Former national goalkeeper Yusoff Abu Bakar dies

Datuk Yusoff Abu Bakar, a former national goalkeeper in the 1950s, nicknamed the 'Iron Gate', died at 6.15pm today at the Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital (HSB) here due to old age. He was 81.

Confirming the matter, his son Yuzaily, 49, said his father had been ill since last year from kidney disease and lung infection.

"He died with my mother and my siblings by his side. I am saddened by his demise. His death is not only a loss to me but also Malaysian football.

"He liked conversations and was very generous. However, in the week prior to his death, he was very quiet," he said when contacted by Bernama.

Yuzaily said his father was admitted to HSB on Tuesday after his condition worsened and his appetite diminished.

Yusoff, who brought glory to the nation and exhibited an excellent record when representing Malaya in the 'Pesta Bola Merdeka' (Merdeka Cup) in 1958, served in the Malaysian Prisons Department since 1957.

His last post was as Alor Setar Prison director from 1987 to 1990.

Other than Yuzaily, Yusoff leaves behind wife Halimah Mohd Zain, 80, and two daughters, aged 51 and 42.

His remains are to be buried at the Masjid Al-Bukhari Cemetery, Alor Setar at 11am tomorrow.