Hall of Fame

Dato’ Hj Abd Ghani Minhat
“The King of Football”

Sport: Football
Year Inducted: 2004

Born in 1935, Ghani Minhat was put on the path of professional football by a pair of boots he received from Police Officers sometime in 1951. In those days, only professionals wore football boots and Ghani saw this as a calling for him to upgrade his skills.

By 1952 he had earned a place in the Police Depot team. This became his stepping stone to earning a place on the Selangor squad in the Malaysia (then Malaya) Cup series. The left-winger helped to bring in eight Malaya Cup wins and three Merdeka Football Tournament (“Pestabola Merdeka”) wins. He was also part of the victorious team in the 1961 SEAP Games (now SEA Games) in Rangoon.

One of the finest forwards of the 60s, Ghani’s superb skills became evident when he fired a volley from 40 yards to score a goal against Vietnam at the inaugural Merdeka Tournament in 1957. Together with fellow team mates Robert Choe and Arthur Koh, he created a fearsome attack.

Until today, Ghani cherishes his many experiences during his days as Malaysia’s top footballer. One of his most invaluable experiences was being sent on attachments to several clubs in England (West Ham United, Arsenal, Spurs) and Germany (Eintracht Frankfurt) in 1962. England’s Cardiff City also offered him a chance to go pro, which he declined, choosing instead to go on a study tour of England and Europe. After he stepped down as a player, the FAM sent him to Japan in 1969, to attend the first FIFA Coaching School for Asian Coaches, earning him his coaching license.

In those glory days of Malaysian football, Ghani Minhat became a household name and displayed a wealth of talent on the field. But equally important, or perhaps more so, was his determination, grit and desire to win which really made Dato’ Ghani a shining football star.

ACHIEVEMENTS (HIGHLIGHTS):

As Athlete
1952 - Represented the Police Depot in the Selangor League

1955 - Represented Selangor in the Malaya Cup

1956 - Champions of Malaya Cup (after 6 year draught)

1957 - Inaugural Merdeka Football Tournament [Champions (scored a goal from 40m)]

1959-60 - Merdeka Football Tournament [Champions]

1960 - Scored 34 goals in 9 matches (record)

1961 - SEAP Games [Gold medal]

1962 - Attachment with clubs in England and Germany

1968 - Malaysia Cup [Champions]

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