‘A great gentleman’, former national footballer D. Tokijan dies aged 62

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D. Tokijan represented Singapore from 1983 to 1992, scoring 11 goals in 23 appearances.

ST FILE PHOTO

Summary

• Former Singapore national footballer D. Tokijan died on December 23 at age 62. He played for Singapore from 1983-1992, scoring 11 goals in 23 appearances.
• Teammates remember Tokijan as a lion-hearted player, a warm, down-to-earth gentleman who was hardworking and popular. He was a key player in Singapores 1985 Malaysian League win.
• After retiring, Tokijan coached youth teams and won the 2014 Singapore Cup as assistant coach for Balestier Khalsa. He was dedicated to helping players improve their skills.

AI generated

SINGAPORE – A fantastic player on the pitch, and an even better gentleman off it.

That is how those in the football fraternity remember former national footballer Darimosuvito Tokijan, who died on Dec 23 aged 62.

According to a Berita Harian report, Tokijan had been battling cancer.

The left winger represented Singapore from 1983 to 1992, including at the 1984 Asian Cup on home soil. He made 23 appearances for the Lions and scored 11 goals.

A constant menace down the flank, he troubled defenders with his intelligence and tireless running, while having a knack for contributing crucial goals.

Ex-Lion Abbas Saad, who was teammates with Tokijan when he played for Singapore FA in 1990, recalled how the latter was always smiling and was a popular figure.

The 58-year-old said: “Whatever you tell him, he gets along