Subhani Hassimdeen former Sri Lanka soccer star passed away early last morning after suffering from a liver disease, a family spokesman said.
He was 79 years old at the time of his death and his Janaza took place yesterday night at Jawatte Burial ground inColombo.
Hassimdeen as winger was a treat to watch when in possession of the ball. He cut inside with sheer pace and power and had the incredible ability to curve the ball into the net from the right corner flag.
He was the most feared of the foursome Hassimdeen brothers who gave top goalkeepers and the defence a torrid time. Hassimdeen hailed from a family of footballers– the four brothers who represented Sri Lanka continuously for 35 long years from 1951-1986 a record worthy of the Guinness Book of Records.
Hassimdeen blossomed out to be a penetrative and deceptive right extreme and represented Eleven Youngsters, Black Square, Victory, Wellawatta Mills and the Royal Ceylon Air Force. He also played for Combined Services, City Football League, Colombo League and Mercantile Leagues, which he successfully led in 1970 and 1971.
He donned the Sri Lanka jersey in 1965 and represented the country till 1975, displaying his in-born skills to his innumerable fans.
He played a significant role in helping Sri Lanka win the Agha Khan Gold Cup in 1968. This incidentally was the first occasion Sri Lanka won a top drawer Trophy of this kind overseas.
(TBR)
