PETALING JAYA: Former national football team physiotherapist See Kim Leong (pic), fondly known as “Uncle See”, passed away at the age of 63 yesterday.
The flamboyant Kim Leong, who has treated hundreds of footballers in his more than three decades of service, died of a heart failure at the Seremban General Hospital at 2.13am.
Former internationals Dollah Salleh, Zainal Abidin Hassan, Azman Adnan and Khairul Annuar Baharum were among the notable players whose football careers were “resurrected” after suffering long-term injuries – thanks to the healing hands of “Uncle See”.
Dollah described Kim Leong’s death as a big loss to the nation.
As for him, Dollah said he had lost a jovial friend “who took care of me during my career with the national team in the 80s”.
“We are close friends. How can I forget his deeds and the care he showed me during my playing career? He was like my personal health consultant. When the doctors gave up on me (knee injury), it was ‘Uncle See’ who guided me back to my feet. It is sad to lose a good friend,” said Dollah.
Zainal said “Uncle See” was the longest serving physiotherapist in the national team.
“He treated me for more than 10 years ... and he treated me well,” said Zainal.
National coach K. Rajagopal too has fond memories of the late Kim Leong, who was with the national team under Ken Worden in the 80s.
“I was an assistant coach and we knew each other for years,” said Rajagopal.
Selangor coach K. Devan said he was the first to bring Kim Leong to Negri in 2003.
“I wanted someone whom I could trust and who is good with his hands. I will miss him,” said Devan.
Kim Leong, who served the Armed Forces first before moving to the FA of Selangor (FAS), FAM, Perak FA, Kelantan TNB and NSFA, had been with the Negri Sembilan FA for the last eight years.
The cortege will leave his residence at No. 21, Jalan Dato Yusoff Shahbuddin 12, Taman Sentosa, Klang, today at 1pm for the funeral service at Our Lady Of Lourdes Church, Klang, and cremation at the Fairy Park in Meru.
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