Sabah quake: Footballer remembered for his prowess on the pitch
PUBLISHED ONJune 09, 2015 9:00 AMByRei Kurohi
Ameer Ryyan Mohd Adeed Sanjay, 12, was a young and passionate football fan. His Facebook profile is plastered with pictures of his favourite football stars.
Not only did he support teams like FC Barcelona and Manchester United, but he was also a member of the Tanjong Katong Primary School football club, and had attended Fandi Ahmad's F-17 Academy for young players.
The local football icon said on Facebook: "When news broke that he was one of those who lost their lives, I was devastated. I had really hoped to witness Ameer Ryyan's rise in football.
"He had all the right ingredients, a good attitude, fitness, discipline, skills and parents who loved him dearly and really supported his dreams."
His coach, former national player Steven Tan, remembered Ameer for his caring nature and sense of humour, and compared him to S-League midfielder Shahdan Sulaiman in a post on Facebook. "He was a good kid and I will miss him dearly. Being a father myself, I can only imagine how difficult it must be for them. My heart goes out to his family," he added.
Yesterday, trainees at F-17 observed a minute of silence for their friend, who died last Friday in an earthquake in Sabah.
The tribute was led by Ronan Lim, a fellow pupil at F-17 who had returned safely from the same trip.
Among the friends who remembered him for his prowess on the field was Andre Aide Iskandar, 14, whose father is also a football coach for the Young Lions Under-23 team.
The Anglo-Chinese School (Barker Road) student had met Ameer when the latter was in Primary 1.
Impressed by his skill and positive attitude, Andre scouted him for the school football team. "I will always remember how well he played for the school and F-17. He always did his best to bring glory to the team," said Andre.
"I have lost a good friend who was like a little brother to me."
In his honour, F-17 printed white football jerseys with his name and number 7 on the back.
Hundreds arrived to pay their last respects to the young footballer as he was laid to rest in a Muslim cemetery yesterday. Many wore the white jersey, on the front of which was emblazoned: "AR7 forever in our hearts".
rkurohi@sph.com.sg
This article was first published on June 09, 2015.
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