The mystery surrounding Malaysian football legend Datuk Abdah Alif’s relationship status has finally been cleared up, with his younger brother Datuk Yunus Alif confirming that the former national player has recently tied the knot.
Yunus, himself a former national player and coach, said Abdah, 72, married his partner on August 27 in Kuala Terengganu, with both families giving their blessing to the union.
“Alhamdulillah, they just got married on August 27. Both families agreed, so there is no problem. We pray that they will both be happy.
“Perhaps they are on their honeymoon now. That is why he did not answer the calls. It is true that they are married, and we wish them both the best,” he said when contacted today.
The confirmation comes after photographs of Abdah with his partner, who is understood to be 20 years old, circulated on social media and attracted attention from local football fans.
Yunus also expressed his hope that his brother’s marriage to his chosen partner would last and bring them happiness for the rest of their lives.
“May they be happy and remain together until they reach Jannah,” he said.
Previously, Berita Harian had attempted to contact Abdah to confirm the wedding photographs, but the former Harimau Malaya star could not be reached.
Abdah remains a prominent figure in Malaysian football history, having played a key role in the national team during the golden era of the late 1970s and early 1980s.
He was among the players who helped Malaysia qualify on merit for the 1980 Moscow Olympics, after the national side defeated South Korea 2-1 in the decisive match.
Abdah belonged to a highly respected generation of Malaysian footballers and played alongside legends including Datuk Soh Chin Aun, Datuk Santokh Singh and Datuk Jamal Nasir Ismail.
However, Abdah and his teammates never got the opportunity to compete at the Olympics after Malaysia decided to boycott the 1980 Moscow Games in protest against the Soviet Union’s invasion of Afghanistan.
After spending decades away from competitive football, Abdah has once again found himself in the spotlight following confirmation of his latest marriage by his younger brother.
With both families giving their blessing, Yunus expressed hope that the Harimau Malaya legend’s marriage would be filled with happiness and last until Jannah.
