KUCHING: Former Sarawak captain and coach Jalil Ramli was among those deeply affected by the passing of legendary Crocs coach Alan Vest, who described him as a mentor and father figure who shaped his football journey.
Speaking over the phone with Sarawak Tribune this morning, Jalil said he was still in mourning over Vest’s sudden passing, recalling the many lessons and memories they shared during their years together.
“The one I can remember till now is the last day before he left for Perth. He passed me all his coaching books and gave me his advice — which I really treasure until now,” said Jalil, who served under Vest as a player, captain, and later assistant coach before taking over the team in 1999.
He added that Vest’s philosophy and coaching style remain deeply ingrained in him, crediting the late coach, alongside Awang Mahyan, for moulding him into the coach he became.
“His philosophy, his style of coaching, the way he looked at football — it’s really in me,” Jalil said.
Jalil, who still keeps in touch with Vest’s family, said he has written a condolence letter on behalf of former Sarawak players to the coach’s family in Perth.
As a player, Jalil captained Sarawak to the 1992 Malaysia FA Cup and the 1997 Premier League titles, both under Vest’s leadership.
He later guided the Crocs to the 1999 Malaysia Cup and 2001 FA Cup finals as head coach.
Former Sarawak left winger Zapri Manai, who is from Bintulu, also paid tribute to Vest, calling him one of the greatest coaches ever to lead the state team.
“For me, coach Alan Vest is one of the legends and among the best coaches ever to lead the Sarawak state football team, Ibu Pertiwiku, during the 1990s,”
“The most special moment during his time with Bujang Senang was when the team won the Malaysia FA Cup in 1992.
“In the final held at the Sarawak State Stadium in Kuching, Bujang Senang defeated Kuala Lumpur 2-1, marking the first time Ibu Pertiwiku captured a major national football trophy,”said Zapri.
As for Dahlan Matusin, the former Sarawak defender from Bintulu, he fondly recalled meeting Vest for the last time in 2017.
“There are so many memories with the late coach Alan. He was not only our coach but also like a father to us.
“Under his guidance, the Sarawak team from 1991 to 1998 was always among the top five in the league standings,” he said.
Vest, the coach who led Sarawak to national prominence in Malaysian football during the 1990s, has passed away at the age of 86.
The English-born Vest was in charge of Sarawak FA from 1992 to 1998, a period often remembered as the golden era of the Crocs (Bujang Senang).
His guidance and dedication left a lasting mark on the team, and he is fondly remembered as one of the most respected figures in Sarawak football.
