One of his proudest moments was at a National Stadium match against China. Mr Krishnan netted Singapore’s equaliser in the first meeting between both sides. The game ended 1-1.
“There was a crowd of about 60,000 or 70,000 … I had a chance, I beat one, two defenders,” he recalled. “They were a very good team.”
Those were the heady days of football in Singapore. Thousands and thousands packed the stadium to roar their team on.
“I was very proud to play for my country,” said Mr Krishnan.
But if you were having a bad day, the fans had no qualms letting you know. “If you played a lousy game, they would scold your name. Balik kampung (go home) and all that.”
When the late Pele came to Singapore in 1974, the Brazilian great managed to catch Mr Krishnan in a friendly match against Bayswater United from Perth.
“I like Singapore’s style of play,” Pele was quoted by the Straits Times as saying.
“The players are skilful and intelligent. Their pattern of play is similar to South American teams.”
He had some words for Mr Krishnan as well when they shook hands, recalled the 72-year-old.
“As a left-winger, you should be in Brazil. Like Rivelino,” said Mr Krishnan, who netted a hat-trick in that game. “I just said thanks … I wasn’t scared, I was very proud. (He was) the best player in the world.”
OFFICE BOY BY DAY, FOOTBALLER AT NIGHT
While he was playing for Singapore, Mr Krishnan’s full-time job was as an office boy at Singapore Pools.
