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AFTER more than four decades away from playing football professionally, Harimau Malaya legend Datuk Abdah Alif, 72, has begun a new chapter in his life after tying the knot on Aug 27.
The news was confirmed by his younger brother, Datuk Yunus Alif.
The marriage drew the attention of local football fans after several photos of Abdah with his partner, believed to be 20, went viral on social media.
Yunus, who is also a former national player and coach, said Abdah's marriage to his chosen partner had the blessing of both families.
"Alhamdulillah, they got married on Aug 27. Both families have agreed to and blessed this marriage. We pray that the two of them will be happy," he said.
He said Abdah was believed to be currently spending time with his wife following the wedding, which was why he could not be reached by phone.
"They might be on their honeymoon now, that's why he's not answering calls. What's certain is that they are indeed married and we wish them both the very best," he said.
Yunus also offered a prayer that the bond his elder brother had built would endure and be blessed with happiness for the rest of their lives.
"May they continue to be happy and stay together until Jannah," he said.
Abdah is among the big names in the country's football history, particularly during the golden era of Harimau Malaya in 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 squad beat South Korea 2-1 in the decisive match.
Abdah was part of a highly respected golden generation at the time, playing alongside legends such as Datuk Soh Chin Aun, Datuk Santokh Singh and Datuk Jamal Nasir Ismail.
However, his dream of competing on the Olympic stage did not materialise after Malaysia decided to boycott the 1980 Moscow Olympics in protest against the Soviet Union's invasion of Afghanistan.
Now, after a long time away from the football scene, Abdah is once again in the spotlight, this time over happy news about his personal life.
