PLAYING alongside football legends such as Brazilian greats Cafu and Romário, Alen Bajkusa’s illustrious career spanned several countries and showcased a talent that often went unrecognised at first glance.
Modest and humble, one might mistake him for an ordinary man on the streets, but his accomplishments on the pitch speak volumes.
The Bosnia and Herzegovina native played for over 17 professional football clubs around the world, including stints with Penang, French side Caen, and South China in Hong Kong. A lethal forward in his prime, Bajkusa was renowned for his goal-scoring instincts and sharp poaching ability.
Bajkusa’s professional journey began at FK Željezničar Sarajevo in Bosnia before he joined the Penang state team in 1992. During his time with the Panthers, he quickly established himself as one of the most feared strikers in local football history.
One of his most memorable career highlights is scoring against the formidable Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) team during a league match in the 1990s, an iconic moment that remains etched in his memory.
In a recent interview with Buletin Mutiara, Bajkusa reminisced about his golden years, proudly sharing nostalgic photographs of his time on the field with some of the sport’s biggest names.
“I played for Penang in 1992 and contributed numerous assists and goals to the team,” he said. “When I first arrived in Penang in the 1990s, I immediately fell in love with its multicultural charm.”
Now 54, Bajkusa has made Penang his home, having married a Malaysian and settled down on the island.
Standing at 180cm, Bajkusa was once considered among the fiercest strikers of his era. But his journey wasn’t without hardship.
He recalled the dark days of the Bosnian War, which raged from 1992 to 1995 and claimed countless lives.
“It was a difficult period. Many Bosnians died. I consider myself lucky to still be alive,” said the 54-year-old former professional.
For the past decade, Bajkusa has been managing a futsal facility on the rooftop of Bukit Jambul Shopping Complex. However, like many businesses, it was significantly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I’ve invested heavily in maintaining the pitch, including installing lighting to make it more convenient for players.
“To keep the facility relevant, I’ve also introduced two pickleball courts, a sport rapidly growing in popularity,” he said.
Looking ahead, Bajkusa hopes to draw more players back to the court. He plans to launch coaching clinics to teach children proper techniques and instil a love for the sport.
“With the right training, these kids can learn to play well, and maybe even follow in the footsteps of the greats,” he added.
For more information on his futsal courts, kindly contact him at 014-7467608.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Muhammad Amir Irsyad Omar