ALOR STAR: Former Kedah football coach Mohd Azraai Khor Abdullah, 72, who died on Feb 8, often stressed on players' welfare, said former Kedah Football Association (KFA) president Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid.
Mahdzir, who is Kedah Umno liaison committee chairman, said this message was conveyed by Azraai when the latter coached Kedah to achieve the double treble (victories in all three football competitions) in 2007 and 2008.
"He told me, 'Datuk, never forget about players' welfare. Their wellbeing is crucial.
'Welfare isn't just about salaries or bonuses, but it also covers the wellbeing of their spouses and parents.
'If you take care of players' welfare, Insyaallah, they will do their best'," he said after visiting Azrai's family in Alor Semadom here yesterday.
Mahdzir said he would always remember Azraai as a coach who played a big role in helping the KFA achieve success.
The double treble happened when Mahdzir was menteri besar.
"Azraai was dedicated to his work and had a great passion for football."
Azraai's widow, Rohani Ibrahim, 64, said people continued to visit their home even several days after her husband's death.
She expressed gratitude for the support shown to Azraai.
She said the family appreciated the distinguished guests, friends and acquaintances who had visited their home to pay their last respects.
"The number of visitors hasn't stopped. We consider it a blessing for Azraai, who was a good person."
