Petrovski's passing a huge loss to Melaka United

The demise of Marco Stefan Petrovski, 18, an important player in Melaka United's (MU) youth development programme, is a big loss to the Sang Kancil squad.

Malacca Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron said Petrovski, of Malaysian-Australian parentage, had the potential of being the main goalkeeper for MU and also for the country, so the loss was greatly felt by the players and officials.

Idris, who is also president of the Melaka United Soccer Association, said the association, state government and people of Melaka extended their condolences to Petrovski's family.

He said according to the preliminary report of the doctor who was treating Petrovski, the cause of death was organ failure and a full report would be prepared.

"Melaka United will make the arrangements to send his remains home to Australia as requested by his parents and he will be buried there," Idris told reporters after visiting Petrovski's family at Melaka Hospital, here, late last night.

Petrovski became unconscious for almost a month after he was struck by lightning while training with his team in Krubong. He died at the Putra Specialist Hospital, here, at 4pm yesterday.

Petrovki represented the youth team Sydney Olympic FC in Australia, before signing signing a three-year contract with Melaka United in January this year.