Now that the Sultan of Selangor’s Cup is over, Hougang United coach Amin Nasir is ready to take on his biggest fight of his life as he prepares to battle cancer.

And the 44-year-old ex-international defender will do so comfortable and satisfied in the knowledge that he has successfully completed the biggest assignment of his coaching career to date – taking charge of the Singapore Selection side against Selangor FA in the recent annual Sultan of Selangor Cup clash at the Shah Alam Stadium in Kuala Lumpur.

The Singapore Selection side lost 1-2 but for Amin, it was the highlight of his coaching career as he prepares for a series of chemotherapy treatments to get rid of the cancer which has struck his stomach and the area near his kidney.

In January last year, after he was diagnosed with fourth-stage colon cancer, Amin went through eight rounds of chemotherapy and had an operation to remove his colon. The cancer subsequently went into remission and this allowed him to continue with his coaching career.

But last month, the doctor delivered the bad news after a routine scan – two new 10mm growths have been discovered, one in his stomach, and the other near his kidney.

“The doctor told me I am at Stage Four of the deadly disease and aggressive chemotherapy is needed,” said Amin with a look of quiet determination.

“I will fight the disease like I have fought it the last time. So from now on, I will be on leave and all football matters will be put on hold.

“My club have given me leave and they are being very understanding and helpful. They assured me all the support and the job is there for me when I am well again.”

According to Amin, he will enter his battle with cancer with his confidence and spirit boosted by the Sultan of Selangor’s Cup.

“I am a happy man in the sense that I have just completed the Sultan of Selangor’s Cup assignment,” said Amin, who is the elder brother of LionsXII assistant coach and former national skipper Nazri Nasir.

“It’s the highlight of my coaching career and the short assignment has left me with happy memories. I know the boys wanted to win the match for me and they tried so hard.

“It was a huge challenge and what I went through in Shah Alam has given me the strength to carry on.”

He believes he needs to stay positive for the sake of his family and his two children, aged 21 and 19.

“You know, football gives you a sense of purpose and every time I have the whistle in my hand and shouting from the sidelines, I am able to shut all the bad things out for two hours. Only football on my mind, nothing else.

“I am a fighter and God-willing I will be cured and ready to resume my coaching career.”