The new Malaysia Super League season will be starting soon on 8th January 2013 and i expecting improvement in few areas in term of football organizations, management and also the technical aspect as well.
Top of my priority list would be, Malaysia must find way to improve their position in the FIFA ranking. Currently doomed somewhere 158 or so, I expect FAM through their Technical comitee to map out a comprehensive plan for the national team. A clearer direction, continous progress and building winning momentum would help to collect valuable points. If everything going well, i expect Malaysia would reach the 130 region of FIFA ranking.
Secondly, I expect no more delay in salary payment for players and official in all leagues. Profesional organizations must deliver accordingly, as salary is the most crucial part in player's life. They need security, in time payment so that they could have a very peaceful mind and help them to concentrate on football with 100% commitment.
Third, i expect no players, officials involve in the match fixing activities. Please reject any attempt/offer from the bookies. These people are the true enemies of football. Match fixing is the largest enemy of football after the hooligans. I hope teams will pay better salary, incentives, bonuses, benefits to the players and officials. Integrity campaign should continue and consistent.
Fourth, i expect the rise numbers of attendance during Super League & Premier League games. More passionate crowd in the stadiums to support our league, our clubs, our football. I suggest teams to introduce seasonal ticket holder for supporters, so that fans could pay match tickets with discount price. This will encourage fans to be engaged with the team.
Lastly, I expect the level of match fitness and technical ability will be increased to another level. This is due to to the arrival of some top class coaches and foreign players in our Super League. Players ability on the pitch would change the larger picture of the games, as more different style of play will be deployed.
The Malaysian football fans deserve a better outcome from the Leagues, as well as from the National Team. We expect a growing graph, not a declining one.
Unfinished Business: Malaysian Football
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Big consideration for Asia Cup qualifier
No more speculation. Its time for us to get behind the national team and support them during home and away games.
In one month time, the national team will play in Doha for their Asia Cup qualifier opener. Forget the history, forget the home team's reputation. Malaysia must go there with pride and great self belief.
But i hope the team will not play with the same game plan. I don't want to see our boys spend the entire 90 minutes chasing shadows. The team need to start playing real football, keeping the ball collectively as long as they can. Do not give the ball away cheaply. To play with such higher level of technique and composure, it will require a specific set of players with specific mentality. Players who can keep the ball in close control and under extreme presure. Do we have the right players for the job?
A big consideration for the head coach is, the need to add steel and physical presence in the squad. Tall centre backs and tall striker are needed for this middle east mission. Players with great endurance to absorb an expected tough aerial challenges, great energy in one to one situation. I suggest to recall experience and much muscular players to cope with the demand of the game that will be raised by the opponent. Shukor Adan and ATM's Taj Tajuddin to be the rear guard, while rookie striker Muhd Afiq Azmi should be given a chance to play as a lone striker.
A combination of experience, technical ability, physical qualities and tactical discipline would be the key for our middle east adventure. Time to change, dare to change. My personal choice if everybody is fit and eligible:
Farizal Marlias (GK), Mahali Jasuli, Shukor Adan, Rizal Fahmi, Asraruddin putra, Gary Steven Robbart, Shakir Shaari, Nurfarhan Muhamad, S kunanlan, Nurshahrul Idlan Talaha, Muhd Afiq Azmi.
Reserve: Khairul Fahmi Che Mat, Amiridzwan Taj Tajuddin, Bunyamin Umar, Zairo, Safee Sali, Indra Putra mahyuddin, Ashaari Shamsudin.
In one month time, the national team will play in Doha for their Asia Cup qualifier opener. Forget the history, forget the home team's reputation. Malaysia must go there with pride and great self belief.
But i hope the team will not play with the same game plan. I don't want to see our boys spend the entire 90 minutes chasing shadows. The team need to start playing real football, keeping the ball collectively as long as they can. Do not give the ball away cheaply. To play with such higher level of technique and composure, it will require a specific set of players with specific mentality. Players who can keep the ball in close control and under extreme presure. Do we have the right players for the job?
A big consideration for the head coach is, the need to add steel and physical presence in the squad. Tall centre backs and tall striker are needed for this middle east mission. Players with great endurance to absorb an expected tough aerial challenges, great energy in one to one situation. I suggest to recall experience and much muscular players to cope with the demand of the game that will be raised by the opponent. Shukor Adan and ATM's Taj Tajuddin to be the rear guard, while rookie striker Muhd Afiq Azmi should be given a chance to play as a lone striker.
A combination of experience, technical ability, physical qualities and tactical discipline would be the key for our middle east adventure. Time to change, dare to change. My personal choice if everybody is fit and eligible:
Farizal Marlias (GK), Mahali Jasuli, Shukor Adan, Rizal Fahmi, Asraruddin putra, Gary Steven Robbart, Shakir Shaari, Nurfarhan Muhamad, S kunanlan, Nurshahrul Idlan Talaha, Muhd Afiq Azmi.
Reserve: Khairul Fahmi Che Mat, Amiridzwan Taj Tajuddin, Bunyamin Umar, Zairo, Safee Sali, Indra Putra mahyuddin, Ashaari Shamsudin.
Saturday, December 15, 2012
2 biggest failure by Harimau Malaya
Deep disappointment still dominating our feelings since that tragic elimination day in Bangkok. But to face the reality, we must soldier on. The fact that our team were not properly prepared for this year's edition.
Poor results in friendlies, poor players selection and poor tactics lead us to where we are now. We must have the courage to forget the defeat, keep our heads up, and look forward to the future. But the team's management must look into these 2 biggest letdown. I can't say it was something can't be forgiven, but the management and the players must think about this seriuosly...and they owed us big time!
Firstly, the failure to defend the cup. The biggest reason behind it was because poor players selection. Thailand have around 6 to 7 players from their Thai Premier League champions, Mhuang Thong FC. While Malaysia have only one treble winner player in the starting eleven. The squad selection largely based on past reputation, rather than based on merit or current form.
Our engine room were marshalled by an out of form Selangor playmaker, who finished the 2012 season empty handed. He himself dropped several times by Irfan Bakti during the season eventhough he was fit to play. His fellow midfielder was struggling domesticaly with the relegated Kedah. So much talk about the absence of so many treble winners Kelantan players, notably Badhri Radzi, Indra Putra and Norfarhan Mohd.
For me, the national team must be build around a winning club in the league. The Malaysian head coach was never tried Badhri, Indra and Farhan during the team's friendly games. Why? Can you imagine if Badhri, Shakir Shaari, Indra and Farhan playing for Harimau Malaya? It would be totaly different tune of football, a more inventive side which is always looked hungry for success.
Secondly, The team failed to respect the fans by not wearing BLACK & YELLOW Jersey. A true colour of a tiger. If any of you think that this is not supposed to be an issue at first place, then you might need to remember that thousands of fans spend their money to buy the original kit of BLACK & YELLOW from the day it was launched by the main sponsor.
Majority of fans came to the stadium with the B&Y kit, they came with passion, pride and sense of belonging to the team. And majority of them frustrated every time the team came out of the tunnel wearing the blue kit. Does the team management aware of this? or they just ignored the ultras message everytime we sang the Negaraku? The big Tifo displaying a giant B&Y jersey was an indication how much its mean to the fans by wearing that shirt.
These 2 failure need to be addressed urgently. The fans deserve a better performance. The team owed us big time. Please rectify these failures before next year's Asia Cup qualifier which wil be started in february.
Poor results in friendlies, poor players selection and poor tactics lead us to where we are now. We must have the courage to forget the defeat, keep our heads up, and look forward to the future. But the team's management must look into these 2 biggest letdown. I can't say it was something can't be forgiven, but the management and the players must think about this seriuosly...and they owed us big time!
Firstly, the failure to defend the cup. The biggest reason behind it was because poor players selection. Thailand have around 6 to 7 players from their Thai Premier League champions, Mhuang Thong FC. While Malaysia have only one treble winner player in the starting eleven. The squad selection largely based on past reputation, rather than based on merit or current form.
Our engine room were marshalled by an out of form Selangor playmaker, who finished the 2012 season empty handed. He himself dropped several times by Irfan Bakti during the season eventhough he was fit to play. His fellow midfielder was struggling domesticaly with the relegated Kedah. So much talk about the absence of so many treble winners Kelantan players, notably Badhri Radzi, Indra Putra and Norfarhan Mohd.
For me, the national team must be build around a winning club in the league. The Malaysian head coach was never tried Badhri, Indra and Farhan during the team's friendly games. Why? Can you imagine if Badhri, Shakir Shaari, Indra and Farhan playing for Harimau Malaya? It would be totaly different tune of football, a more inventive side which is always looked hungry for success.
Secondly, The team failed to respect the fans by not wearing BLACK & YELLOW Jersey. A true colour of a tiger. If any of you think that this is not supposed to be an issue at first place, then you might need to remember that thousands of fans spend their money to buy the original kit of BLACK & YELLOW from the day it was launched by the main sponsor.
Majority of fans came to the stadium with the B&Y kit, they came with passion, pride and sense of belonging to the team. And majority of them frustrated every time the team came out of the tunnel wearing the blue kit. Does the team management aware of this? or they just ignored the ultras message everytime we sang the Negaraku? The big Tifo displaying a giant B&Y jersey was an indication how much its mean to the fans by wearing that shirt.
These 2 failure need to be addressed urgently. The fans deserve a better performance. The team owed us big time. Please rectify these failures before next year's Asia Cup qualifier which wil be started in february.
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Thailand + referee (2) - Malaysia (0)
Malaysia failed to defend the cup after shown the door by the unsporting host country Thailand.
Poor training facility, poor pitch for a semi final international game, and a suprising aid to Thailand from the match referee.
I don't have to discuss on the 43rd minutes incident, i believe everybody saw what happened after series of tv replays. Fadhli shas was unfairly booked for his first card, and did not deserved for the second yellow as well. There was no hard physical contact made between him and that provocative Thai midfielder.
For me, it was the turning point. Playing for the entire 45 minutes with 10 men behind the ball were very tiring. Malaysian players were hardly to play the usual passing game due to the extreme nature of the pitch, very poor surface and very unfit to host an international football game.
I can't blame any Malaysian players, they were working hard. Azamuddin Akil, Nurshahrul, Baddrol, Khyril and gave their all but tonight was not our night. I am very dissapointed with the quality of match officials, they robbed the game from Malaysia. Perhaps AFF should look into this seriously.
Poor training facility, poor pitch for a semi final international game, and a suprising aid to Thailand from the match referee.
I don't have to discuss on the 43rd minutes incident, i believe everybody saw what happened after series of tv replays. Fadhli shas was unfairly booked for his first card, and did not deserved for the second yellow as well. There was no hard physical contact made between him and that provocative Thai midfielder.
For me, it was the turning point. Playing for the entire 45 minutes with 10 men behind the ball were very tiring. Malaysian players were hardly to play the usual passing game due to the extreme nature of the pitch, very poor surface and very unfit to host an international football game.
I can't blame any Malaysian players, they were working hard. Azamuddin Akil, Nurshahrul, Baddrol, Khyril and gave their all but tonight was not our night. I am very dissapointed with the quality of match officials, they robbed the game from Malaysia. Perhaps AFF should look into this seriously.
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Stalemate in KL...as the 'War Elephant' survived from the intimidating Bukit Jalil roar.
Malaysia 1 - Thailand 1
The biggest game in south east asia, and probably the most long awaited football match between the two major football powerhouse in the region, blessed with the heavy rain poured on KL city few hours prior the kick off.
Massive traffic congestions on route to the stadium indicating strong support for the home team, as the fans put their effort to back the team. A nightmare to remember for Thailand was something certain.
75,000 loyal 'Harimau Malaya' supporters showcased the magnificent support with the electrifying atmosphere created around the ground. Thailand players regularly struggled to communicate due to the extreme level of noise generated. And they looked nervous for the opening 20 minutes.
However, the home team failed to capitalised this, the game stayed 0-0 at half time.
With the limitation faced by Dato' due to injuries and some players not 100% fit, I am fully understood why he was forced to field 4-5-1 as Nurshahrul played upfront alone.
The team managed to compete on one to one basis, i have to admire the wonderful work done by Amar Rohidan and Gary Steven Robbart. Baddrol Bakhtiar have little to offer by playing out wide, some of his touches and vision seems faded away. He need to move away and play for bigger Super League clubs to improve his game.
Despite took the lead 2 minutes after the interval, the home team never looked threatening to double up the lead. Malaysia lost the grip of the game when Dato' revert back to his favourite 4-4-2 as Safee Sali joined Nurshahrul Idlan in attack. The substitution weaken the midfield as Safiq Rahim obviously lack of pace in tracking back the Thailand attackers. They were outnumbered in midfield and that was the turning point where Thailand finally got a grip to the game and has started to play at their strength.
The visiting team slowly building confidence as they sprayed the ball around to stretch Malaysia out wide. The well taken header by Teerasil in 75'minutes was a deserved one to be fair. Malaysia allowed Thailand to increase their influence in the game, oftenly saw the ball moving across in front of the 'D' area. That equaliser also exposed the lack of height in the Malaysian centre backs pair.
There were couple of chances for Safee and Nurshahrul, but a good goalkeeping saved Thailand. A big task for Harimau Malaya in the return leg, as they need a win to progress. A nil nil draw will end Malaysia's campaign in their bid to defend the cup.
I also take this opportunity, to condemn those irresponsible hooligans who launched firecracker towards a section of visiting Thais supporters, and those who launched Lazer attack on the pitch.
The biggest game in south east asia, and probably the most long awaited football match between the two major football powerhouse in the region, blessed with the heavy rain poured on KL city few hours prior the kick off.
Massive traffic congestions on route to the stadium indicating strong support for the home team, as the fans put their effort to back the team. A nightmare to remember for Thailand was something certain.
75,000 loyal 'Harimau Malaya' supporters showcased the magnificent support with the electrifying atmosphere created around the ground. Thailand players regularly struggled to communicate due to the extreme level of noise generated. And they looked nervous for the opening 20 minutes.
However, the home team failed to capitalised this, the game stayed 0-0 at half time.
With the limitation faced by Dato' due to injuries and some players not 100% fit, I am fully understood why he was forced to field 4-5-1 as Nurshahrul played upfront alone.
The team managed to compete on one to one basis, i have to admire the wonderful work done by Amar Rohidan and Gary Steven Robbart. Baddrol Bakhtiar have little to offer by playing out wide, some of his touches and vision seems faded away. He need to move away and play for bigger Super League clubs to improve his game.
Despite took the lead 2 minutes after the interval, the home team never looked threatening to double up the lead. Malaysia lost the grip of the game when Dato' revert back to his favourite 4-4-2 as Safee Sali joined Nurshahrul Idlan in attack. The substitution weaken the midfield as Safiq Rahim obviously lack of pace in tracking back the Thailand attackers. They were outnumbered in midfield and that was the turning point where Thailand finally got a grip to the game and has started to play at their strength.
The visiting team slowly building confidence as they sprayed the ball around to stretch Malaysia out wide. The well taken header by Teerasil in 75'minutes was a deserved one to be fair. Malaysia allowed Thailand to increase their influence in the game, oftenly saw the ball moving across in front of the 'D' area. That equaliser also exposed the lack of height in the Malaysian centre backs pair.
There were couple of chances for Safee and Nurshahrul, but a good goalkeeping saved Thailand. A big task for Harimau Malaya in the return leg, as they need a win to progress. A nil nil draw will end Malaysia's campaign in their bid to defend the cup.
I also take this opportunity, to condemn those irresponsible hooligans who launched firecracker towards a section of visiting Thais supporters, and those who launched Lazer attack on the pitch.
Thursday, December 6, 2012
The threat of Thailand's Triquetra
The first semi final clash in KL this sunday will have a big influence on the return leg four days later. Thailand will be arrived as firm favourite for this tie as they sealed their group campaign on maximum points.
Their solid back three, supported by reliable pair of wingbacks and protected by the ever effective trio midfielders are Thailand's formidable foundations in this years's edition. Everybody keep talking about Teerasil Dangda and his goalscoring form, but i am more interested in discussing on how to prevent the pass from reaching into his foot.
Thailand displayed a brand of football which i described as 'one level above' the south east asia quality of football. I am a big admirer for Thai Premier League as their clubs constantly involve in the AFC Champions League. The 'War Elephants' always produced decent result in friendlies and the world cup qualifiers. These consistency help them to build a better squad since 2010.
The other reason on why i admire their TPL and also their football philosophy is that simply because the level of technique and fluid tactical execution on the pitch have made the difficult task looked easy by them. Its very rare to see Thailand play long and aimless ball, but its something certain that they will find way to play the ball across the floor all the time.
Thailand's main threat will come from deep, the back three will start the move and looking for one of their main link-man, most notably Adul Lahsoh. He is the one who connect the defence into attack. Sit in front of the back three, for me he is the steel in the Thailand's team. Great energy, timely tackle, magnificently closed down the opponents and release the ball early to launch the attack. Malaysia need to stop this guy if we want to see a quiet night for Teerasil.
In the middle of the park, Thailand normally deployed 2 other midfielders beside Adul. If they stick with the previous line up, it would be a triquetra of Adul - Sumanya - Apipoo. These three midfielders are the heart of Thailand's strength as they build their game around them. These are the true supply line for Teerasil beside the wingbacks. For me, their midfielders neat footwork and range of passing skills will be the absolute threat for the Malaysians. If Thailand can secure their authority in midfield, then i would say they will win the game.
For me, the Thais are the favourite for this mouthwatering clash and they are coming to town in great confidence.
Their solid back three, supported by reliable pair of wingbacks and protected by the ever effective trio midfielders are Thailand's formidable foundations in this years's edition. Everybody keep talking about Teerasil Dangda and his goalscoring form, but i am more interested in discussing on how to prevent the pass from reaching into his foot.
Thailand displayed a brand of football which i described as 'one level above' the south east asia quality of football. I am a big admirer for Thai Premier League as their clubs constantly involve in the AFC Champions League. The 'War Elephants' always produced decent result in friendlies and the world cup qualifiers. These consistency help them to build a better squad since 2010.
The other reason on why i admire their TPL and also their football philosophy is that simply because the level of technique and fluid tactical execution on the pitch have made the difficult task looked easy by them. Its very rare to see Thailand play long and aimless ball, but its something certain that they will find way to play the ball across the floor all the time.
Thailand's main threat will come from deep, the back three will start the move and looking for one of their main link-man, most notably Adul Lahsoh. He is the one who connect the defence into attack. Sit in front of the back three, for me he is the steel in the Thailand's team. Great energy, timely tackle, magnificently closed down the opponents and release the ball early to launch the attack. Malaysia need to stop this guy if we want to see a quiet night for Teerasil.
In the middle of the park, Thailand normally deployed 2 other midfielders beside Adul. If they stick with the previous line up, it would be a triquetra of Adul - Sumanya - Apipoo. These three midfielders are the heart of Thailand's strength as they build their game around them. These are the true supply line for Teerasil beside the wingbacks. For me, their midfielders neat footwork and range of passing skills will be the absolute threat for the Malaysians. If Thailand can secure their authority in midfield, then i would say they will win the game.
For me, the Thais are the favourite for this mouthwatering clash and they are coming to town in great confidence.
The wrath of Harimau Malaya
Malaysia 2 - Indonesia 0
It was pure pleasure watching the dismantled Indonesian team went home, eliminated by our national team. In this side of the world, our rivalry could be as volatile as Egypt - Algeria african derby. But tonight, the team showed greater togetherness, unity and hard work to achieve the badly needed 3 points. And we successfully did that, as the result shows that our football are better than them for the past 3 years.
Strong 70,000 home support gave Malaysia extra injection in term of energy level produced on the pitch. Safiq Rahim showed some improvement by making great effort in chasing loose ball, something he rarely do in the past.
The much questioned Wan Zack Haikal answered his critics by performed brilliantly alongside Man Of The Match Mahali Jasuli on the right flank.
Zubir Azmi did well containing Andik Vermansyah's threat for the entire game, Fadhli Shas consistency remind me of Italy's Andrea Barzagli, While Azamuddin Akil repay his coach's faith by scoring the opener.
But i am still not happy with Safee Sali's performance. Sometimes looked rusty, sometimes looked playfull, and my concern was that he is loosing the predatory instinct in the six yard box. Nurshahrul Idlan's determination was still not enough to justify his Most Valuable Player tag so far.
The players and Malaysian fans deserved to celebrate this victory for at least 24 hours, before they need to focus on semi final clash against Thailand. After all of the provocations by Indonesian supporter's, this sweet victory is the best way to silent the garudas. Garuda have received the backlash from the wrath of HARIMAU MALAYA!
It was pure pleasure watching the dismantled Indonesian team went home, eliminated by our national team. In this side of the world, our rivalry could be as volatile as Egypt - Algeria african derby. But tonight, the team showed greater togetherness, unity and hard work to achieve the badly needed 3 points. And we successfully did that, as the result shows that our football are better than them for the past 3 years.
Strong 70,000 home support gave Malaysia extra injection in term of energy level produced on the pitch. Safiq Rahim showed some improvement by making great effort in chasing loose ball, something he rarely do in the past.
The much questioned Wan Zack Haikal answered his critics by performed brilliantly alongside Man Of The Match Mahali Jasuli on the right flank.
Zubir Azmi did well containing Andik Vermansyah's threat for the entire game, Fadhli Shas consistency remind me of Italy's Andrea Barzagli, While Azamuddin Akil repay his coach's faith by scoring the opener.
But i am still not happy with Safee Sali's performance. Sometimes looked rusty, sometimes looked playfull, and my concern was that he is loosing the predatory instinct in the six yard box. Nurshahrul Idlan's determination was still not enough to justify his Most Valuable Player tag so far.
The players and Malaysian fans deserved to celebrate this victory for at least 24 hours, before they need to focus on semi final clash against Thailand. After all of the provocations by Indonesian supporter's, this sweet victory is the best way to silent the garudas. Garuda have received the backlash from the wrath of HARIMAU MALAYA!
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