Damascus, Aug. 29 (SANA) Former Syrian national team player and coach Moussa Shammas, one of the most prominent figures in Syrian football during the 1960s and 1970s, passed away on Saturday at the age of 93, after a career rich with achievements as both a player and coach.
Shammas, nicknamed the “Sultan of Syrian Football,” began his footballing journey in his hometown of Qamishli at the age of nine, joining al-Rafidain Club in 1949.
He later moved to al-Shahbaa Club in Aleppo in 1951-1952, before joining al-Jaish Club, where he secured a starting position for 16 years. He was called up to represent the national team abroad, playing for Syria in the Mediterranean Games, Arab Championships and Asian Championships.
In 1960, he received an offer from Turkish giants Besiktas, and in 1957, an offer from Paris Saint-Germain, but both were declined.
He announced his retirement from playing in 1970, having participated in all local and Arab tournaments.
Shammas then moved into coaching, undergoing training courses in Germany and participating in Asian training courses. He coached the national teams for several years, starting with the Olympic team and moving up to the senior men’s team, and also coached al-Jihad, al-Wahda, al-Majd and al-Jaish clubs domestically.
He is considered the only coach in Syria to hold the highest European coaching license from the Swedish Football Association, which is recognized worldwide.
Internationally, he coached in the UAE, led Swedish club Syrianska for two seasons and coached the youth team of United FC in the United States.
Kh.A / M.F
