PETALING JAYA, May 8 – Former national coach B. Sathianathan has tested positive for Covid-19 and is currently being treated at the Sarawak General Hospital in Kuching. The news comes as a shock to the football fraternity.
Sathianathan, who is now the Sarawak United technical director, is one of eight staff in the office, who have been tested positive.
The fighter he is, Sathianathan remains optimistic that he will recover soon from the virus, but he is more concerned about his wife and son. Although the results of the initial tests of the two returned negative, Sathianathan is keeping his fingers crossed on the matter.
Despite the virus, Sathianathan is also concerned about the performance of Sarawak United in the Premier League where the Golden Hornbills have set a hot pace.
Sarawak United regained their place at the top of the league standings with a thrilling 3-2 win over Kelantan United at the Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah Stadium in Kuala Terengganu on Friday.
The win was all the more thrilling as Sarawak United muffed a penalty and then scored an own goal for Kelantan United. Despite that, Sarawak United won the match with goals by Christie Jayaseelan (46th), Norshahrul Idlan Talaha (71st), and substitute Abdul Rahim Razak (80th).
Kelantan United goalscorers were Taylor Regan (own goal, 58th) and Gambian Alfussainey Gassama in the 68th minute.
Head coach E. Elavarasan, on behalf of the team, wished Sathianathan a speedy recovery – confident that Sathianathan will be back at work soon.
”Sarawak United dedicate the win over Kelantan United and the place at the top of league standings to Sathianathan. He is a known fighter, and just like him, the team has the fighting spirit to remain at the top in our bid of getting a promotion to the Super League,” said Elavarasan.
Sathia has this to say: ”The team (Sarawak United) has achieved some good positive results despite some shortcomings. I am proud of the team and so is the whole of Sarawak. Hopefully, there will be better things to come when the league resumes after the break.”
Hubmedia also wishes Sathianathan and speedy recovery and pray for him and others infected by the virus.
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