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Post by steamroll on Dec 12, 2012 23:20:16 GMT 8
Johor police set up a special team to combat gambling and match-fixing involving team Johor Malaysia League (Liga M) new season in January. The establishment of a special team was made at the request of President Johor Football Association (PBNJ), Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, before, who wants all forms of gambling, including betting on League soccer M eradicated. State police chief Datuk Mohd Mokhtar Mohd Shariff said the special team headed by Deputy Chief State CID, ACP Azizan Anan specifically to monitor the state football team. "The special team will work with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) for monitoring every game and training involving the state team," he told reporters after the monthly assembly Johor Police Contingent Headquarters (IPK) State, here, today. He said special teams will have the intelligence unit and will not hesitate to impose strict action should detect bookie or organize tournaments. Mohd Mokhtar said he will cooperate with PBNJ to create a website to enable the people to information on soccer gambling or match-fixing players and officials. |
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Post by steamroll on Dec 13, 2012 1:38:16 GMT 8
Harimau Muda B friendly matches- Turkey Tour
1st Game Harimau Muda B 5-0 Tekirova FC
2nd Game Harimau Muda B 1-1 Kumluca Belediyes
3rd Game Harimau Muda B 0-4 Spartak Nalchik
4th Game Harimau Muda B 0-3 Shaktar Karaganda (Kazakhstan)
5th Game Harimau Muda B 5-3 Dosemealfi Belediyespoor
6th Game Harimau Muda B 0-0 Kairat Almaty FC (Kazakhstan)
Malaysia Premier League 2012 : HARIMAU MUDA B [3] VS [1] PERLIS FA
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Post by steamroll on Dec 13, 2012 1:46:53 GMT 8
Giants cut down to size By FABIAN PETER  Action from the Selangor-Johor United friendly. Johor won 1-0. Picture by MOHD HELMI DAWI SELANGOR’S preparations for the 2013 Super League is far from smooth and their lack of teamwork was exposed by Premier League outfit Johor United in a friendly today. The former kingpins, who have finished trophyless since 2010, were playing without several regulars, including internationals S.Kunanlan, Bunyamin Omar and Mahali Jasuli, and lost 1-0. Coach Irfan Bakti, who fielded players from the President Cup, accepted the defeat saying that it was tough to get a decent result without his key men. “Of course I expected a better result, but I don’t have my first 11,” he said, adding it was a good match, as he could assess some of his younger players. Selangor’s new signing from Terengganu, Forkey Doe also didn’t feature and it was left to captain Amri Yahya and S. Veenod to lead the team. Johor, who were more composed, punished the hosts in the seventh minute when Zamri Hassan scored from close range.  Johor coach Azmi Mohamed (left), said: “It was just a friendly. I wanted my boys to have a good feeling of things before the new season kicks off. “They played well and there was good chemistry, I hope we continue this next month” The 2013 Premier League will kick off on Jan 7, followed by the Super League a day after. On Jan 5, treble champions Kelantan will face Armed Forces in the Charity Shield. www.sports247.my/2012/12/giants-cut-down-to-size/ |
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Post by steamroll on Dec 13, 2012 4:37:28 GMT 8
Football: Corporate boo$t for FAMBy sports247.my Corporate boo$t for FAM By VIJHAY VICK FA OF MALAYSIA (FAM) is looking to cash in with corporate sponsorship to boost the financial aspects of the game. “We are in talk with several companies for sponsorship deals. I can’t reveal much as we have yet to sign the dotted lines.  “It will boost revenue in M-League and mind you, these (companies) are big players. There are a couple of them,” said FAM secretary-general Datuk Azzuddin Ahmad (picture). Sponsorship in the M-League has risen over the last two years with pay-TV operators pledging over RM120 million until 2014.This indicates the possible return of the glory days where Malaysian football was closely followed. Cigarette company Dunhill sponsored similar amounts from 1989 to 2002 but the ban on the involvement of cigarette companies in sports put a stop to this. Meanwhile, FAM vice president Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal hopes the government will do its level best to ensure corporate figures and companies will contribute to the development of football. “Football in Malaysia is on the right track. Give us the confidence by playing a role – be it the government, corporate sector, coaches, players and fans. “In my view, the government should issue a directive to companies to get involved in football, not only to the national body but state FAs too,” said Subahan. www.sports247.my/2012/10/football-corporate-boot-for-fam/
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Post by steamroll on Dec 13, 2012 5:37:41 GMT 8
AirAsia honour Harimau Muda with a special livery on aircraft  By ERIC SAMUEL PETALING JAYA: The Harimau Muda squad will hold the distinction of being among a few elite football teams in the world to have a special livery painted on an aircraft – similar to Manchester United and Queens Park Rangers. The sporting gesture by AirAsia was to commemorate the Harimau Muda’s success at the 2011 SEA Games in Jakarta. Then, the national Under-23 team represented by the Harimau Muda boys, beat hosts Indonesia in front of more than 100,000 vociferous fans at the Gelora Bung Karno in Senayan for the mother of all gold medals in the Games. They won in a dramatic penalty shootout (4-3) after both teams were tied 1-1 in regulation and extra-time.  New look: Harimau Muda players posing with the ‘Semangat Harimau Muda’ livery which was painted on an AirAsia plane at a ceremony at the SAE Hangar in Sepang yesterday. — SAM THAM / The Star AirAsia Bhd chairman Datuk Aziz Bakar said the unveiling of the special “Semangat Harimau Muda” livery at the SAE Hangar in Sepang yesterday was to honour of the team’s success as promised by AirAsia Group CEO Tan Seri Tony Fernandes if the team won the final. “The promise has now been fulfilled with a special Airbus A320 decked in the team’s yellow and black colours. It proudly displays the roaring Malaysian Tiger that has been the symbol of the country’s football team,” said Aziz at the launch ceremony witnessed by Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek, FA of Malaysia (FAM) vice-president Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin, FAM secretary general Datuk Azzuddin Ahmad and Harimau Muda headcoach Ong Kim Swee. The “Semangat Harimau Muda” livery is the most recent addition to AirAsia’s numerous aircraft with special liveries. A couple of months ago the airline launched the Alan McDonald aircraft which features the English Premier League’s Queens Park Rangers’ livery. Aziz said that AirAsia has always put the development of youth and sports as an integral part of the company and as such they would continue to honour sports achievers with more special liveries. “We have more than 100 new aircrafts coming … we will continue to do honour excellence in sports … there is no limit,” said Aziz. Shabery said it was a befitting recognition for the Harimau Muda team, who brought the nation to a standstill when they beat Indonesia for the gold medal in the final last year. football.thestar.com.my/2012/09/15/airasia-honour-harimau-muda-with-a-special-livery-on-aircraft/ |
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Post by steamroll on Dec 13, 2012 7:33:59 GMT 8
Malaysia Super League Pre-Season 2013 Friendly Match : Kelantan 4-1 Kedah Jordi Perez Prove Himself Loyal Supporter of The Red Warriors  Congratulations to The Red Warriors supporters Jordi Perez for struggled to go to Iraq since knowing Kelantan to the quarterfinals after beating Terengganu in the second stage of the AFC Cup match on 23 May 2012, after that Jordi Perez is start to find ways to enter the Arbil city in Iraq. After Jordi check with the Spain embassy, the Iraq embassy need a letter of invitation from Kafa for that game, if he wish to enter Iraq because of the strict control of all European citizens from entering Iraq on safety factors. But this difficulty does not alter his loyalty as a fans from Catalunya Spain, every Kelantan games is important for him to attend, with the high Euro exchange, money is no problem for him in attending all important match of The Red Warriors. He thanks to all the Kafa staff who helped him to Iraq. He felt himself very lucky to see this match, despite he is so familiar with Barcelona plays at his place, now The Red Warriors are his second team. www.theredwarriors.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1381:jordi-perez-bukti-penyokong-setia-the-red-warriors&catid=903:berita-kafa&Itemid=100068TRW Catalunya playing the new Kelantan anthem GOMO KELATE GOMO |
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Post by steamroll on Dec 13, 2012 23:58:15 GMT 8
Four teams for inaugural KL Cup By sports247.my THE Federal Territory Football Association (FTFA) will organise a four-corner competition called the KL Cup from tomorrow at the MPSJ Sports Complex. Besides the hosts, the other three teams in the fray are Perlis, Negri Sembilan Betaria and Police. Police replace Terengganu, who pulled out due to unavoidable circumstances. The teams will face each other in the round robin group with the top two teams playing in the final. The winners will take home RM10,000 and the runners-up will pocket RM5,000 www.sports247.my/2012/12/four-teams-for-inaugural-kl-cup/
Meet Safiq’s replacement By FABIAN PETER  S. Veenod (centre) in action for Selangor against Premier League side Johor. Picture by MOHD HELMI DAWI S. VEENOD is not a household name just yet, but he may soon be grabbing the headlines. The Selangor midfielder is still new to the team, having joined them three months ago. He, however, has been handed the responsibility to replace Malaysian skipper Safiq Rahim in the heart of the Red Giants’ midfield. Safiq quit the 32-time Malaysia Cup champions and will play for Darul Takzim (formerly Johor FC) next season. The 24-year-old Veenod joined Selangor on loan from Premier League side USM Penang and already has one goal to his name in pre-season, ironically, against Darul Takzim. “I feel really good to have secured a spot with a Super League side,” said Veenod. “Since Safiq is no longer with us, the coach (Irfan Bakti) will expect more of me, and I must deliver.” The Penangite admitted he is more at home as an attacking midfielder, but can play across the midfield if need be. “My dream is to play for Malaysia. I will do my best in the coming season and hopefully my dream will come true,” he said. Selangor who finished third in the Super League place last season, have also been drawn to play against Malaysia Cup runner-up Armed Forces, in the opening fixture of the FA Cup which kicks off on Jan 25. www.sports247.my/2012/12/meet-safiqs-replacement/
Nanthakumar can still do the job By RIZAL ABDULLAH SIGNING 35-year-old former international K. Nanthakumar raised eye brows in Kelantan, but coach Bojan Hodak believes he has landed a “prized catch”. “People can say at 35, Nantha is too old, but he brings with him a wealth of experience and that is what I need,” Hodak told sports247.my. “I need someone like Nantha who can play as a centreback or as a defensive midfielder. Of course you cannot expect him to play 50 or 60 matches. Still, he fits in my strategies. “He is a good buy. Kelantan need him and I am confident he will do a good job. Age is not a factor.” The Red Warrirors won the treble last season – Super League, FA Cup and the Malaysia Cup and finished runners-up in the Charity Shield apart from reaching the AFC Cup quarterfinals. Kelantan have lost some of their big names like last season’s Most Valuable Player and Best Striker national striker Norshahrul Idlan Talaha and Nurul Azwan The duo have moved to Darul Takzim (formerly Johor FC). Also gone is Lebanese striker Mohamed Ghaddar and Kedah-born S. Chanturu has signed for Perak. Norshahrul’s move to Darul Takzim was controversial as the Terengganu-born player had an existing contract with the Red Warriors that ran through 2013. Kelantan, however, released him in good faith after sorting out the financial issues. www.sports247.my/2012/12/nanthakumar-can-still-do-the-job/ |
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Post by steamroll on Dec 15, 2012 15:43:44 GMT 8
Opening day wins for KL and Police sports247.my KUALA LUMPUR made a winning pre-season debut yesterday in the KL Cup quadrangular. The city slickers defeated Perlis 2-1 to start the tournament with a bang. The tournament’s main purpose is for Kuala Lumpur coach, Stanislav Lieskovsky to test his line-up for the coming Premier League. Elsewhere, Police who are last minute replacements for Terengganu, got off to a good start when they defeated Negri Sembilan Betaria 2-1. The next round of matches will be played on Sunday and Tuesday. The top two teams will contest the final on Thursday with the winners pocketing RM10,000. www.sports247.my/2012/12/opening-day-wins-for-kl-and-police/
Zaquan fighting to regain his confidence By RIZAL ABDULLAH  Zaquan Adha Abdul Radzak “I NEED to regain my confidence,” said international Zaquan Adha Abdul Radzak, who saw 12 minutes of action in Johor Darul Takzim’s (formerly Johor FC) 2-0 win over Indonesian club Pelita Bandung Raya in a friendly at the Larkin Stadium last night. It was his first match since reinjuring his left knee in a friendly against Bangladesh in Kuala Lumpur on Nov 20. The match ended 1-1. While Johor Darul Takzim manager-cum-coach Fandi Ahmad was pleased with the way Zaquan coped in the 12 minutes he was on the field, the player himself is taking a cautious approach. “Yes. I played about 12 minutes but it is still too early to say anything. I need to regain my confidence first. I am scared of getting injured again. “Nevertheless it was a good ‘workout’ but the fear is there…as player you fear getting injured again, especially when you are just recovering. I would not want to rush into things and aggravate the situation. “This is my first match since the friendly against Bangladesh. I was on the field then for only about 10 minutes after coming on as a substitute before I was carried out. “It knocked me out of the AFF Suzuki Cup and it was painful for me to be out of the national team. It left me frustrated,” Zaquan told sports247.my after the match. Zaquan and twin brother Aidil Zafuan, Safiq Rahim, Norshahrul Idlan Talaha, Safee Sali and Azmi Muslim are some of the big signings by Johor Darul Takzim for the new season which kicks-off next month. Putting the injury aside, Zaquan said moving south to Johor after one season with Armed Forces, who earned promotion to the Super League after winning the Premier League title, is not all about money. “It is new challenges and new aspirations and help Johor win at least one Cup as Johor have big plans. “I want to be part and parcel of such a team. But I cannot achieve that from the sidelines. I want to be in thick of action and play every match. But before that I need to regain my confidence and put the nagging fear aside,” added Zaquan. Apart from winning the Premier League title, Armed Forces also finished runners-up in the Malaysia Cup, losing the final 3-2 to Kelantan in extra time. Fandi, a former Singapore international, had this to say about Zaquan: “I wanted to throw Zaquan into the fray and try him out in the last 10 minutes or so to see how he coped with the injury. “It was good to see him on the field but you could see that he feared going for the challenges…this is normal for any player who is coming back from injury. He is recovering well and has been undergoing rehabilitation since he joined the Johor squad two weeks ago. He should be okay.” Johor Darul Takzim open their Super League campaign with a home match against newly promoted Pahang on Jan 8 in Kuantan before taking on Perak at home in the second followed by away match against defending champions Kelantan in their third match. www.sports247.my/2012/12/zaquan-fighting-to-regain-his-confidence/ |
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Post by steamroll on Dec 15, 2012 20:02:02 GMT 8
Guiza proving too hot to handle By RIZAL ABDULLAH  Daniel Guiza (blue jersey) in action against Pelita Bandung Raya yesterday. DARUL TAKZIM’S Spanish striker Daniel Guiza has a simple message for the people of Johor which literally reads “With Love from Spain” as he plundered his 11th goal in four matches. He scored in Darul Takzim’s 2-0 win against Indonesian club Pelita Bandung Raya at the Larkin Stadium in Johor Baru last night. The win over Safee Sali’s former club took Darul Takzim’s unbeaten record to eight in pre-season friendlies played so far. Johor took the lead in the first minute through former Harimau Muda player Ahmad Muslim before Guiza delighted the crowd with his football skills to score Johor Darul Takzim’s second midway in the second half. It was a beautiful execution of dribbling skills and ball control from midfield when former Lazio player Simone Del Nero picked up a loose ball after an Indonesian came down with cramps in his own half. The Italian made inroads into the opponents’ half before relaying the ball to Guiza who left a trail of markers behind him and he drew the goalkeeper out to hit the back of the net. The goal drew fierce protests from the Indonesian bench who claimed that Johor players should have kicked the ball out for the Indonesian player (with cramps) to get medical attention. This led to a “shouting match” between Darul Takzim manager-coach Fandi Ahmad and the Indonesian coach before the duo was separated by players from both sides and match officials. Fandi later clarified that there was nothing wrong with Johor scoring the second goal because the Indonesian player came down with cramps and was not injured after a challenge or tackle. Putting that aside, Guiza, who played a full match said: “I am on a mission … to win matches and titles for my team. And I am enjoying every minute of my stay in Johor. “Don’t talk about defeats or draws … I talk only about wins. Losing or even a draw is not in my dictionary. I am happy with what is happening around me now and Johor is a great place. “The fans have been fantastic. My teammates are marvellous. Everyone is playing his role well to ensure that we are well prepared for the new season. We have a fantastic team to win titles.” Johor start their Super League campaign with an away match against newly promoted Pahang. The second match is against Perak at home before facing defending champions Kelantan in Kota Baru. www.sports247.my/2012/12/guiza-proving-too-hot-to-handle/
Coach Rajagopal leaves it to bosses on his future after Malaysia’s loss in Suzuki Cup  Coach Datuk K. Rajagopal is ready to let the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) decide on his fate after the national team’s exit from the AFF Suzuki Cup competition. Defending champions Malaysia lost 3-1 on aggregate to Thailand. But Rajagopal insists that his target has always been to ensure that Malaysia qualify for the 2015 Asian Cup. But will FAM keep him until then? FROM K. RAJAN in BANGKOK NATIONAL coach Datuk K. Rajagopal will leave it up to the FA of Malaysia (FAM) to decide on his fate after the Harimau Malaya were knocked out of the AFF Suzuki Cup semi-finals 3-1 on aggregate by Thailand on Thursday. He said that altough his team gave their best to defend the AFF Suzuki Cup crown, “my target has always been to ensure the team qualify for the 2015 Asian Cup”. “I’m contracted to FAM until the end of 2013 … so, I’ll let FAM decide on my future,” said Rajagopal. “The Suzuki Cup has ended … we brought some excitement to Malaysia and I’m happy for it. My focus now will shift to the Asian Cup qualifiers next year. I’ll continue to build a strong national team.” Rajagopal said that he would make changes to the team as they prepare for the elite Asian competition, which begins in February. Malaysia are in Group D of the qualifiers with Qatar, Bahrain and Yemen and open their campaign against Qatar on Feb 6 in Doha. The national team began the defence of their Suzuki Cup with a 3-0 loss to eventual finalists Singapore. The team’s pre-tournament build-up was also unconvincing – being held to 1-1 draws by Hong Kong and Bangladesh. Some of the players seemed to have trouble focusing on the task at hand. Goalkeeper Khairul Che Mat held a press conference to announce his wedding just four days before the opening loss to Singapore on Nov 25 . There was more distraction when strikers Norshahrul Idlan Tahala and Safee Sali were openly courted by moneybags Darul Takzim FC duri ng traini ng. As expected, the trio of Norsharul, Safee and Khairul failed to reach the lofty heights they hit in the 2010 edition, winning it for the first time. The trio were expected to lead the team but failed. However, youngsters Gary Steven Robbat, Wan Zack Haikal Wan Nor and Mohd Fadhli Shas proved that we are on the right track. The Harimau Muda A trio were given a chance and proved that they are capable of being the future of the national team. The national team were extremely unlucky this time as they were lucky in 2010. The team were hit by a string of injuries which robbed them of core players. The team also proved that they had character as they managed to turn the tables and play better under pressure. The win over Laos and Indonesia in the group stages and the draw against Thailand in the first leg of the semi-final was a testament of their steely spirit. “I’m not disappointed with the loss. The players have no reason to feel ashamed. They played well … gave it their all,” said Rajagopal. “We proved that we’re still among the most feared teams in the region with our display, although we failed to make the final. “The team have a good future and we must make sure we continue the good work. Everyone needs to work harder.” football.thestar.com.my/2012/12/15/coach-rajagopal-leaves-it-to-bosses-on-his-future-after-malaysias-loss-in-suzuki-cup/ |
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Post by steamroll on Dec 16, 2012 2:01:42 GMT 8
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Post by steamroll on Dec 16, 2012 14:48:16 GMT 8
Shahrul hits the target for Rifle Range By PENANG CORRESPONDENT A LAST-GASP equaliser against Chinese Recreation Club (CRC) allowed Rifle Range to keep alive their hopes of making the semi-finals of the Penang Under-19 Amer Yusoff Challenge Cup. Substitute Shahrul Ikhram Saad’s freekick three minutes into stoppage time allowed Rifle Range to salvage a 3-3 draw against 10-men CRC at the Polo Ground today. With runaway Group A leaders Belia Asas Bersatu (BAB) almost certain to snag one of the two semis berths, Rifle Range and CRC are jostling for the remaining ticket. CRC only have themselves to blame for letting Rifle Range off the hook despite racing to a 3-1 lead within the first half hour. Ridzuan Zakaria put Rifle Range ahead in the sixth minute but CRC hit back with goals from Ong Gee Mook (19th and 31st minutes) and Vannesh Kumaran (25th). A red card for CRC’s Low Yong Zhi early in the second half turned the tide. Fazil Abdul Rashid reduced the deficit for Rifle range in the 53rd minute before Shahrul’s late intervention rescued a point. Rifle Range hold a three-point lead over CRC, but face the unbeaten Belia Asas Bersatu in their final group tie, while CRC wrap-up their fixtures with a tie against winless Jelutong. “We made it difficult for ourselves by falling behind 1-3 but I am proud of my players for refusing to give up and fighting till the end to rescue a point,” said Rifle Range coach Rosslan Hassan. “Our fate is still in our hands now and a draw with Belia Asas Bersatu will be enough to see us through to the semis.” In Group B, Suria Kampung Melayu wasted a golden opportunity to open up a three-point lead at the top after being held 1-1 by lowly Belia 4B Sungai Gelugor. Suria hold a one-point lead over Penang Youth Sports Club and Tanjung Bungah Rangers, but have finished their fixtures and must now depend on other teams to them a favour. Results Group A: Belia Asas Bersatu 4 Jelutong 0, Rifle Range 3 CRC 3, Belia Asas Bersatu w/o Synergy 3-0. Group B: Suria Kg Melayu 5 Bukit Gelugor 1, Tg Bungah Rangers 3 PYSC 1, Belia 4B Sg Gelugor 1 Suria Kg Melayu 1. www.sports247.my/2012/12/shahrul-hits-the-target-for-rifle-range/
Perak line up three northern friendlies By RIZAL ABDULLAH PERAK, forced to cancel their playing tour of Johor and Singapore as part of their preparations for the new M-League season which kicks-off next month, will instead tour north. Coach Azraai Khor Abdullah said the silver state will now play a match each in Perlis, Kedah and Songkhla. The first match is against Perlis at Stadium Utama in Kangar tomorrow, followed with a match against Kedah in Alor Star on Dec 19. The last match is against Thai League side Songkhla United in Songkhla on Dec 21. “The trip north is a two-fold mission. Apart from gaining match practice it will also allow the Perak Stadium in Ipoh a much need rest as some minor works are being carried to repair the field,” said Azraai. Perak had earlier scheduled a trip to Johor and Singapore. However, the match against Super League outfit Johor Darul Takzim (formerly Johor FC) was called off after they were drawn to meet each other in the first round of the FA Cup. The matches in Singapore against S-League teams Balestier United and Singapore Armed Forces FC were also called off as it is the off season in Singapore while the match against Young Lions is not viable as some players are in the national team preparing for the AFF Suzuki Cup final against Thailand. www.sports247.my/2012/12/perak-line-up-three-northern-friendlies/
Fandi gives five stars a week’s leave By RIZAL ABDULLAH Fandi Ahmad THE five national players who represented the country in the AFF Suzuki Cup – strikers Safee Sali and Norshahrul Idlan Talaha, midfielder Safiq Rahim and defenders Azmi Muslim and Aidil Zafuan Abdul Radzak – will be given a week’s rest when they report for duty with Johor Darul Takzim on Monday. Manager-coach Fandi Ahmad said the five will officially start training on Dec 23 when Johor Darul Takzim start their centralised training. “The five deserve to be given a much needed break as they have been involved with the national team immediately after the Malaysia Cup,” said Fandi. Speaking after his team’s friendly against Pelita Bandung Jaya at the Larkin Stadium last night, Fandi said: “The team is shaping up well. With the return of the five, I will have my full squad to work on. “The midfield still needs beefing up. We tend to lose the ball in the engine room and this needs to be tightened. But I am pleased with the overall commitment of the players.” The team’s centralised training includes a six-team competition that is scheduled to be held in Johor Baru from Dec 26-28. However, two of the six teams – S-League sides Home United and Singapore Armed Forces FC – have pulled out, leaving only four – Johor Darul Takzim, Pahang, Johor (Premier League side) and S-League’s Woodlands Wellington. “I am trying to get two more teams replace Home United and SAFFC. A six-team tournament would be just nice,” added Fandi, a former Singapore international. www.sports247.my/2012/12/fandi-gives-five-stars-a-weeks-leave/ |
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Post by steamroll on Dec 17, 2012 17:09:41 GMT 8
Shebby Singh wants Kim Swee to be given a chance The Blackburn Rovers’ director of football believes Harimau Muda coach Ong Kim Swee is good enough to be the national team coach of Malaysia Former national team captain Serbegeth Singh has tipped Harimau Muda’s Ong Kim Swee to replace Datuk K.Rajagopal as Malaysia’s head coach, following the Malayan Tigers’ failure to defend the AFF Suzuki Cup title. Singh, better known as Shebby to local football fans, is convinced the time has come for Kim Swee to step out of Rajagopal’s shadows and lead the national team. “It’s time for Kim Swee to be given a greater responsibility,” Shebby told Harian Metro. “He’s familiar enough with our development system and if given the chance, he can combine players of two generations and put together a really strong team. But the problem is who can replace him as the Harimau Muda coach?” However, Shebby was also quick to remind that Rajagopal’s hardwork in shaping the team must not be swept aside because of what happened in the Suzuki Cup. “He’s done a lot and took us to a new level. Maybe he should be made the technical advisor - the one that oversees the whole system including the youth squad,” concluded the director of football of Blackburn Rovers. www.goal.com/en-my/news/3896/malaysia/2012/12/17/3608281/shebby-singh-wants-kim-swee-to-be-given-a-chance
Sultan Muhammad Stadium prepares better facilities for media next season Sultan Muhammad Stadium will upgrade their facilites after receiving feedbacks from media personnel Good news for the media as they will be provided with better facilities at the Sultan Muhammad Stadium, especially when making coverage for the Malaysian Football League next season. Mazram Idzam Ridzal Mahmud, the secretary of Kelab Media Kelantan Darul Naim (Kemudi), revealed that Perbadanan Stadium Kelantan (PSK) and Kelatnan Football Association (KAFA) have reached an agreement to make improvements on current facilites. Speaking to Bernama, he said "Kafa has given an assurance that it will increase the number of seats (20), provide a long table and upgrade the broadband service to media personnel who wish to use the facility at the stadium's media centre." According to Mazram, Kemudi took the initative to hold discussions with both Kafa and PSK after complaints from media personnel who found difficulty when making football coverage at the stadium before. www.goal.com/en-my/news/3896/malaysia/2012/12/17/3607726/sultan-muhammad-stadium-prepares-better-facilities-for-mediawww.goal.com/en-my/news/3896/malaysia/2012/12/17/3607726/sultan-muhammad-stadium-prepares-better-facilities-for-media
T-Team line-up practice matches with Burmese clubs The club side will leave to Myanmar tonight for pre-season training, where they will also play friendlies with several local teams Terengganu based T-Team have confirmed that they will play friendly matches with a number of Burmese clubs in Yangon next week. The one week stint is part of the club’s pre-season training plans for next season’s Malaysian Super League (MSL) campaign, under new coach Peter James Butler. Abdul Rashid Jusoh - the club’s Executive Officer, said that a hectic schedule would be awaiting the group of 30 players and officials upon their arrival in Myanmar. “When we touch down in the morning, we will hold a training session straightaway. We will then play our first game the same night,” he told Bernama. Abdul Rashid added that new import signing George Boateng will travel with the group as he is already in Kuala Lumpur. “This would be the best chance for Boateng, because he had not been able to join the other players in the friendly matches before this,” he said. T-Team, who also secured the services of former Wigan Athletic and Hull City striker Caleb Folan in the off-season, will leave for Yangon tonight. www.goal.com/en-my/news/3896/malaysia/2012/12/17/3608310/t-team-line-up-practice-matches-with-burmese-clubs |
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Post by steamroll on Dec 17, 2012 18:07:16 GMT 8
Sundram vs Fandi - Feb 19, 2013  Above photo is LionsXII coach V Sundramoorthy and Johor FA manager Fandi Ahmad (right) in Larkin. By Ali Kasim The New Paper Friday, Dec 14, 2012 Within a space of a few months, they have gone from just escaping relegation to Malaysian Super League (MSL) favourites. Led by Singapore's football darling Fandi Ahmad, Johor Darul Takzim's clash with the LionsXII is easily the most anticipated fixture of the 2013 season. The fixture list for next year was revealed yesterday at the draw ceremony at the Grand Bluewave Hotel in Shah Alam and the two teams will meeton Feb 19 at Larkin Stadium. Bankrolled by the Crown Prince of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, Fandi has signed the likes of former Spain striker Daniel Guiza and former Italy Under-21 international Simone del Nero. He has also raided reigning MSL and Malaysia Cup champions Kelantan and captured the Tigers' star forward Nurshahrul Idlan Talaha. Current Malaysia captain Safiq Rahim was wooed from Selangor and Safee Sali was signed from Indonesian club Pelita Jaya. Featuring such an array of talent, Darul Takzim will be most experts' favourites for the title. LionsXII coach V Sundramoorthy was coy about the Feb 19 affair and his match-up with former teammate Fandi. "Every team we face this year will be a challenge, whether they are Fandi's team, Kelantan or Felda," Sundram told The New Paper on tuesday. Heartbreaking The LionsXII will kick off the 2013 MSL season the way they ended this year's Malaysia Cup campaign - with a trip to ATM FA. full article at : news.asiaone.com/News/Latest%2BNews/Sports/Story/A1Story20121212-389123.html
LionsXII shake-up for SEA Game  By David Lee and Sazali Abdul Aziz The New Paper Thursday, Nov 01, 2012 SINGAPORE - The Singapore Under-23 men's football team reached the semi-finals and eventually returned home with the bronze medal at the 2007 and 2009 South-east Asia (SEA Games). At the last event in Indonesia in 2011, the team failed to even make it past the opening group stage. In a bid to win a medal again at next year's SEA Games in Myanmar, and possibly even reach the final, the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) plans to shake up the LionsXII squad. It aims to field a squad of Under-23 players in the LionsXII team, aided by five seniors, in Malaysian football's club competitions next season. Talks and negotiations with players from last season's squad began yesterday and will continue this week as the FAS seeks to finalise next season's roster. Skipper Shahril Ishak, defender Baihakki Khaizan and midfielders Shahdan Sulaiman and Isa Halim are the first-choice seniors that will be retained from this year's LionsXII squad, which started out with 29 players last December. Vacancies Vacancies will be filled by under-23 players plucked primarily from the Courts Young Lions, who play in the S-League. Players from the National Football Academy Under-18 team, who finished runners-up in the Prime League Under-23 competition recently, are expected to make the step up to S-League football. As many as 12 players from this season's LionsXII outfit - those over the age of 23 - have been left disappointed after hearing their one-year contracts will not be renewed. They now have to scramble to find new clubs. Some, like goalkeeper Hyrulnizam Juma'at, defender Irwan Shah and forward Sufian Anuar, made their name in the Malaysian Super League (MSL), while others like strikers Khairul Amri and Agu Casmir are still considered big-name players. Sufian, an unknown before the start of the year, played his way into the hearts of local fans with his whole-hearted style. Speaking to The New Paper yesterday, the 25-year-old said: "It's really disappointing and sad. "I was hoping I would get a chance to stay with the team, so I've not been talking to any other clubs. "I really thought we would get another year together (as a team), another chance to win something. "We all felt the team would come back much stronger after the pain of losing (in the Malaysia Cup semi-final to ATM) this season. But it's all over." In all likelihood, the players dropped will return to clubs in the S-League and lose the opportunity to play in the more glamorous competitions in Malaysia, which offer travel to the different states across the Causeway and eventful away matches. They could be offered LionsXII contracts if any of the five seniors the FAS wants to retain decide to head elsewhere. Another former LionsXII player, who declined to be named, said: "Some of us who are squad players have limited options. "I hope the S-League clubs won't take advantage of the situation and offer us an unreasonably low salary." Hougang United chairman Bill Ng told TNP that if his technical team recommended a player, he would have no qualms signing former LionsXII footballers. "We are a team for Singaporeans and, if these local players can help improve our side, we will also help them," he said. The LionsXII management also face a potentially tricky situation in trying to persuade Shahril, Baihakki, Shahdan and Isa to stay. While players understand that a predominantly under-23 team would be good for development, they also feel that it would make it tougher to win any silverware next season. Shahril revealed interest from Indonesian clubs yesterday and the 28-year-old said: "I have not won anything at club level and of course I want to win something before my career is over. "The LionsXII team would still have some form of experience, but the target must be to do better. "I can't confirm now whether I'm staying, as I have to look at the different offers and then consider my options." Led by coach V Sundramoorthy, the LionsXII finished second in the MSL and reached the semi-finals of the Malaysia Cup. They also reached the last eight of the Malaysian FA Cup. In response to TNP's queries, an FAS spokesman said: "FAS will be working closely with players whose contracts with LionsXII are not renewed, to assist them in continuing their professional footballing career. Full details "Full details, including the squad list, will be announced at an opportune time after the Suzuki Cup." Star defender Baihakki is also being courted by a host of clubs from Malaysia, the Philippines and the S-League. Said the 28-year-old: "It is not easy to split up after the adventures the LionsXII have been through. "But this is football, although I am open to stay with LionsXII. "Having said that, my key considerations are whether the team can challenge for honours and my family. If a good offer comes along elsewhere, I will definitely have to consider. news.asiaone.com/News/Latest%2BNews/Sports/Story/A1Story20121031-380675.html |
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Post by steamroll on Dec 17, 2012 18:41:17 GMT 8
Sabah to open campaign at home Published on: Thursday, December 13, 2012 Email to a friend Printer Friendly Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah M-League team will open their campaign in the 2013 Premier League season against KL SPA Putrajaya FC at home on Jan 7. The venue is yet to be confirmed as the Likas Stadium is still under renovation even though it is believed that work will be finished by the end of the month. However, the match against newcomers KL SPA may work well with the team as they need to get a good start with a relatively new set of players in the new season. According to Sabah's new signing Khairul Izwan Khalid who last played for T-Team, KL SPA consist of mostly junior players with only two seniors in the team. He said he was asked to attend trial with the team earlier before he received an offer from Sabah after winning over the management here during a trial. Sabah's next match is a much tougher tie on Jan 11 against Sime Darby FC who had knocked them out in the first round of the FA Cup match last season. They will have three more first round Premier league matches to play in January with NS Betaria FC (at home on Jan 14), UiTM FC (away on Jan 18) and Kedah (at home on Jan 21). They also have to play their first round of the FA Cup match against Felda United at home on Jan 26. Meanwhile, the State team may get to travel to the Peninsula for the pre-season friendly matches at the end of the month. Head coach David McCreery said they would most likely open their tour with a match against the Red Giants, Selangor followed by T-Team and another team before the start of their quest for a quick return to the Super League in the New Year. If everything goes to plan, the match against Selangor will definitely give an idea of how the new look Sabah team fare in the coming season after all the hard work done by the coaches. It will also serve as a perfect platform for new import Koh Traore from Mali who had been in explosive form during the training sessions so far whether he can truly deliver against strong oppositions. www.dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=83603
Crocs focusing on local talents by Matthew T. Umpang, reporters@theborneopost.com. Posted on December 3, 2012, Monday  TEAM UNDER CONSTRUCTION: Photo shows Sarawak players together with a handful of foreign hopefuls in a friendly match held at Stadium Negeri on Saturday. The team is still on the hunt for a striker. KUCHING: Sarawak will set to feature more local talents in the team as they bid to claw back to the Malaysia Super League (MSL) next season. With the exodus of their Peninsula-born players, there are more rooms for local talents to show their worth and also to be included in the first eleven. Almost all the local regulars are retained with the exception of striker Zamri Morshidi who had moved to Super League outfit Selangor PKNS. The 2013 team looks familiar with the task of shoring the defence lay on the proven quartet of Ramesh Lai Ban Huat, Mohd Dzulazlan Ibrahim, Mohd Hairol Mokhtar and Shahran Abdul Samad while the engine room is powered by the dynamic trio of Guy Bwele, Joseph Kalang Tie and Mohd Azizan Baba. “For the 2013 campaign, the back four will be almost similar to the 2012 line up. The combination has strike an understanding as the quartet has been playing together for some time now,” he added. In the goalkeeping department, the Crocs are sticking to the safe hands of Saiful Amar Sudar, Sani Annuar Kamsani and Aidil Mohammad. The only exception is in the destroyer role as Sarawak head coach Robert Alberts and FAS are still on a quest for the right hitman. According to him, there is still one more slot available for a local player. “This is most probably for a striker as we somewhat lacked firepower in 2012. We are looking at more options and combination to have a potent strikeforce which comprise proven local and import strikers,” said Alberts. He also disclosed that a player from Harimau Muda might be coming for trials in the coming days. As a pre-season preparation, Albert informed that the Crocs will be going on a road show, playing against top teams in Peninsular Malaysia. With astute planning and a more tactical approach, fans are seem certain to witness their beloved team playing a more fluid game that could potentially propel the Crocs to greater heights in 2013. Read more: www.theborneopost.com/2012/12/03/crocs-focusing-on-local-talents/#ixzz2FIwa6iMj |
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Post by steamroll on Dec 17, 2012 19:06:37 GMT 8
Remembering Taha, S’wak’s football maestro by Adam Firdaus, reporters@theborneopost.com. Posted on December 4, 2012, Tuesday  FOOTBALL LEGACY: The late Datuk Taha Ariffin, former president of Football Association of Sarawak (FAS) had brought state football team to great heights and his leadership was proven by the fine silverwares won which include the 1992 FA Cup, 1997 Premier League and 1998 Charity Shield. Sarawak were also the first Borneo team to compete in the 1998 Asian Winners’ Cup and even defeated Vietnam’s leading club at that time. KUCHING: It has been five years since the passing of the late Datuk Taha Ariffin, former president of Football Association of Sarawak (FAS) who is fondly remembered as the state’s football maestro. Taha, who passed away in late November 2007 at the age of 64, was instrumental in the setting up of FAS in 1974 and was president from 1997 to 2003. Sarawak was quick to stamp its mark in the national football scene and entered for the prestigious Malaysia Cup competition for the first time in 1979. The same year the state team won the Borneo Cup and for the first time ever, it qualified for the Malaysia Cup semi-finals in 1988. Under his helm, Sarawak Bujang Senang team rose from being the whipping boys of Malaysia football to become a force to be reckoned with after winning the celebrated 1992 FA Cup in Kuching and the 1997 Premier League silverwares. The late Datuk Taha Ariffin Sarawak also achieved football history after becoming the first Borneo state team to represent Malaysia internationally in the 1998 Asian Winners’ Cup and defeated a Vietnam-based club twice during their group league matches before being humbled by Asian football giant Kashima Antlers of Japan. The same year, the state team coached by Australian Alan Vest won the Charity Shield in the season opener and in 1999, Sarawak finally reached its first Malaysia Cup final but narrowly lost to neighbouring Brunei in thrilling all Borneo derby. Taha will always be remembered as the man who brought Sarawak football to its pinnacle and had the full support from the local fans that were seemingly the centre of FAS meteoric rise in Malaysia football. Read more: www.theborneopost.com/2012/12/04/remembering-taha-swaks-football-maestro/#ixzz2FJ2uHye5
Malaysia Super League: A Reason to Plan Holidays to Malaysia There is no dearth of excuses to flock to Malaysia. However, hordes of football lovers plan holidays to Malaysia during the Malaysia Super League, when the nation gets swept in the maddening frenzy of this event! Date : Thursday, February 16, 2012 Sparkling Malaysia's mind-boggling tourist entrapments, cultural diversity, pulsating nightlife, splendid shopping or events galore - excuses are infinite for digging up as much information as possible on all-inclusive luxury holiday deals to Malaysia! Over the years, plenteous airlines offering cheap tickets on flights to Malaysia have tremendously added to the popularity of this amazing destination. In fact, Malaysia leaves nothing to be desired in terms to entertainment for its visitors. Malaysia Super League is one such event that sees streams of patrons and visitors flocking to the country! This amazing event persuades football fanatics to plan holidays to Malaysia year on year to experience slice of truly Asia morphed with some pulsating on-field action! Here is a little smattering of the event for those planning holidays to witness the heart-thudding action of the Malaysia super league 2012. Football – Malaysia's Most Popular Field Sport Football is incontestably the most popular sport in Malaysia that scores considerably high on fame quotient in the country. Football fanatics often end up planning luxury holidays to Malaysia to enjoy an action-packed session in the utmost luxury of state-of-the-art Malaysian stadium! The dizzying popularity of football surely takes the centre-stage here. Different football tournaments and competitions are followed by locals and out-of-state visitors alike. Calendar full international and local football tournaments clearly depict the scale of football's popularity in Malaysia. History of football in Malaysia British introduced Malaysia to the phenomena of football and the adrenaline raising character and the natives were quick to pick up this exciting sport; and before long it became one of the nation's obsessions! Towards the later part of the 19th century, football took centre-stage in most of the sports clubs in Malaysia. However, the game remained confined to some of the major clubs in the Kuala Lumpur region. In 1921, the country hosted its first national tournament featuring all the states. This competition, known as the Malaya Cup, which was later renamed the Malaysia Cup in 1963, has witnessed phenomenal success! Subsequently, there has been no looking back for the country and there is a long list of successful football events hosted by Malaysia like the 1997 FIFA World Youth Championship and Malaysia League since 2004, just to name a few! Malaysia Super League The Malaysia Super League 2012 is the 9th electrifying season of this most popular Malaysian football league since its inception in 2004. The event is also called the Astro Liga Super Malaysia due to the sponsorship from Astro. MSL was created to burgeon forth the commercial arm of Malaysian football. MSL's key purpose is to raise sponsorship funds to further popularize this game in Malaysia. With its annual gaming season of over 1,000 scheduled matches, MSL offers an amazing platform to its sponsors and advertisers for creating brand awareness among the general public, particularly football fanatics in Malaysia! This event plays a significant role as a marketing means for the local football scene. In fact, its primary and foremost aim is to create awareness and imbues a sense of pride for this heart thudding football adventure! Initially the only teams that were allowed to participate in the event were the representing teams of the Armed Forces and the Police. In addition the other teams allowed to participate were the teams from neighbouring countries like Singapore and Brunei. However, in the recent years the top Malaysian clubs have been allowed to enter the league. In 2004, the Malaysian Super League had only 8 participating clubs, who used to play 21 matches over three rounds. However, in 2009, the teams increased from 8 to 14. Malaysia super league 2012- Dates Malaysia is all set to host the prestigious 2012 Malaysia super league championship between some of the biggest football teams in the world! The dates for MSL, one of the Malaysia's largest football gaming events have been announced. The dates for 9th season of Malaysia super league will begin on 10 January 2012 and will conclude on 14 July 2012. Malaysia super league 2012 - Teams This season of the Malaysia super league will witness a total of fourteen teams contesting the league, including eleven from the 2011 season and two promoted teams from the 2011 Malaysia Premier League. Some of the Malaysia super league teams that will be participating in the event amongst a host of other teams are Felda United FC, Kuala Lumpur FA, Singapore LIONSXII, T-Team and Kedah FA. The star teams of this iconic event will take to the field to battle for the champions' title in the opening rounds of the championship. This legendary football league bowls over the most jaded football fanatic, such that a roaring herd of patrons bought tickets on flights to Malaysia to attend the event, last year. In fact, it would be difficult to find cheap hotel deals and airfares at the time of this event. Hence, football fans willing to mark their presence in the show should be mindful of making early bookings! www.awayholidays.co.uk/holiday-guide/malaysia-super-league-a-reason-to-plan-holidays-to-malaysia/ |
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