National football legend Dzulkifli Ali dies
GEORGE TOWN: Former Penang and Malaysia footballer Dzulkifli Ali, a prominent defender during the 1980s, has died.
Former Malaysian football star Dzulkifli Ali passed away today at the age of 65 after battling illness. The Penang Former Footballers Association expressed their deepest sympathies to Dzulkifli's family during this difficult time. A statement from the association noted that his passing is a significant loss to all those who knew him, both personally and through his contributions to the sport.
Dzulkifli, nicknamed Zulkifli Ali, was a formidable defender during the 1980s who played for both Penang and the Malaysian national team, Harimau Malaya. He was a part of the squad that faced top international players, including George Best and Kevin Keegan, in 1984. Known for his toughness and versatility at right-back or centre-back, Dzulkifli was a key figure in the golden age of Malaysian football.
After retiring, Dzulkifli remained active within the football community, participating in friendly matches and national veterans tournaments alongside his former teammates. The association prayed for Allah's mercy on Dzulkifli's soul, forgiving his perceived shortcomings and accepting his good deeds. They also called upon the football fraternity to remember his contributions to both Penang and Malaysian football.
Dzulkifli will be laid to rest at the Bagan Jermal Muslim Cemetery following the Asar prayers today.
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