The Day I Truly Fell In Love With Football | #KaranganBolaSepak

The Day I Truly Fell In Love With Football | #KaranganBolaSepak By Saiful

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It was in 1989. Phone rang at my house. Mom picked up and after few seconds she came to me , “siap nanti Angah (my uncle) mai ambik nak ajak pi tengok bola kat Kangaq”. I was blurred and said “Ok”. I was 8 years old at that time. And that was the first time I ever experienced watching live football match Liga Semi-Pro Divisyen 2 where Perlis (home team) vs. Perak (visitor) at the Stadium Dato’ Sheikh Ahmad, Kangar Perlis. Game started at 4:45 pm and upon arrival Angah bought us kuaci. We sat in the grand stand which costs RM10. I can say the stadium can fully accommodate around 5,000 people at one time. Even though I love playing football, my knowledge about football, teams, players and etc is zero. Angah is my source of information.

Just a minute before kick-off, rain started to fall. Crowds started to fill every inch of available seat in the stadium. The atmosphere was amaze. Something really new to me. The crowd got goosebumps when they heard the announcement of players name as they started to enter the pitch. Perlis with the sacred yellow home kit and Perak with their white jersey. I was stunned to observed each of players coming into the field. Promptly Angah mentioned the player with number 10 jersey is Perlis top striker Praduphan Jarunya. His physical looked very strong and firm which almost similar to Diego Maradona. Every time he touched the ball crowds went crazy. Shouting and scream his name. I quickly learned did the similar things as I saw Angah also gone crazy shouting and screaming. And not to mention numerous times did the curse words from his mouth.

Everything seems to be perfect to me that day. Unfortunately, my short memory couldn’t recall the results Perlis vs Perak that day. But what I still remember was the atmosphere. It was electrifying with great excitement. That was the day I truly fell in love with football. How I wish Perlis football team is still alive. 

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. ⁣

300-500++ 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.

Padang Bola Sepak Admin