20101128
africanews

Mohammad Anwar Elahee, a legend in football history of Mauritius, passed away on Friday at the age of 81 after a short illness.

Elahee, who had 62 years activity in Mauritian football, is recognised to be an exemplary figure for his various achievements whether as a player, coach of First Division teams and National coach for 18 years or adviser.

Up to now he is the only coach who qualifies the Indian Ocean Island to the African Nations Cup finals phase in 1974 in Egypt after overcoming Lesotho and Tanzania in the preliminary rounds.

In 1985, he coached the national team to gold at the Indian Ocean Islands Games along with German coach Helmut Kosmehl.

As a player he was an exemplary defender and a British journalist once wrote.
“When Elahee is in the Mauritius defence, it is as safe as the Bank of England”.

His 81 years were celebrated in July with great pump with the launch of his biography Droit Au But (French for "Straight to the Goal"), a dream he longed cherished.

“I have obtained football as a gift from God and I cannot bring this in my tomb”, he told me at the launch.

“This is why I have always shared everything I learnt with one and all and make it a must to publish them”.

His son Anwar Elahee Jr, is actually the Vice President of the Mauritius FA.

“I have not only lost a perfect father but a whole lot”, he emotionally said.

“He will be missed as a big patriot who has always put the interest of the country in the forefront”.

He obtained many decorations and medals being made Member of the British Empire in 1970 and a FIFA president Joao Havelange awarded him a special medal in 1975.

His career started with the Muslim Scouts in 1948 and he was until recently adviser to the Mauritius FA where he promoted youth development.