Recently, the SFC Media unit took the time to interview one of the longest serving SFC staff at the club. 

Most of the Merah Kuning fans must have heard of the name 'Kak Sar', and some may also recognise this friendly face who never fails to smile whenever she greets supporters who come to buy official SFC merchandise either at the stadium or at the Selangor FC Training Centre (SFCTC).  

Follow the interview with Wajah Bola Selangor, where in this episode circulates around 'Kak Sar’s’ story besides finding out about the routines and challenges in her daily work with the Red Giants.  

“My name is Sariah Mahmud and this year I am 59 years old. I have worked with Selangor for almost 23 years, from 2002 until now. I am one of the few employees who had the opportunity to work under the Association and also the Club.  

Initially, my knowledge of football was not on par with other supporters, but over time I began to learn and gained a deep understanding of football after seeing the players practise and play in every match, especially in the ‘Home’ matches at the Shah Alam Stadium before. In the past, I only knew Mokhtar Dahari, because he was very famous at that time, but now I have the opportunity to work closely with Faisal Halim, a player who is well-known to many (at the moment), as well as the coaches and other players.  

Throughout my time under the Selangor Football Association (FAS), I was assigned as a tea lady, so my job was to provide food and drinks for the staff, ensure that the dining area in the office is always clean, and help staff who needed help such as counting stock of goods, organising letters and others.  

Then, when FAS went through the rebranding process to become Selangor FC (SFC), I was given the opportunity to work in the club's official merchandise sales department, as the main cashier at the Pop-up Store located at the official Selangor training ground, SFC Training Centre. In addition, I was indirectly involved in ensuring that buyers received the right goods, counting the stock of club products and preparing goods for events."  

Asked about the purchasing process, 'Kak Sar' also emphasised that today's technology has greatly facilitated her daily work with the Red Giants. 'Kak Sar' also had the opportunity to share her challenges along with some bitter experiences while working.  

"The Pop-up Store here is small, I usually manage it alone. It's fun to meet supporters who want to buy jerseys and official club merchandise. If it's at the stadium or a big event, there are several volunteers who will work together to ensure that the purchasing process will be easier for buyers.  

My daily work has also become easier after Malaysia began to implement the use of mobile payment systems, Quick Response Code (QR), in buying and selling transactions. At first, it was also difficult for me as an older person to adjust, but I was determined to learn how to process payments. Even though it took some time, Alhamdulillah, it didn’t take me long to get used to it.  

However, when there is a big match, my task will be more challenging because there will be many customers coming to make purchases. I have to make sure that the stock is sufficient and restock when needed. For instance, while we were busy serving customers, a case of theft occurred at the jersey display statue in front of the store when it was crowded with people. So we had to think of a way to replace the stolen items. This situation was quite difficult for us to overcome, but Alhamdulillah, everything was under control.”  

Having served for almost 23 years, ‘Kak Sar’ has certainly enjoyed the differences between the old and new SFC offices.  

“Due to having worked at the old and current offices, amongst the things I like about the new office is the more strategic location, large meeting rooms, more comfortable places to eat and rest, situated near the RG Medical Centre, and the current office is also right next to the training ground so we can see the players training every day,” she said.  

When asked about her fond memories while working with the Red Giants, here is the response from ‘Kak Sar’.  

“Throughout my time here, there have been many fond memories such as last year, I won a lucky draw, where the management flew me to Bangkok, Thailand, to watch the AFC Champions League Two (ACL) match against Muangthong United FC with four other staff members. Of course, that was a very enjoyable experience. Apart from that, the management has also organised leisure activities with the whole office such as in Cherating, Pahang, Pulau Perhentian, Terengganu and most recently at Sunway Lagoon last year.  

Among the things that make me feel appreciated is the fans would sometimes shout out my name from afar before reaching the Pop-up Store. I feel touched, because many people already know who I am and know that I have been with Selangor FC for a long time.  

I would also like to thank all the SFC fans who always support us by buying official club merchandise and always give us encouragement. I would not have come this far if it were not for all of you.”

Sariah Mahmud
SFC Fans Relations Executive