Saturday, April 20, 2013

FC Barcelona visit to Malaysia: Get more from them

I don't care if Leo Messi couldn't make it this coming August. I don't care if the Catalan side will only sent their second team for this exhibition game.

But my greatest concern is, why FAM didn't take this opportunity to establish a warm relationship with them for the sake of football development? I heard that only our Futsal team will engage with the spanish giant in term of long term development in that sport.

How about our football? Do FAM aware that currently FCB probably have one of the best football academy in the world? I am talking about La Masia, yes indeed.

Can FAM take some pro active initiative, by establish a pre MOU for instance? I suggest our best student in SSBJ to be send to La Masia, to pursue his study and skill enhancement in football.

Provide our boys with Spanish classes, physical training, motivational aspects and etc.
This time, we need to change our vision a bit. Sent out our boys to one of the best 'Úniversity' in the world, for learning and exposure purposes only. Don't have to give an unnecessary preasure to them by pushing for a profesional contract.

If one of our best player in SSBJ could complete a one year training stint with the La Masia, i believe he will be returning home to Malaysia as a much improved player, technically at least.

Its ok to have FCB playing on our turf this coming august. We always welcome them, as far as football is concern. But i wish our Football authority to work beyond that. Think something that can give long term benefit to our local football. A win win relationship between FAM and FCB. This time from educational aspects.

Opportunity must be created, it won't happen if we just sit and wait for others to make it for you. They will come to our door, greet them with open arm, establish a new warm relationship and learn from them. If FAM couldn't see this as an opportunity, then i would say they are becoming more irrelevant for our football.

If there is a will, there will be always a way to make it happen.

Monday, April 8, 2013

Expensive lesson for JDT

A successfull side normally build from the back. Starting from the man between the stick, a consistent defence, a cohesive unit of midfielders and a formidable pair of forwards.

It is always a matter of balance in the starting lineup. Some says you can't win a game if there are too many generals in the team. For me, a winning team is about fielding the right set of players with the right set of system.

Identifying the best talents for a specific position, players with characters, and players with added value quality such as ability to perform when the team need him most.

These are the main areas i would like to talk about. And it is currently haunting JDT's expensive project in the league and also in the cup games.

Are the young goalkeepers good enough to meet the high expectations? At the moment, i would say they are talented and full with potential, but not consistent enough for the time being. They need to prove me wrong for the remainder of the season.

The JDT's back four never impressed me since day one of this season. Fandi Ahmad keep on changing personel on almost every game. In any one to one situation, Tuah Iskandar always end up being second best, or he received a card for late tackles. Is he the right player for that right back position? Going forward, i suggest Muslim Ahmad to play as a makeshift rightback. Defending is a priority, joining the attacks is a secondary.

Aidil Zafuan, Ahmad Tharmini, Kamarul Afiq should fight for the place in the heart of JDT's pair of centre backs. Most of their problems came after letting a high ball bounce in front of them. They are always struggle to win the second ball, and this give the opponent plenty of time to regain the possesion of the ball.

Not to forget the left back position. Irfan Ghani once show some promises with his talent, but his form declining recently. Another question, is the young lads good enough? or he needs more time to show his true quality?

In midfield, JDT's failure to win a game with a dominant's display always drew criticsm from sections of fans. Safiq Rahim, Reduan Nawi, Mohd Ezrie are not up to the mark so far.

While PBNJ very busy in trying to bring in the world finest players to their squad, i am strongly believe they need to pay an equal important attention to their fragile defence. They need to start looking for the right players with the right ability to meet the demand and high expectations of the games.

Friday, April 5, 2013

FAM is no longer relevant for Malaysia's football development

We are ranked 164 in the world, The Malaysian Super League still doomed within C grade league and the president has been staying in the office for 28 years without any significant  success to be proud of.

The recent article 88 issue worsen the situation, as more important football figure being charged under the said rule. And so far, nobody escaped the charges freely. I wonder if nobody could give a constructive comment on our football, then how are we going to progress?

A national team coach is the best person in this country to talk about players technical level. But if a technical people like him being barred from making any public statement in regard of any footballing issue, then this make me worry so much.

Why are they (FAM) spend so much time punishing the officials and players, but yet there is no sign that they work extra hard to improvise the quality of our domestic football?

After 28 years, we are still stucked in the South East Asia's level and continue struggling to compete at Asian level. Our clubs not eligible to play in the Afc Champions League due to the C grade of our domestic league. This is the biggest fact that for the past 28 years, our football was not moving to the right direction.

I think the time for the current leadership is up. We need a total revamp for our football administration, from the top to down. Youth development, Domestic league structure, an independent body to run the Super League, National team's vision, technical development and etc need to be revised urgently.

The Malaysian football fans deserve better than this.