Fandi shares Cup joy with mum Semiah
Full circle for Madam Semiah as she witnesses son Fandi achieve Cup triumph as a coach
At the end of yesterday's Malaysian FA Cup final between the LionsXII and Kelantan at the Bukit Jalil Stadium, she walked down the steps gingerly with daughter Faridah Ahmad holding her tightly by the arm.
She headed for the pitch despite bottles being thrown onto the pitch by Kelantan fans after their team lost 3-1 to the LionsXII.
But none of that mattered to Semiah Ismail, who has only one thing on her mind - she just wanted to share a moment with her son Fandi Ahmad.
Twenty-one years ago, the 72-year-old was at Shah Alam to witness her son lift the Malaysia Cup trophy as a player.
Last night, her unbridled joy was evident as Fandi led the LionsXII to cup victory as a coach.
"As a mother, it's important to be there for your son, regardless of the situation," said the 72-year-old.
"I saw him play and win, and now I saw him coach and win. It's a beautiful feeling."
Just as beautiful was the sight of fans springing up out of nowhere to kiss her hands and cheeks, showing their affection for the mother of Singapore's favourite footballing son.
Semiah said: "Ask any mother and she'll say the same thing, 'I'm happy if my son is happy'.
"I went down to the pitch because I just wanted to tell him how proud I am of him."
Fandi himself summed it up simply:
"I appreciate all that she has done for me all these years.
"I wouldn't be the person I am now if it wasn't for her."
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