Kerala football legend TA Jaffar passes away aged 79

When Kerala won the Santosh Trophy for the first time in 1973, TA Jaffar was their vice-captain.

Renowned former football player and coach, TA Jaffar, hailing from Kerala, passed away at the age of 79 in Kochi on Saturday. Jaffar achieved notable success, both as a player and coach, in the Santosh Trophy National Football Championship. In 1973, he served as the vice-captain when Kerala secured its first Santosh Trophy title in a memorable final at the Maharaja’s College Stadium in Kochi; Kerala triumphed over Railways with a 3-2 victory.

Making his debut for Kerala in 1969, he continued to represent the state team until 1975. Jaffar’s contributions extended beyond the playing pitch, as he later transitioned to coaching. Under his guidance, Kerala clinched back-to-back Santosh Trophy titles in 1992, held in Coimbatore, and 1993, hosted in Kochi. His legacy is marked not only by personal achievements but also by his instrumental role in Kerala football’s successes.

In a somber announcement earlier today, the Kerala Football Association (KFA) took to Twitter (X) to share the heartbreaking news of the passing of their football legend, TA Jaffar. The revered figure in Indian football had left an indelible mark on the sport, not only as a player but also as a dedicated coach.

Kerala Football Association’s tweet read

The Kerala Football Association’s tweet expressed deep sadness, stating that TA Jaffar’s memories and contributions would be forever etched in the annals of Kerala football history. The football community, both locally and nationally, was left devastated by the death of a great icon.

Farewell to a football legend, TA Jafar. 🌹 Your skill on the field and dedication as a coach will forever be etched in our memories. 🙏🏻Our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. May he rest in peace. 🕊️#FarewellLegend #TAJafar #KeralaFootball pic.twitter.com/PBi3KGcmAJ

— Kerala Football Association (@keralafa) December 25, 2023

The KFA extended heartfelt condolences to TA Jaffar’s family and friends as his commitment to the development of football in Kerala had earned him respect and admiration, making his passing a poignant moment for the entire football community. The tweet read, “Farewell to a football legend, TA Jafar. Your skill on the field and dedication as a coach will forever be etched in our memories. Our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. May he rest in peace.”

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