Andi Lala dies at 54

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Former national soccer player Andi Lala, 54, died of a suspected heart attack on Monday morning at his residence in Kebon Jeruk, West Java.

He is survived by his wife, Nina Rosina, 46, and their six children.

"He was like a member of the family. He was like a little brother to me," former teammate Iswadi Idris said as quoted by Antara.

Andi was known for his speed, ball passing and goal scoring during his time with the national squad in the 1970s.

According to Idris, Andi was a volatile player but was still able to crack the national team.

After retiring as a player, Andi went on to coach for several clubs, including Persija Jakarta, Persedikab Kediri and Persikota Tangerang.

It was with Persija where Andi first made his name as a player. During his time at Persija, the club won the league three times in 1972, 1975 and 1977, and also won the Quoch Khan Cup in Vietnam in 1973.

Andi Lala was buried in the Kamal Marine Cemetery in Rawa Kopi, Kedoya, West Jakarta, on Monday afternoon.