The Penang state government will be renaming a road in Butterworth after legendary Malaysian footballer, M. Kuppan this July.
According to Free Malaysia Today, Bagan Dalam assemblyman, Sarees Muniandy filed a petition to rename the road, and was recently approved by the state infrastructure committee.
Photo via Free Malaysia Today
The renaming of the road which is now known as Jalan Jiran is to honor M. Kuppan’s contributions to the state of Penang, “This is the first time a road in Penang will be named after a football hero,” said Santees.
“This road was chosen as Kuppan used to train and coach at St. Mark’s school field, which is opposite the road when he was a player and coach.
In the 1960s, the Penang native captained the state team before going on to play for the national team as a striker.
He was most known for being one of Malaysia’s most successful football coaches and recently passed away last December at the age of 84.
He was also a member of the Malaysian national team for eight years from 1965 to 1967 and played ten seasons for Penang before retiring due to injury in 1967.
Kuppan then coached the national team from 1972 to 1978, winning the Merdeka tournament once and the Thai King’s Cup twice! He also coached the Penang football team from 1972 to 1974, leading them to their last Malaysia Cup title in 1974.
Wahh, what amazing achievements.
Very well deserved if you ask us!
By: Aishah Akashah Ahadiat
