HYDERABAD (India): Former India junior captain SS Waseem and youngest son of legendary former India coach SA Rahim passed away here on Tuesday. He was 72.
He is survived by his wife and two sons.
Brother of Olympian SS Hakim, Waseem was one of the finest centre-backs who played for Andhra Pradesh and India.
“He always admired his work in the defence. He was my captain when I played for Andhra Pradesh team in the Santosh Trophy in 1976 in Patna,” said former India captain Victor Amalraj.
Waseem showed potential and promise while playing for All Saints and Nizam College. He also captained Osmania University in the inter-university football tournament.
“Syed Shahid Waseem (Mateen) s/o Late Rahim Sb Legendery Coach and Younger Brother of Mr S S Hakeem Olympian, is no more…Kind hearted person, straight forward. Good friend, Played together in Hyderabad Arsenal Club, AP Junior State and also in Junior and Senior India. Very few International footballers has got a professional degree He was one of them being an Engineer…
My condolences to the family,” former India captain Shabbir Ali wrote on his FB timeline.
Popularly known as Mateen, Waseem led the Indian youth team at the Asian Championship in 1972 and played for the senior national team at the 1976 Merdeka Cup.
Elder brother Hakim, a renowned former FIFA referee and Olympian, said that Waseem had many offers from Mohun Bagan, Mohammedan Sporting and East Bengal but turned down to play in Calcutta.
“My mother did not want him to leave so Waseem decided to stay back in Hyderabad,’’ said Hakim.
