Late Football Coach Azraai Khor Named As Recipient Of Kedah's Maulidur Rasul Special Award

ALOR SETAR, Sept 16 (Bernama) -- Former Kedah football coach, the late Mohd Azraai Khor Abdullah was named as the recipient of the Maulidur Rasul Special Award in conjunction with the Kedah state level Maulidur Rasul celebration at Wisma Darul Aman here today.

The Special Award was presented by the Raja Muda of Kedah, Tengku Sarafudin Badlishah Sultan Sallehuddin on behalf of Kedah Sultan Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah, to the widow of the late Azraai, Rohani Ibrahim, 64,

Rohani received a certificate of appreciation, accompanying gift and a mock cheque for RM7,000 in appreciation of the services of the late Mohd Azraai in the national football arena, notably in Kedah.

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According to Rohani, she and the children still feel the loss even though it has been seven months since her husband died of a stroke.

“We are sad because he did not live to see this award as a token of recognition of his meritorious services to state football. He was well liked by everyone because he was a good person, he left on a good note and everyone respected him.

“They call his passing a great loss to football, especially in Kedah. He still wanted to devote himself to Kedah, but God loves him more,” she said.

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The mother of three children said in his lifetime, Azraai never stopped short of giving and generously gave treats to acquaintances, supporters including journalists who wanted to know the progress of the football team.

Rohani said till now, people have not forgotten Azraai’s dedication so much so that they visit his residence and now the grave still draws homage from well-wishers.

"I am grateful to everyone for paying tribute to my late husband and I thank you all very much for still reminding me of his contributions even though he is gone,” she said.

Mohd Azraai, 72, whose original name is Khor Sek Leng was not only a legendary Kedah coach but also a former Kedah footballer from the 1970s who won fame in midfield and once wore the national squad jersey from 1975 to 1978.

Azraai was also a respected coach in the Malaysian football scene for helping Kedah create history as the first team to win the ‘double treble’ in 2007 and 2008.

Apart from Kedah, he helped Negeri Sembilan win the Malaysia Cup in 2011 and also coached several other teams including Harimau Muda A, T-Team and Kelantan.

In 2007, Mohd Azraai was crowned as Malaysian Favourite coach (100-plus FAM National Football Awards) and Malaysian Best Coach in 2008.

On Feb 8, the football arena in the country, especially Kedah Darul Aman (KDA) FC supporters, were shocked by the news of the passing of the legendary Hijau Kuning coach due to stroke.

Meanwhile, at the same ceremony, the Imam of An-Nur Pokok Sena Mosque, Ismail Jaafar, 84, was announced as the recipient of the Kedah state-level Imam Maulidur Rasul award.

Ismail, who is also a former teacher, brought home a certificate of appreciation, accompanying gifts and RM7,000.

-- BERNAMA