Daddy Cool

Known as ‘Man-of-the Match 2009’ Mohd Amri Yahyah needs no introduction. An eminent figure in the local football scene, he has made the state and country proud with numerous successful matches. The most talked about would be the match against Manchester United last year where he scored two goals for Malaysia. When asked about one of his most treasured moments in life, he said: “That would be witnessing the birth of my son, Mohd Adam Rayyan. He was born on Sept 2, 2008 and he is certainly a bundle of joy.

“It was an extraordinary feeling, holding my son in my arms for the first time. I was totally overwhelmed with emotion. I guess this was because I was there throughout his birth, right from the beginning till the end.”He still remembers the moment when his wife told him she was expecting Rayyan.

“It was funny actually. I was playing in Pahang when she found out and was awaiting my arrival home to break the news. I caught a sudden vomiting bug in Pahang and was throwing up profusely. Upon arrival, I was hospitalised and it was there that I was told the news. It was as if I was the one expecting.” he laughed. His life changed right after Rayyan’s birth. Alongside the responsibilities, Mohd Amri found himself getting up at wee hours in the mornings to help feed his son.

“Rayyan is a hyperactive kid who gets temperamental at times. He is very affectionate and loving as well. Whenever I come home after training or matches, he welcomes me with a hug. When I’m playing on home ground, he is there at the stadium and once the match is over he comes down to the field and engulfs me in a hug and kiss,” he said. Mohd Amri had a different upbringing as a child. His father was strict and he had gotten his fair share of beatings for his mistakes.

However, he is different with Rayyan. He treats his son like a friend and pampers him. His son accompanies him everywhere, even to the car wash. “I see a few traits of me in Rayyan like his love for football and cars. My son loves balls and car tyres as well as sport rims. Whenever I take him shopping, he loves to collect different types of balls and arrange them on the ground. He will then keep staring at them and will refuse to budge when it is time to go.

” When asked if he wanted his son to follow his footsteps, Mohd Amri said that he left it to his son. “For now he loves playing football with me but his interest may differ when he grows up. I leave it to him to follow the path where his passion lies.” Well said by a caring and understanding dad who only wants the absolute best for his child like all fathers out there. Happy Father’s Day!

by Prema Jayabalan