SINGAPORE: Soccer coach David Sivalingam died of a sudden heart attack while playing in a friendly charity match on Sunday.

His sudden death came as a shock to many. According to his family, he had no known heart problems, and his friends said that the 51 year old was healthy and fit.

The former Singapore international soccer player and coach of the Singapore Youth Olympic football team is remembered as a friendly and approachable man.

Jita Singh, president, Singapore Soccer Coaches Association, said: "(He was a) very affable guy, full of zest. And he always livened up the atmosphere (when it) was a bit down.

"Young players, they look up to him as a father. Also at times, when he had to be strict ... he was able to do that without hurting the players at all. And I think these were his qualities, traits."

- CNA/sc