Once tagged as a bad boy, but this season he is back with style. For so long in this country we have not seen a midfielder with a considerable attractive and complete package to offer for the fans. He has made a good decision by leaving Selangor and start a new life in Kuantan, working under the great Dolah Salleh.
AmirulHadi Zainal impressed me a lot this season with the newly promoted Pahang. At first, i was unsure with his new anchor role in Pahang Midfield. From a winger now transformed into a defensive but all rounder midfielder. I got to admit there are not so many players in the modern football world managed to do that. The least i can remember is Juventus's Andrea Pirlo who played as a forward in his early days, and then found a new life as a defensive playmaker with Inter and Ac Milan.
Reasonably tall, very mobile type of player, improved with his tackling, great sight on goal, technicaly improved with his range of passing, AmirulHadi is quick becoming a fans favourite in Darul Makmur stadium and fit in well with Dolah's philosophy.
The latest finding in his quality is, his composure with the ball and the way he orchestrated Pahang's midfield from deep. He is told to keep the ball longer to allow the rest creating some spaces. The most interesting part is that he was regularly pass the ball on the floor, short and precise. Received, shielded, turned, looked up and decide where to pass.
AmirulHadi's new role remind me of former Argentina and Real Madrid star, Fernando Redondo. Well done coach Dolah, for bringing the best out of his player. I wish Amirul could maintain his consistency, stay out of any unnecessary off the pitch trouble and stay fit. In him, now we may have additional options in midfield for Harimau Malaya. Hope Datuk Rajagobal will recognize his rennaisance in football.
Unfinished Business: Malaysian Football
Saturday, January 19, 2013
Saturday, January 12, 2013
A new dawn for a new 'Malaysian El Classico'
Malaysia's new year Mega blockbuster: Kelantan Vs Johor DTFC
Some say it is a shift of power, some predicts the game as a personal battle for certain people but for me, this fixture will become a new chapter for the biggest rivalry in Malaysia's modern day domestic football.
Considered as 'potentialy explosive' fixture due to the off season transfer saga involving national striker Nurshahrul Idlan Talaha, many believes it will be played at the highest quality. Badhri Radzi and Shakir Shaari are expected to continue with their routine outstanding display in the middle of the park, while Indra Putra, Nurfarhan Muhd and Zairo Anuar will add variety in attack.
Johor DTFC will enter the game with one win and one loss, with fans growing concern on the team's performance and consistency. Spain's Dani Guiza still looking for his first account in the Super League, while Simone Del Nero reportedly struggling with match fitness after return from injury.
Both set of fans has started the unofficial rivalry through the social media, shirts and other merchandising products business on the rise, full house attendance so far for the defending champions and also at the Larkin.
So far, Sultan Muhamad the Fourth stadium in Kota Bharu and Larkin Stadium in Johor Bahru recorded the highest attendance in this year's Malaysian Super League. There is no football if there is no fans. A club rivalry normaly depend on the size of supporters and the impact of the game's result on them. That's why i regard this match as the new 'Malaysian el Classico'.
Nobody dare to read the next day newspaper if their team at the losing end.
On football aspect, i expect a fast pace game with aggresive high line pressing by both side. Both team need the three points to keep the pace with leaders such as Pahang and Singapore's Lions12.
Can't wait for tuesday, for me this is the biggest fixture for a domestic league anywhere in the world. Not only significant for the supporters, but for the national team as well.
Some say it is a shift of power, some predicts the game as a personal battle for certain people but for me, this fixture will become a new chapter for the biggest rivalry in Malaysia's modern day domestic football.
Considered as 'potentialy explosive' fixture due to the off season transfer saga involving national striker Nurshahrul Idlan Talaha, many believes it will be played at the highest quality. Badhri Radzi and Shakir Shaari are expected to continue with their routine outstanding display in the middle of the park, while Indra Putra, Nurfarhan Muhd and Zairo Anuar will add variety in attack.
Johor DTFC will enter the game with one win and one loss, with fans growing concern on the team's performance and consistency. Spain's Dani Guiza still looking for his first account in the Super League, while Simone Del Nero reportedly struggling with match fitness after return from injury.
Both set of fans has started the unofficial rivalry through the social media, shirts and other merchandising products business on the rise, full house attendance so far for the defending champions and also at the Larkin.
So far, Sultan Muhamad the Fourth stadium in Kota Bharu and Larkin Stadium in Johor Bahru recorded the highest attendance in this year's Malaysian Super League. There is no football if there is no fans. A club rivalry normaly depend on the size of supporters and the impact of the game's result on them. That's why i regard this match as the new 'Malaysian el Classico'.
Nobody dare to read the next day newspaper if their team at the losing end.
On football aspect, i expect a fast pace game with aggresive high line pressing by both side. Both team need the three points to keep the pace with leaders such as Pahang and Singapore's Lions12.
Can't wait for tuesday, for me this is the biggest fixture for a domestic league anywhere in the world. Not only significant for the supporters, but for the national team as well.
Thursday, January 3, 2013
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.
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.
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Expectations for the new season
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.
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.
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.
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