Former national striker Safee Sali said although Satiananthan was a disciplinarian, he was a generous man and was always eager to share his expertise.

“Although on television he might have come across as a strict person, the late coach was kind-hearted and very generous. If the players were not paid their salaries, he would help them out of his own pocket.

“It is a loss that is deeply felt by those of us in the football community,” he said when contacted by Bernama.

Johor Darul Ta’zim defender S Kunalan said Satiananthan’s knowledge and dedication helped him to improve as a national player.

“Coach (Satiananthan ) was one of the best coaches, he had vast experience and knowledge. I was one of the players he chose to bring into the national team.”

Satiananthan , 65, succumbed to cancer earlier today.

The former Negeri Sembilan player had taken a break from football after undergoing medical treatment last year.

His many achievements included steering the under-23 squad (U-23) to emerge champions at the Pestabola Merdeka in 2007. He was the head coach of Harimau Malaya until early 2009.

Satiananthan had also coached the football teams of Kelantan, the Malaysian Armed Forces, Felda United, Selangor and Sarawak United.