But such unwavering discipline isn’t surprising as he was once the football coach who, in 1981, led Kedah’s team to the quarterfinals of the Malaysia Cup after 40 years.
Sitting down with FMT Lifestyle, he revealed that his love affair with the sport began in Sungai Raya Estate, Langkawi, where he grew up. “We used to play barefoot on a small field. I was about six or seven years old,” he recalled.
Even in these humble surroundings, his talent – and speed – shone.
Sadly, off the field, life was bleak. As a young boy, he did not receive an education as rubber tappers, a career path he was destined for, didn’t require one. But things changed when his uncle, John Paul, visited his family home one day.
John, a teacher, was shocked to find that his nephew, who was 11 years old at the time, could not read or write. He told Paul’s parents of his intention to enroll the boy in the school he taught at in Kuala Ketil.
Paul’s father rejected the proposal outright, saying it was too late for the boy to learn. His mother, however, believed otherwise. With her blessing, Paul packed his bags to start a new life with his uncle without his father’s knowledge. The two left on a fishing boat when his father was sleeping.
At his new school, Paul worked hard to catch up with the other students in his class and later enrolled at St Theresa School. And because he still loved football, he joined the school’s team.
His natural talent was evident from the start and he was encouraged to attend the selection process for the Kedah team. He made it, joining the team as a reserve player before becoming a striker.
“I didn’t have skills, but I had stamina and speed in running. I didn’t even have boots.” So he borrowed a pair, and quickly picked up the necessary skills under his coach’s guidance.
He kept pushing himself in the classroom too, studying to become a teacher. His first posting was to a Tamil school in Anak Bukit, Kedah.
Paul hung up his boots as a player after approximately five years, but his love for football remained. He became an assistant coach for the Kedah team before later becoming their coach.
He loved his players like they were his own sons, but he was known to be a strict coach who valued discipline. However, under his tough exterior was a big heart and a strong desire to see his players reach their full potential.
And they did. In 1981, his team qualified for the quarterfinals of the Malaysia Cup after four decades. This achievement boosted the team’s confidence, and they made it to the quarterfinals again the following year.
He also coached the national under-16 team that took part in the Lion City Cup in Singapore. Later he coached the national under-23 team. Among the players in his team were Khalid Shahdan and Karim Pin.
He was also appointed director of “Projek Menjelang 2000” by the Kedah Football Association to develop the sport. But beyond producing skillful players, their well-being was also a priority for Paul.
He ensured that Malay players staying in hostels didn’t miss their morning prayers. “Their parents are not there. I’m the parent there,” he explained.
For all his efforts, he was conferred the Pingat Jasa Kebaktian and although he is now retired, his legacy is evident through the many lives he touched – both on the football field and in the classroom.
Of his achievements, he modestly shared: “I wanted the boys to come up in their lives and in the field of football.”
Today, he is the proud father of four, grandfather of 11 and great-grandfather of two.
His son Loarance was a state and national football player while his daughter, Evlyen Shoba was a state runner and school cricket coach. His granddaughter, Elysia Previnia, also represented Selangor in the triple jump.
These days, he enjoys occasionally kicking a ball with his family. He no longer plays barefoot though, but the joy he felt as a young boy discovering the beautiful game of football, remains in his heart.