never forget. "The moment which I cherish is in 1979 when I played for Selangor against Singapore in the Malaysia Cup final. That was my first Malaysia Cup final with Selangor, that is the moment which I think I cannot forget. "Selangor had legendary players, including Singapore and to win 2-0 was a special moment," he added. He said he never imagined becoming a coach, let alone leading Harimau Malaya, but a stint as assistant coach for Selangor during the Malaysia Games in Sarawak opened a new path for him. His coaching career, spanning clubs like PKNS, Selangor, Kelantan, Sarawak and Brunei, peaked when he brought home the long-elusive Sea Games gold and Malaysia's first AFF Championship. "After 20 years, we won the Sea Games. That was the beginning. Definitely, it was a proud moment. It was a moment that the nation celebrated. Then came the AFF Suzuki Cup, that was another moment which gave me happiness, emotion and made the whole nation proud. "At that time, probably nobody believed that the national team would do well. So all of a sudden, the turning point and this gave hope for the football fraternity. And that was, I can say, the proudest moment, which I cherish. "Still, at times, it brings back memories; the situation and the atmosphere," he said. Former Harimau Malaya Coach, Datuk K. Rajagobal signing his book purchased by a fan at the launch of the "Inilah Saya K. Rajagobal" book at the Karangkraf Group sales booth during PBAKL 2025 on May 31, 2025. - Photo by ROSLI TALIB When asked why he chose Karangkraf to publish his book, Rajagobal shared that it all began with a chance encounter during a Sinar Daily programme, which sparked the connection. He said attending Sinar Daily's Footy Forum programme gave him the opportunity to meet Karangkraf Group chairman who is also Grup Buku Karangkraf chief executive officer Firdaus Hussamuddin. That initial introduction was what truly set everything in motion, he added. "I was exploring which publisher to approach for my book. Then during the 2022 World Cup, I appeared as a pundit on Sinar Daily's Footy Forum. "It was there that I met someone from Sinar Daily and I mentioned my interest in writing a book. She suggested I speak to Firdaus Hussamuddin. I asked for her contact and said I will follow up. Around the same time, my son also encouraged me to go directly to Karangkraf, since I already had the connection. "So I arranged a meeting and from that very first conversation, everything felt promising. We agreed to explore the idea further. Things progressed naturally from there and I eventually chose to go with Karangkraf. "They are a well-established publisher with solid experience, particularly in Malay-language books. Looking back, I am confident it was the right call, I have no regrets," he shared. He said the book entitled "Inilah Saya K. Rajagobal" has been nearly nine years in the making due to various coaching commitments. Ultimately, he said it was more than a book. It was a heartfelt tribute to Malaysian football and a motivational roadmap for anyone striving to rise above adversity, he added. "It is not only the story about me. It is the story about others to learn and to feel, going through all the stages and to be a better person in life; for their family, for the nation and to be a strong character in any challenges we want to face," he said.
Sinar Daily
16-06-2025
- Sport
- Sinar Daily
Naturalised players a short-term fix for Harimau Malaya
KUALA LUMPUR – The debate surrounding the inclusion of naturalised and heritage players in Malaysia's national football team continues and former head coach Datuk K. Rajagobal has offered a clear and balanced perspective. He shared his insights during the launch of his autobiography, 'Inilah Saya K. Rajagobal,' at the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair (PBAKL) on Satuday. Former Harimau Malaya coach, Datuk K. Rajagobal, launched his book titled 'Inilah Saya K Rajagobal' at the Karangkraf Group sales booth during PBAKL 2025 on Saturday. Photo: Rosli Talib/Sinar 'Honestly, there's been a lot of discussion about using naturalised and heritage players in our national team setup. "In my view, they are necessary for now, but only as a short-term solution. 'What truly matters is our long-term vision. We must not lose sight of grassroots and youth development," he said in an exclusive interview with Sinar Daily after his book launch. Rajagobal, who famously led Harimau Malaya to victory in the 2009 SEA Games and the 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup, stressed the importance of balance and mentorship in integrating naturalised players. He described that while these players can serve a purpose in the current squad, the team needs to find a healthy balance moving forward. 'Just a few, not many, should be integrated alongside homegrown talents. This way, our local players can learn and grow by playing alongside experienced, high-quality naturalised players who can also act as mentors. 'It's important that any naturalised player we bring in has the quality and experience to elevate the team. "In the short term, yes, they have a role to play. But for the long term, the only path forward is a clear development plan, one that builds toward a national team with its own strong, local identity," he said. Assessing Harimau Malaya's Current Direction Rajagobal also offered a measured assessment of Harimau Malaya's current direction under new head coach Peter Cklamovski, who recently oversaw matches against Nepal and Cape Verde. 'Honestly, Harimau Malaya has only played two matches under the new head coach, Peter Cklamovski. "If I'm not mistaken, the first was against Nepal, and the second, just a few days ago, was against Cape Verde. 'There has definitely been progress, but at the end of the day, the coach is the best person to evaluate the team's performance. "He understands what needs to be done before the crucial match against Vietnam. As for me, I think it's still too early to draw any firm conclusions. We need to see the team play more matches. That said, the early signs are promising and I hope the team continues to build on this momentum and deliver even stronger performances in the games to come," he added. A Coach's Memoir and Life Lessons Rajagobal's remarks were made during the launch of his autobiography, 'Inilah Saya K. Rajagobal,' at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL), where he was celebrated as a symbol of Malaysian football's golden era. The book, published by Karangkraf, took nearly nine years to complete and offers a deeply personal look into his life and career as both a player and coach. The autobiography recounts his early years in Setapak, his playing days with Selangor during the 1980s and his journey into coaching after initially serving as an assistant at the Malaysia Games in Sarawak. It covers key moments such as the 1979 Malaysia Cup final and Malaysia's return to glory at the 2009 SEA Games and 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup. More than a football memoir, the book was written to impart life lessons. 'This isn't just about football. It's about perseverance, about facing challenges with resilience. I hope young Malaysians will read it and be inspired,' he said. The book also came about through an unexpected collaboration with Karangkraf, which began after a chance meeting at a Sinar Daily event during the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Encouraged by his son and impressed by Karangkraf's publishing expertise, Rajagobal expressed 'no regrets' about entrusting his story to them.
The Star
31-05-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Ex-chief coach Rajagobal says early to judge Cklamovski after book launch
All smiles: Datuk K. Rajagobal (left) during the launching ceremony of his book 'Inilah Saya Rajagobal' at the Kuala Lumpur International Book Festival yesterday. — Bernama KUALA LUMPUR: Former national football team head coach Datuk K. Rajagobal feels that it is still too early to evaluate current coach Peter Cklamovski's impact on Harimau Malaya. Rajagobal, however, believes that the team showed an improved performance in their 1-1 draw in the friendly against Cape Verde at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium in Cheras on Thursday. Although he was quick to point out that the Harimau Malaya squad still need to work hard to continue to improve, he also expressed confidence in Cklamovski, saying 'he (Cklamovski) knows what he is doing'. 'Every coach has his plans. We can see from his second game in charge (against Cape Verde), there is improvement, although they still have room to be better. 'Cklamovski knows which team they will be facing and the players he will field against Vietnam.' They will face Vietnam in the 2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers at the National Stadium on June 10. 'I can't give an evaluation now. Usually, it will take about 10 matches before one can assess if there has been an improvement or not,' he said during the media conference to launch his book titled 'Inilah Saya K. Rajagobal' (This is me, K. Rajagobal) at the Kuala Lumpur International Book Festival yesterday. In the friendly, world No. 131 Malaysia needed a 79th-minute Paulo Josue equaliser to hold world No. 72 Cape Verde to a 1-1 draw. The national team will take on Cape Verde a second time, in a closed-door friendly, at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Tuesday. The friendlies against Cape Verde are part of Malaysia's preparations for the crucial games against Vietnam in their second Group F match of the Asian qualifiers. Meanwhile, Rajagobal, who guided Malaysia to the gold medal in the 2009 Laos SEA Games and the 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup triumph, described his book as an effort to inspire the younger generation and serve as a medium for him to share his coaching experiences with future generations. 'The inspiration for writing this book came from my eldest son. Many legends never wrote or documented their life journeys for reference ... not just my own story, but those of other legends as well. This is my opportunity to share that struggle with the younger generation. 'I have stories about how I faced challenges and hardships that I want to share not only with sports fans but with all Malaysians. 'I felt that I had to write this to contribute something meaningful to the sports arena in the country,' said Rajagobal, who also used to coach Brunei. — Bernama
New Straits Times
31-05-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
'King Gobal' kicks off his new book
KUALA LUMPUR: Football legend Datuk K. Rajagobal officially launched his own autobiography titled "Inilah Saya K. Rajagobal" today. The memoir, which chronicles Rajagobal's chequered footballing life — its triumphs and tribulations — was launched at the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair at the World Trade Centre. The 68-year-old's epic three-decade journey through Malaysian football — both as a flamboyant winger for Selangor and successful national coach — offers inspiration to future generations of Malaysian footballers. At the launch of his much-anticipated autobiography (written in Bahasa Malaysia), Rajagobal expressed his heartfelt gratitude to those in attendance, including Kumpulan Karangkraf co-adviser Datuk Nasir Hamzah, FA of Malaysia deputy president Datuk S. Sivasundram, and former national players Datuk Reduan Abdullah, Datuk Zainal Abidin Hassan, Khairul Fahmi Che Mat, K. Gurusamy and Razman Roslan. "This book is not just about me as a coach, it's about sharing my experiences, my struggles — falling down and rising again. That's what I want to give to all Malaysians," said Rajagobal at the launch. "I don't want to just highlight my achievements. I want to tell the younger generation that anyone — regardless of whether they're in sports — can succeed if they work hard, stay disciplined, and hold on to their dreams." Affectionately called "The Blessed One" by his fans, Rajagobal hopes the book will motivate readers to persevere through life's challenges. "Our journey is not always easy. There will be hardships and setbacks, but what matters is how we respond. Every time I fell, I got back up. I want to share that spirit. I hope this book becomes a source of inspiration, a reflection of the Malaysian soul," he said. Rajagobal's coaching journey included stints with PKNS, Selangor, Kelantan, Sarawak and Brunei, but it was with the national teams — Harimau Muda, Malaysia Under-23s, and the senior side — that he cemented his legacy. He guided the national team to a historic gold medal at the 2009 Laos Sea Games before delivering Malaysia's maiden AFF Championship title a year later — a landmark moment in the country's football history. Rajagobal closed his speech with a humble acknowledgment of the collective effort behind his achievements. "Without the players, I cannot succeed. Without the officials, I cannot succeed. That's why I want to thank everyone who has supported me," he said.
