Former national football player, T. Sambanthan, died yesterday. He was 82.

Sambanthan started playing for Penang in 1964 and was instrumental in the state reaching the Malaysia Cup final in 1968 and 1969. Penang, however, lost to Selangor in both the showdowns.

He was also drafted into the national B team and played against Australia, South Korea, Hong Kong and Asean nations.

Sambanthan was also the captain of the Penang Bardhan Cup team that defeated Singapore in the final.

After retiring in 1972 due to injuries, he went into coaching and managing football teams.