Kelantan and Selangor remain favourites for MSL 2013 season

Everybody are so excited, can't wait for the new season's kick off. Transfer news has been the most dominating talking point for football fans nationwide. I can't remember when was the last time Malaysia's domestic league received so many public attention especialy in term of transfer related activities.

For those who have decided to take a closer look on Malaysian football for the first time, let me share with you the teams that i thought as tittle challenger for the upcoming Malaysian Super League 2013 season.

3. Johor Darul Takzim FC: Backed by a strong financial support, Johor DTFC secured the service of core national team players such as Safiq Rahim, Nurshahrul Idlan Talaha, Safee Sali, Aidil Zafuan, Zaquan Adha and Azmi Muslim. The southern tiger also signed talented players such as Muslim Ahmad and Nurul Azwan Roya. The greatest bargain so far is the signing of Spain Euro 2008 winner Dani Guiza from Getafe, and former SS Lazio Midfielder Simone Del Nero. But on top of that, They've invested on a solid back room staff lead by manager & head coach Fandi Ahmad. The FC Gronigen legend is an experience coach previously with Singapore and Indonesian clubs. Legendary Selangor and Malaysia defender Ismail Ibrahim will be Fandi's assistant while goalkeeper legend Khairul Azman Mohammed in charge of the GK department.

Despite all this massive signings, i still believe JDT need time to be mould as a solid team. The best eleven, the best formation and the most suitable style of play need to be identified. I expect they will drop few points in the early stage of the campaign, and only battling with serious contention on the final phase of the league. True momentum could be obtained during the later part, most probably in the Malaysia Cup.

2. Selangor: The household name in Malaysian  football for decades. This season, coach Irfan Bakti finaly get the 'squad' that he want. The departure of 'surplus to the requirement' players in the likes of Amirulhadi, Azidan, Razman, Gunalan, Safiq, Bosko Balaban and etc. gave him the opportunity to build a squad according to his plan. Irfan is widely known as a strict coach and emphasize on great team work. I expect there will be less off the pitch trouble for this season. I also predict the next big thing for Selangor would be: towering centre forward Muhd Afiq Azim who was signed from KL. He and Liberian goal king Forkey Doe would be a pair of nightmare for any defenders. Quality supply is guaranteed when  Amri Yahyah play just behind the pair, i expect Irfan will give him a free role to orchestrate the midfield.

Fans favourite Mahali Jasuli's arrival means that an attack coming down from the right flank promises an excitement and full with entertainment. The return from injury of Asrarudin Putra Omar and K Gurusamy will add balance to the team, while Malaysian international S Kunanlan's pace and trickery give extra options for Irfan Bakti in attack. Looks like Selangor will have a better, promising season ahead. I will not suprise if they could win the tittle, but for time being i regard them as second favourite.

1. Kelantan: The Champions and treble winners last season. Despite loosing a big numbers of players such as Nurshahrul, Nurul Azwan, Mohd Ghaddar, S Chanturu, Ramzul and Afiq, but i still regard them as firm favourite for the Super League tittle. This is due to the fact that they are an experience team, played together for the past 4 years and now they used to win matches even they are not playing well.

Head coach Bojan Hodak is a good coach and he always make wise decision on team rotation. The selection policy normaly based on the starting eleven that have extra chance to win games, and his tactics paid off last season when he guided the team on winning 3 tittles. This season The Red Warriors will be streghten by Keita Mandjou, Zairo, Faiz Subri and Haris Safwan. The pillar of the team such as Badhri Radzi, Shakir Shaari, Khairul Fahmi Che Mat, Daudsu Jamaludin, Indra Putra Mahyuddin, Norfarhan Mohd, Aziz Ismail, S Subramaniam and Obinna will ensure the team's style of play remain in tact. I expect the Red Warriors to be the favourite to retain the league tittle.

For fans out there, plan your time and money. Get to the nearest stadium and support your team. Lets Support local football, lets support Malaysian  football.