SIVASUNDARAM READY FOR KICK OFF
Newly minted FAM deputy president is raring to start tackling his new job
DATUK S. Sivasundaram is excited and raring to serve the FA of Malaysia (FAM) as one of their two deputy presidents for the 2021-25 term. The 64-year-old will officially sit on the deputy ’s chair at the national body ’s congress-cum-elections on March 13.
Sivasundaram and incumbent Datuk Yusoff Mahadi were the only two candidates nominated for the deputy president’s posts. They will serve under Datuk Hamidin Amin, who also returned unopposed as president.
The former FA of Selangor (FAS) treasurer will be handed a portfolio after the elections on March 13.
“I have to thank the affiliates for nominating me for the post. Thank you for having confidence in me, and I will do my best for Malaysian football.
“I will work tirelessly, as I always do, for the national body,” said Sivasundaram, who has been serving FAM since 2010, yesterday.
“Of course, as deputy president, there will be more responsibilities, but I am ready to work hard.
“I have been in football for more than 30 years, both with the state FA and national body. I had served FAM as an executive committee member and a vice-president. I have the experience and knowledge to contribute significantly to the game.”
The former customs officer shared his football journey, which started in 1983 when he and the late Datuk R. Arumugam formed Starbrite, a Klang-based club.
“The team participated in district and state-level competitions before playing in national senior and youth-level events.
“I then joined FAS in 1987 as an executive committee member before becoming the treasurer.”
Sivasundaram and Hamidin have known each other for more than 25 years. They met during their FAS days.
“I met Hamidin when he was the FAS secretary-general. Hamidin is a tireless worker and a hands-on person. He always does his best when it comes to football.
“We have good chemistry and while we were serving FAS, Selangor won countless trophies.”
Sivasundaram also served FAM as chairman of several committees and was team manager of the national Under-16 squad who won the 2019 AFF Championship.
The FAM elections will see a fight for the four vice-president posts between Datuk Rosmadi Ismail, Joehari Ayub, FA of
Sarawak president Datuk Posa Majais, Firdaus Mohamed and former FAM deputy president Datuk Seri Afandi Hamzah.
A total of 17 candidates will be vying for the eight executive committee positions.