The 'Guiza' Factor

Malaysian fans demand highest football quality week in week out. The majority of them are new generations of supporters with better football awareness, updated with team's selection news, keep in touch with their team transfer activities, well understood with modern days tactical strategy, and very critical in term of players technical level. 

I could say, generaly the fans has now a bit advance and very knowledgable. The pattern has changed, the consumerism change the fans to who they are becoming now. The consumer in a real market demands a good return for every of their investment/purchase. In football, Malaysian league for instant, the consumer or rather as the supporters, they expecting the best value from their money spend on match tickets, season pass, merchandising, as well as monthly Astro bill. (Astro is the main sponsor for the Super League & Premier league)

For our Football authority, whether at national level, state level or the club owner, they have to take a look at this demand and supply rules with an open heart. We are living in a world of service industry, slightly entertainment, and a healthy sporting culture. Football now emerge as the greatest sports in the world. For me, football is more than a sports. To move forward, the authority and the operator should not stick with the same approach of 10-20 years ago. They need to change as well, change and move forward to the right direction.  

To enchance, upgrade the quality of our top league, i suggest every MSL teams to invest more in high profile international players. Don't jump into the conclusion too easily. We may think the cost is so expensive to bring in a big name players to our league. But, for me, there is always a way for our MSL teams to sign at least one high profile player in each team. Look at the 'pulling' effects happening now at Larkin Stadium. Full house attendance is almost guaranteed every time JDT playing at home. The customers (The supporters) were offered a high quality product in Daniel Guiza. They came in full force to see a quality product. 

Customer loyalty (supporters loyalty) is now a secondary thing. The kids, their parents, the nearby community, and general spectators will only be loyal for something considered rewarding in nature. 

If every team in MSL investing in high profile player, so there could be 12 well known players in our league. European or top african player at their 30s still could offer a quality performance on the pitch. The likes of Fredy Kanoute (Mali), Luis Fabiano (Brazil), Nakamura (Japan), Raul (Spain), Riquelme (argentina), Ballack (Germany) and etc. MSL clubs must look for out of contract players, and make contact to the free players. 

The football authority and the operator should put more effort in term of funding and marketing strategy in order to match the salary demand by the high profile players. If they realy serious with moving forward, they should consider this as important aspect. A high quality players with big reputation and able to inspire our younger players. Massive 'pulling' factor, not just for local fans, but may upgrade our league's quality.