KUALA LUMPUR: A charity match for the family of the late football legend, Khalid Ali, was held at the PKNS Sports Complex in Petaling Jaya yesterday.
Khalid died of cancer at the age of 66 last month.
Among the personalities who turned up for the event were Asian Football Confederation general secretary Datuk Seri Windsor John, FAM deputy president Datuk S. Sivasundaram, senator Datuk Hisamudin Yahaya, Selangor FC chief executive officer Dr. Johan Kamal Hamidon, FA of Selangor assistant secretary general Rosman Ibrahim, Datuk K. Rajagobal, Datuk Dell Akbar Khan.
Khalid's brothers, Datuk Zainal Abidin Hassan and Hanafiah, were also present.
Zainal said he was touched by the presence of the attendees who took turns to play during the 90-minute match between invitational teams from Khalid's former clubs, Kelab Sultan Sulaiman and PKNS which resulted in a 4-4 draw.
Among those who played were Datuk Dollah Salleh, Tengku Azizan, Mat Zan Mat Aris, Azidan Sarudin, P. Maniam and Zaiza Zainal Abidin.
"We all know my late brother was known for bringing Malaysia to the 1980 Olympics. It's a great turnout today with friends and family.
"To hold this charity match in front of all these notable names, friends and family, it's a great way to honour him," said Zainal.
During halftime of the charity match, Khalid's son, Muhammad Afiq, received a special No. 3 jersey, in memory of his father.
A tearful Hanafiah said he could only give a short interview as he was
overwhelmed by thoughts about Khalid.
"All our friends are here and I would like to thank them immensely for making the time to come here and give moral support to Khalid's family. I'm sure his wife would have loved to be here but she couldn't (due to the mourning period)."