Elavarasan a/l Elangowan: A Visionary Coach Shaping Malaysia’s Football Future

Elavarasan a/l Elangowan: An Inspirational Journey Through Malaysian Football

Elavarasan a/l Elangowan, born on January 5, 1962, is a name that resonates with excellence and passion in Malaysian football. Known as “Ela,” he has become a cornerstone of the nation’s football success, earning accolades as a player, coach, and mentor. Currently serving as the assistant coach for Malaysia’s national team, Elavarasan embodies perseverance, dedication, and strategic brilliance.

Elavarasan a/l Elangowan: A Strategic Choice for Malaysia’s National Team

On February 23, 2022, Elavarasan a/l Elangowan was handpicked by head coach Kim Pan-gon to serve as the assistant local coach for the Malaysian national team. His selection came upon the recommendation of FAM’s Technical Director, Scott O’Donell, who recognized Elavarasan’s unparalleled experience and stellar achievements in Malaysian football. This decision highlighted his indispensable role in shaping the future of Harimau Malaya.

From Player to Mentor: A Legacy in Motion

Elavarasan a/l Elangowan’s football journey began on the field as a player for the Selangor state team, where he last donned the jersey for Public Bank FC in the mid-1980s. His transition to coaching proved transformative. Under his leadership, Public Bank FC soared to new heights, winning the FAM League and achieving promotion to the Premier League. By 2003, his guidance propelled the team to the Super League, where they secured an impressive second-place finish.

Building Giants: Coaching Highlights

Elavarasan a/l Elangowan’s coaching prowess is evident in his ability to turn underdogs into champions:

  1. Malacca FA Success: After Public Bank FC exited the league, he guided Malacca FA to Super League promotion in his first year. His managerial acumen extended beyond the field when he became General Manager at Cubic Integrated Sport and Recreation, overseeing Arsenal Soccer School and Cubic Academy of Football.
  2. Felda United Triumph: In 2010, Elavarasan took the helm at Felda United FC mid-season, leading the team to Premier League victory and Super League promotion in 2011. His tactical brilliance steered the team to the Malaysia Cup quarter-finals in 2012.
  3. PKNS FC and Beyond: Joining PKNS FC in 2015, Elavarasan led them to the 2016 Malaysia FA Cup final. Despite a loss to Johor Darul Ta’zim FC, his achievements cemented his reputation as a top-tier coach.
  4. Reviving Teams: Elavarasan demonstrated his ability to revive struggling teams with stints at Melaka United FC, PDRM, and Sarawak United, each time preventing relegation or securing promotions against significant odds.

The U23 Success and National Team Contribution

In September 2022, Elavarasan a/l Elangowan expanded his influence by taking charge of Malaysia’s U23 team while continuing as the assistant coach for the senior team. His tenure saw remarkable achievements:

  • Merlion Cup Victory: In 2023, Elavarasan led the U23 team to victory in the prestigious Merlion Cup.
  • AFC U23 Asian Cup Qualification: Under his guidance, Malaysia qualified for the AFC U23 Asian Cup, showcasing his tactical brilliance.

Despite resigning from the U23 role in September 2023 to focus entirely on the national team, his contributions left an indelible mark on Malaysia’s youth football landscape.

Overcoming Challenges and Inspiring Change

Elavarasan a/l Elangowan’s career has been punctuated by challenges, from financial constraints at Sarawak United to navigating the complexities of coaching during the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, his ability to adapt, inspire, and achieve success has made him an icon in Malaysian football.

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