Cucuk Hassan | #KaranganBolaSepak
Cucuk Hassan | #KaranganBolaSepak by Ahnaf Yusri
What is in your opinion, the most powerful, emotional, or moving line a commentator has said? Cucuk Hassan, the winning goal phrase.
Do you know this once famous RTM commentator? Famous with his 'Hassan, cucuk Hassan' on that night of Apr 6, 1980. Malaysian football reached the pinnacle on that fateful night, when Hassan Sani slalomed past two Korean defenders before delivering the pass for James Wong to nail home the winning goal that earned Malaysia one of three tickets from Asia to the Moscow Olympic Games.
Bring goosebumps each time I watch this. So proud to see the determination of Malaysia players during this era. Those were the days when Malaysia were on par with the giants of Asian football. Malaysia did not all beat all the odd to qualify for the Olympics, but we did it with a team that was full of spirit, commitment and passion. They played with pride and never say die attitude. Most importantly the Malaysian squad consists of all the various races in the country. Be it Malay, Chinese, Indians and others. They were a delight to watch and even commentators commented with such passion during the live coverages whenever Malaysia played. Their scream of ‘GOAL! GOAL! GOAL!” were all too familiar and soothing to the ears especially when Malaysia scored. And mind you, we were banging in the goals for fun in our heyday.
The football commentator I’m talking about is Zulkarnain Hassan with his trademark “suara garau”. He was the first RTM representative in Terengganu back in the 60s when Terengganu did not have a studio or a station yet. He squatted at the Information Office in Jalan Air Jerneh and got around on a white Lambretta scooter. In his younger days, he reminds me of an Indonesian film star. He of course does not need that. He was famous in his own right as an excellent sports commentator on TV and Radio. He was also the Honorary Secretary of The RTM Veterans Association.
I guess you may wonder why I know so much about him. This is because Zulkarnain Hassan is actually my grandfather.
Note from padangbolasepak.com: During the Restriction Movement Order 2021 Malaysia to combat Covid19 - Padangbolasepak.com encourages you from home to write essays about our beloved game of football. Can be anything. Why you fell in love with it? Your first game watching or playing? Friendships forged? Etc. Stars the limit.
500++ words.
The objective is simple. Sharing the joy of football. Challenge you to write about the joy you may want to share. As well as keep you occupied and encourage to write. Provided that you have nothing else to do. Email us your essay with a photo attached at contact@padangbolasepak.com & we’ll post on the website as well on social media.
Thank you and take care brothers and sisters.