Jeffrey Low, the veteran sports journalist often hailed as the “voice of soccer” in Singapore, died peacefully on July 9 at the age of 79. Known for his influential coverage of the Malaysia Cup era from 1969 to 1994, Low served at The Straits Times, New Nation, and The New Paper, leaving behind a legacy defined by his sharp, honest, and passionate reporting on the local football scene.
The Legacy of the “Kallang Roar”
Low is widely credited with coining the iconic phrase “Kallang Roar,” a term that captured the electric atmosphere of the National Stadium during Singapore’s golden age of football. While he was known for a piercing, direct writing style, those who knew him personally described him as a man who commanded respect through his pen rather than his volume.
His columns were essential reading for fans who could not secure a seat at the stadium. Singapore football icon Quah Kim Song noted that Low’s “journalistic genius” was instrumental in harnessing public support, often filling the stadium to capacity with the power of his pre-match analysis. For players like Quah, being mentioned in a column by Low was considered a badge of honor, comparable to scoring a winning goal.
Journalistic Integrity and Direct Reporting
Low earned a reputation for being unflinchingly fair. Former Lions midfielder Malek Awab described him as a “very direct, straightforward” reporter who refused to sugarcoat performances. If a player or team played poorly, Low reported it exactly as he saw it. This honesty extended to his relationships with legendary figures, including the late national coach Choo Seng Quee, who frequently sought Low’s ear to discuss team developments and the upcoming news cycle.
His commitment to his subjects went beyond the field. When former player Abbas Saad faced match-fixing charges in 1995, Low attended the court proceedings on his day off. As Saad told The Straits Times, Low’s support was deeply personal. “He was not just a journalist but he was my friend,” Saad said, reflecting on how Low’s passion for the game and the people involved influenced his own career.
Before his illustrious career in sports journalism, Jeffrey Low was a musician who played rhythm guitar for the local pop band Straydogs. His life outside the newsroom was as vibrant as his writing, often spent among friends in the pubs of Siglap.
Evolution of Sports Reporting
In the 1980s and 90s, Low utilized his platform to elevate foreign players like Jang Jung and Alistair Edwards to household names, demonstrating the power of sports media to foster community connection.
Whether analyzing a match or supporting a player during a personal crisis, the journalist’s role remains a bridge between the athletes and the public.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Jeffrey Low?
Jeffrey Low was a prominent Singaporean sports journalist who worked for The Straits Times, New Nation, and The New Paper. He is best known for his coverage of the Malaysia Cup and for coining the phrase “Kallang Roar.”
What was Jeffrey Low’s impact on Singapore football?
Low was credited with driving public interest in local football through his columns, which often led to sell-out crowds at the National Stadium. He was respected by players and coaches alike for his honest, fair, and passionate reporting.
When was the wake for Jeffrey Low held?
The wake was held at the Church of Our Lady Queen of Peace from July 10 to 12, with the cortege leaving on July 13.
Do you have memories of the Malaysia Cup era or the writing of Jeffrey Low? Share your thoughts in the comments section below to honor his legacy.
