A 'DISCIPLINED' MANAGER

Long-serving Lions official, part of team who won Malaysia Cup, dies aged 81

- David Lee

Strict when it comes to business on the pitch, but friendly in interactions off it, former Singapore national team manager Omar Ibrahim was a popular figure in local football circles.

That was how former Singapore captain Fandi Ahmad described the Lions' longest-serving manager, who died on Oct 29 at the age of 81 after being diagnosed with fourth-stage pancreatic cancer.

Fandi told The Straits Times that Omar will sorely be missed, adding: "I knew him since I was nine as he was good friends with my father (the late national goalkeeper Ahmad Wartam) while managing the Singapore Malays, and I would go to his house often. He was also the manager when I got called up to the team at 15."

"He was a very disciplined man who was very focused on his job and set a high standard for everyone in the team. While he can be strict when there's a job to be done, he also likes to joke outside football and we all enjoyed his company."

Omar leaves behind Hasiah Sarbini, his wife of 57 years, daughters Julianah and Fariha, who is married to former national player Kadir Yahaya, grandson Illiya Izzudin, granddaughter Liyana Izyan and her husband Nur Hadi.