Kepada pencinta bolasepak tanahair veteran, mereka pasti menyimpan pelbagai jenis kenangan manis bila disebut saja Pestabola Merdeka. Samada kejohanan tersebut diadakan di Stadium Merdeka, mahupun pada era moden di Stadium Shah Alam, pasti peminat-peminat veteran ini tadi mampu berkongsi kisah-kisah menarik yang pernah mereka lalui.
Biarkanlah kenangan yang indah itu tersemat di dalam hati kita. Untuk generasi hari ini dan seterusnya, sudah tiba masanya supaya kita rencanakan sesuatu yang lebih bermakna. Saya cadangkan, apa kata Pestabola Merdeka ini diberi peranan yang lebih luas di masa hadapan? bukan setakat kejohanan untuk menyambut hari kemerdekaan, malah saya mahu lihat kejohanan ini berperanan lebih penting dari itu, terutamanya dari aspek pembangunan bolasepak tempatan.
Cadangan saya:
(1) Pestabola Merdeka akan menjadi kejohanan jemputan khusus untuk pasukan bawah 23 tahun atau bawah 21 tahun. 'Friendly tournament' for Under 23 and under 21 sides.
(2) Pestabola Merdeka akan diadakan setiap dua tahun, terutamanya pada tahun yang sama dengan Sukan SEA. Ini sebagai persiapan terakhir buat skuad bawah 23 tahun sebelum bersaing di sukan SEA.
(3) Penganjur Pestabola Merdeka dicadangkan untuk menjemput pasukan bawah 23 atau 21 tahun dari negara yang terletak di luar dari Asia Tenggara. Lagi tinggi kualitinya, lagi bagus. Sebagai contoh: Skuad U21 Korea Selatan, U21 Australia, U21 Brazil dan lain-lain.
Dengan cadangan-cadangan di atas, diharapkan proses pembangunan pemain bawah 23 tahun dan 21 tahun negara akan lebih tersusun. Malah, Pestabola Merdeka akan dilihat sebagai kejohanan peringkat umur yang bermutu tinggi, lebih berprestij dan dinantikan oleh negara luar.
Untuk skuad senior negara, biarlah rancangan perlawanan persahabatan di atur di saluran yang berbeza. Seperti merancang perlawanan persahabatan dua tahun lebih awal, agar kalendar bolasepak dapat diurus dengan lebih teliti.
Unfinished Business: Malaysian Football
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Sunday, August 4, 2013
Watsons Malaysia Cup 2013: Group D
Personaly, i am against the idea of having an invitational club in our domestic football league or cup competition. I hope they (FAM) will not extend the contract with their counterpart in singapore (FAS) for the 'team exchange' program.
To improve league competitiveness, FAM should look from other perspective, such as the much awaited clubs and league privatisation. But today i won't say much on that issue. I will elaborate more on the privatisation issue next time.
Lets take a look on the teams competing in group D.
1. LionsXII: I don't blame them for winning the Malaysian Super League. We take the risk when we invited an invitational club into our league. Enough with the JBS pitch issue, Malaysian clubs should take extra blame for not able to compete at JBS for two seasons!
Sundramoorthy choose to play with effective football. Less beauty, but good enough to secure the three points at home and at least a point on away game.
Absorb the presure, and launch an effective counter attack is their main game plan. Shahril Ishak surely will be involved in that process, cleverly hold the ball while waiting for the supportive runs from the rest. He is the main man behind every Lions move. Clamp him down and 60% of your problem will be solved. Another threat always come from set pieces. Baihakki Khaizan and Safuwan are the main targets. Coaches needs to figure out on how to prevent their aerial threat. I predict they will march for the next stage.
Key players: Izwan Mahbud, Baihakki Khaizan, Harris Harun, Isa Halim, Shahril Ishak, Saiful Esah, Fariz Nawaz.
2. Perak: Predictably inconsistent throughout the season. It may due to injury to some of the important player such as S Chanturu. They also have problem with the foreign striker before the arrival of Paolo Rangel. Azraai Khor men usualy played with 4-4-2 direct formation, and they are quite aggresive with pressings.
If they could have an injury free squad, i believe Perak on their good day, will be a hard side to beat. I would like to see Hadi Yahya to be back on his predatory form in front of goal. It is important for any local players to improve and sometimes could outshine the foreign pros. I think Perak have slim chance to qualify.
Key players: Farizal Marlias, Rafael, Shahrulnizam Mustafa, S Chanturu, Paolo Rangel, Hadi Yahya, Yong Kong Yong
3. Sarawak: A rising team under brilliant tactician Robert Alberts. Can't wait to see them on this year's edition. Unbeaten in the premier league, i am sure Sarawak will carry on their fine form into Malaysia cup.
I am big fans of Joseph Kalang Tie, a left footed wizard who can operate on either flank, or as an attacking midfielder behind the striker. Sarawak are blessed to have this kind of intelligent player, and i believe he will be the main man to spark the attacks. With passionate supporters, i think Sarawak will acompany LionsXII to the quarter final.
Key players: Saiful Amar, Ronny Harun, Guy Bwele, Joseph Kalang Tie, Bobby Gonzales, Muamer Salibasic, Junior Eldstal, Ashri Chuchu.
4. Kedah: A sleeping giant from the north. Traditionaly one of the big sides in Malaysian football. The declining trend of Kedah may be due to management's lack of ambition or lack of funds available for quality signings.
The appointment of new Kedah FA president, Dato Seri Mukhriz Mahathir could offer some hope of revival in the near future. I also hope Kedah could make immediate return to the country's top flight.
Tacticaly, Kedah still have a decent line up. The biggest concern should be how to stop conceeding a goal. A more compact formation could be the best solution, or play with the back three can be considered as well. With current form taken into considerations, i don't think Kedah could make it.
Key players: Sabree Abu, Khyril Muhymeen, Baddrol Bakhtiar, Akmal Rizal, Alen Guc, Nelson Martin, Faizal Abu Bakar.
Saturday, August 3, 2013
Watsons Malaysia Cup 2013: Group C
Some called it as the group of east coast. For the past 3 to 4 years, east coast sides proved significant progress in all aspects. They produced so many talented players at all level. Take a look at the Harimau Muda set up, you can find so many young players either from Kelantan, Terengganu or Pahang.
It is very unfortunate for the three east coast giants drawn in the same group. And it is also very unfortunate for the relegated Negeri Sembilan found themself sit in this tough group.
Group C:
1. Kelantan: Finaly found their best form towards the end of the Super League campaign. The FA cup triumph delivered mammoth relief and increase their confidence level, in the dressing room at least. Goalscoring form has been encouraging lately, with Dickson enjoying his lone striker role upfront. The elimination from the AFC Cup also contributing to The Red Warriors recovery. Because of lesser amount of tough fixtures, Bojan Hodak now can focus on this Malaysia cup campaign. Thats mean, lesser tinkering to the squad and the starting eleven.
We all know the quality possesed by the midfield pair of Badhri Radzi and Shakir Shaari. Physically, the pair looked better after that AFC cup exit, and they are back to normal business. With the likes of Faiz Subri, Nur Farhan Mohd and experienced Indra Putra Mahyuddin, The Red Warriors still have the ability to go far in this competition.
Key players: Khairul Fahmi Che Mat, Nik Shahrul Azim, Badhri Radzi, Nur Farhan Mohd, Obinna, Dickson.
2. Pahang: The biggest comeback in M League this year. Gained promotion last year, Dollah Salleh's young squad continue with their impressive attacking philosophy. Build around young and pacey players, Pahang always dangerous when the ball at Gopi's feet. I would like to congratulate Dollah for his work in moulding a new midfield combination in the likes of Amirulhadi Zainal and Hafiz Kamal.
I regard Hafiz Kamal as the next star midfield in the making, if he is to be coached in the right direction continously, and consistently. Elegant left foot, comfortable with the ball, great vision and ability to execute the defence-splitting-pass, his natural playmaking display impressed me this year.
Key players: Nasril Nordin, Razman Roslan, Damian Steward, Amirulhadi Zainal, Hafiz Kamal, Gopi, Matias Conti, Azamuddin Akil.
3. Terengganu: Another dissapointing league campaign by a talented side as Terengganu. Most of the game played in the afternoon, with some players and coaches thought that it was the biggest factor why Ellavarasan side struggled to earn maximum points at home.
however, do not rule out the the potentialy explosive trio in the likes of Effa owana, Manaf mamat and Ashaari Samsuddin.
Manaf Mamat always remind me of Udinese's Antone De Natale. Hard working, hungry eye for goal and his passionate in wearing the shirt he loved most as a local lads. Slightly behind him, and sometimes played alongside manaf, is the main man in Terengganu set up. Beware of Ashaari Samsuddin, for his tricky runs and matchwinning performance.
Key players: Faizal Muhamad, Ashaari Samsuddin, Effa owana, Manaf Mamat, Ismail Faruqi, Zubir Azmi.
4. Negeri Sembilan: Malaysia cup finalist for few occasions for the past five years, experiencing disasterous Super league campaign for certain reasons. Appearance in this year Malaysia cup should be considered as consolations, something to cheer about for the Jangs faithful.
Nazrin Nawi is the biggest discovery in this year Malaysian Super League. An attacking midfielder normally play at left flank, and he is always allowed to roam inside to create oppenings, Nazrin is seen as many as next big thing in Malaysian football. Great pace, deadly left foot's strike, great to watch in one to one duel and not forget his quality in delivering an early cross from the left flank.
Key players: Norhafiz zamani Misbah, Idris Karim, Nazrin Nawi, Shahurain Abu Samah, Shakir Ali.
It is very unfortunate for the three east coast giants drawn in the same group. And it is also very unfortunate for the relegated Negeri Sembilan found themself sit in this tough group.
Group C:
1. Kelantan: Finaly found their best form towards the end of the Super League campaign. The FA cup triumph delivered mammoth relief and increase their confidence level, in the dressing room at least. Goalscoring form has been encouraging lately, with Dickson enjoying his lone striker role upfront. The elimination from the AFC Cup also contributing to The Red Warriors recovery. Because of lesser amount of tough fixtures, Bojan Hodak now can focus on this Malaysia cup campaign. Thats mean, lesser tinkering to the squad and the starting eleven.
We all know the quality possesed by the midfield pair of Badhri Radzi and Shakir Shaari. Physically, the pair looked better after that AFC cup exit, and they are back to normal business. With the likes of Faiz Subri, Nur Farhan Mohd and experienced Indra Putra Mahyuddin, The Red Warriors still have the ability to go far in this competition.
Key players: Khairul Fahmi Che Mat, Nik Shahrul Azim, Badhri Radzi, Nur Farhan Mohd, Obinna, Dickson.
2. Pahang: The biggest comeback in M League this year. Gained promotion last year, Dollah Salleh's young squad continue with their impressive attacking philosophy. Build around young and pacey players, Pahang always dangerous when the ball at Gopi's feet. I would like to congratulate Dollah for his work in moulding a new midfield combination in the likes of Amirulhadi Zainal and Hafiz Kamal.
I regard Hafiz Kamal as the next star midfield in the making, if he is to be coached in the right direction continously, and consistently. Elegant left foot, comfortable with the ball, great vision and ability to execute the defence-splitting-pass, his natural playmaking display impressed me this year.
Key players: Nasril Nordin, Razman Roslan, Damian Steward, Amirulhadi Zainal, Hafiz Kamal, Gopi, Matias Conti, Azamuddin Akil.
3. Terengganu: Another dissapointing league campaign by a talented side as Terengganu. Most of the game played in the afternoon, with some players and coaches thought that it was the biggest factor why Ellavarasan side struggled to earn maximum points at home.
however, do not rule out the the potentialy explosive trio in the likes of Effa owana, Manaf mamat and Ashaari Samsuddin.
Manaf Mamat always remind me of Udinese's Antone De Natale. Hard working, hungry eye for goal and his passionate in wearing the shirt he loved most as a local lads. Slightly behind him, and sometimes played alongside manaf, is the main man in Terengganu set up. Beware of Ashaari Samsuddin, for his tricky runs and matchwinning performance.
Key players: Faizal Muhamad, Ashaari Samsuddin, Effa owana, Manaf Mamat, Ismail Faruqi, Zubir Azmi.
4. Negeri Sembilan: Malaysia cup finalist for few occasions for the past five years, experiencing disasterous Super league campaign for certain reasons. Appearance in this year Malaysia cup should be considered as consolations, something to cheer about for the Jangs faithful.
Nazrin Nawi is the biggest discovery in this year Malaysian Super League. An attacking midfielder normally play at left flank, and he is always allowed to roam inside to create oppenings, Nazrin is seen as many as next big thing in Malaysian football. Great pace, deadly left foot's strike, great to watch in one to one duel and not forget his quality in delivering an early cross from the left flank.
Key players: Norhafiz zamani Misbah, Idris Karim, Nazrin Nawi, Shahurain Abu Samah, Shakir Ali.
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Watsons Malaysia Cup 2013: Group B
Many perceived group B as the easiest among the four, consisting of club sides competing with each other for the quarter final spots. But i dont buy that theory easily. Well known for their inconsistency in the Super League, these teams needs to improve tacticaly to reach the next stage.
Group B:
1. JDT FC: Fallen at the last hurdle in the Super League campaign and the FA cup, the southern Tigers realized that they have no choice but to go all out trying to win the cup for the first time. Fandi Ahmad or, Azmi Mohamad have mammoth task to deal with, need to re-organize his men and to put a solid performance as a team. With so many passengers in the team, Azmi need to identify the best lineup that willing to work hard for the team.
To get the best out of Nurshahrul Idlan talaha, he needs to be played at a more central role, rather than on the flank. Key players: Aidil Zafuan, Andrezinho, Nurul Azwan, Nurshahrul Idlan, Leo Nunez.
2. Selangor PKNS FC: Ranked as second favorite to qualify to the next stage, the Kelana Jaya outfit can be considered of having an average season in the league campaign. Coached by experienced Abdul rahman Ibrahim, the red ants have the quality needed to compete with the rest.
The mid-season signing of talented midfielder Nazmi Faiz has bolstered the squad's morale. I wish to see the game plan to be build around Roman Chmelo, Nazmi and Nizad Ayub. The trio could provide an effective support for the towering Patrick Ronaldinho. On any good day, they have the ability to hurt any sides, including the big ones.
Key Players: Helmi Remeli, Roman Chmelo, Nizad Ayub, Nazmi Faiz, Patrick Ronaldinho.
3. T-Team FC: Dragged by a season long off the pitch issues with former coach Peter Butler, the Kuala Terengganu based club has finaly found their steady feat. Survived from the relegation threat, they are now looked as a much compact side. Forget the beautiful way, this club must work hard to create more chances upfront, as most of the strikers are quite youthful and inexperienced.
Only miracle can turn things around for them, i don't see T team can make it to the quarter final. This is a learning season for them and i believe they can do well better next season. Key players: Marzuki Yusof, George Boateng, Damir Ibric, Iqbal Suhaimi, Mazlizam Mohamad.
4. Felda United FC: A side with so much experienced footballers in the country, but suprisingly struggled to make good impact. If they able to pull together as a team, i think they can suprise other teams with a giant killing performance. I do hope the likes of Amar Rohidan, Razali Umar, Azmi Muslim to re discover their form. They are players with international experience (Except razali) but the coaching staffs need to encourage them with positive thinking so that they can play with less presure.
Don't be suprised with Felda United's sudden come back and reach the next stage. They have the experience, and they have the quality, nothing impossible for the sleeping tigers.
Key players: Helmi Eliza, Khaironnisam Sahabudin, Amar rohidan, Leo Saint-Preux, Rudie Ramli.
Group B:
1. JDT FC: Fallen at the last hurdle in the Super League campaign and the FA cup, the southern Tigers realized that they have no choice but to go all out trying to win the cup for the first time. Fandi Ahmad or, Azmi Mohamad have mammoth task to deal with, need to re-organize his men and to put a solid performance as a team. With so many passengers in the team, Azmi need to identify the best lineup that willing to work hard for the team.
To get the best out of Nurshahrul Idlan talaha, he needs to be played at a more central role, rather than on the flank. Key players: Aidil Zafuan, Andrezinho, Nurul Azwan, Nurshahrul Idlan, Leo Nunez.
2. Selangor PKNS FC: Ranked as second favorite to qualify to the next stage, the Kelana Jaya outfit can be considered of having an average season in the league campaign. Coached by experienced Abdul rahman Ibrahim, the red ants have the quality needed to compete with the rest.
The mid-season signing of talented midfielder Nazmi Faiz has bolstered the squad's morale. I wish to see the game plan to be build around Roman Chmelo, Nazmi and Nizad Ayub. The trio could provide an effective support for the towering Patrick Ronaldinho. On any good day, they have the ability to hurt any sides, including the big ones.
Key Players: Helmi Remeli, Roman Chmelo, Nizad Ayub, Nazmi Faiz, Patrick Ronaldinho.
3. T-Team FC: Dragged by a season long off the pitch issues with former coach Peter Butler, the Kuala Terengganu based club has finaly found their steady feat. Survived from the relegation threat, they are now looked as a much compact side. Forget the beautiful way, this club must work hard to create more chances upfront, as most of the strikers are quite youthful and inexperienced.
Only miracle can turn things around for them, i don't see T team can make it to the quarter final. This is a learning season for them and i believe they can do well better next season. Key players: Marzuki Yusof, George Boateng, Damir Ibric, Iqbal Suhaimi, Mazlizam Mohamad.
4. Felda United FC: A side with so much experienced footballers in the country, but suprisingly struggled to make good impact. If they able to pull together as a team, i think they can suprise other teams with a giant killing performance. I do hope the likes of Amar Rohidan, Razali Umar, Azmi Muslim to re discover their form. They are players with international experience (Except razali) but the coaching staffs need to encourage them with positive thinking so that they can play with less presure.
Don't be suprised with Felda United's sudden come back and reach the next stage. They have the experience, and they have the quality, nothing impossible for the sleeping tigers.
Key players: Helmi Eliza, Khaironnisam Sahabudin, Amar rohidan, Leo Saint-Preux, Rudie Ramli.
Sunday, July 28, 2013
Watsons Malaysia Cup 2013: Group A
The most prestigious cup competition in the country is back, with the kick off will be on the 20th of August 2013. It is the oldest football tourney in fact. But i am not interested to talk about history.
As a football fans, i am more looking forward to the future. I want something new in our football. History alone doesn't help to improvise our football. So, this year's edition of Malaysia cup, for me means nothing. Its good for any team to lift the cup by the end of October, but the winner won't qualify for the AFC cup spot next season.
So, i don't see the importance of winning it, at the first place.
However, it may be the best way to end the season in such colourful style. To end the season with the Malaysia Cup in your club's trophy cabinet would mean a lot to the fans. Furthermore, it would help the national players to remain at the best possible conditions in term of match fitness.
Lest look at the teams competing in this year's Watsons Malaysia cup.
Group A:
1. Selangor: One of the biggest favorites to win the cup. A team with great traditions especialy in Malaysia Cup. They finished the league campaign as the second best behind LionsXII. For me, they have a squad with balance in all department. I predict they will top this group and qualify for quarterfinal. Key players: Norazlan Razali, Mahali Jasuli, K Gurusamy, Amri Yahyah, Forkey Doe, S Kunanlan.
2. ATM: A season ago they were labbeled as Malaysia's Manchester city. But this year, they have experiencing some difficulties when some of the key players were out with injury. Always look dangerous when Bruno Martelotto have the ball at his feet. However, the squad were lacking strength in depth. A good team, but need to do better especialy away from home. Key Players: Amiridzwan Taj, Bruno Martelotto, Shukor Adan, Hairudin Omar, Marlon Alex James.
3. KL Sime Darby: A club with strong financial backings, but unfortunately struggling to have a solid fan base. Maybe the Selayang folks not aware with the existance of this football club. I am a fans of coach ismail Zakaria. he was my instructor during my coaching course way back in 2004. The good thing is, playing as underdogs will help Sime darby do perform with less presure. Don't be suprise if they snatch the second spot and qualify for the quarterfinal. Key Players:Karlo Primorac, Juzaili Samion, Shafiq Jamal, Yosri Derma Raju.
4. Johor: Many pundits write off their chances to make it to the quarter. To make it worse, Top goalscorer Orlando is out for a long term injury. Coach Azmi Mohamad probably have to work on local players such as Farid Ideris to spearhead the attacks. The strength of this team build around their midfield where See Kok Luen and Gallegos normally combining well with their neat passes. Key Players: Farid Ideris, Shoufiq Kusaini, See Kok luen, Khairul Ismail, Eze Gallegos.
As a football fans, i am more looking forward to the future. I want something new in our football. History alone doesn't help to improvise our football. So, this year's edition of Malaysia cup, for me means nothing. Its good for any team to lift the cup by the end of October, but the winner won't qualify for the AFC cup spot next season.
So, i don't see the importance of winning it, at the first place.
However, it may be the best way to end the season in such colourful style. To end the season with the Malaysia Cup in your club's trophy cabinet would mean a lot to the fans. Furthermore, it would help the national players to remain at the best possible conditions in term of match fitness.
Lest look at the teams competing in this year's Watsons Malaysia cup.
Group A:
1. Selangor: One of the biggest favorites to win the cup. A team with great traditions especialy in Malaysia Cup. They finished the league campaign as the second best behind LionsXII. For me, they have a squad with balance in all department. I predict they will top this group and qualify for quarterfinal. Key players: Norazlan Razali, Mahali Jasuli, K Gurusamy, Amri Yahyah, Forkey Doe, S Kunanlan.
2. ATM: A season ago they were labbeled as Malaysia's Manchester city. But this year, they have experiencing some difficulties when some of the key players were out with injury. Always look dangerous when Bruno Martelotto have the ball at his feet. However, the squad were lacking strength in depth. A good team, but need to do better especialy away from home. Key Players: Amiridzwan Taj, Bruno Martelotto, Shukor Adan, Hairudin Omar, Marlon Alex James.
3. KL Sime Darby: A club with strong financial backings, but unfortunately struggling to have a solid fan base. Maybe the Selayang folks not aware with the existance of this football club. I am a fans of coach ismail Zakaria. he was my instructor during my coaching course way back in 2004. The good thing is, playing as underdogs will help Sime darby do perform with less presure. Don't be suprise if they snatch the second spot and qualify for the quarterfinal. Key Players:Karlo Primorac, Juzaili Samion, Shafiq Jamal, Yosri Derma Raju.
4. Johor: Many pundits write off their chances to make it to the quarter. To make it worse, Top goalscorer Orlando is out for a long term injury. Coach Azmi Mohamad probably have to work on local players such as Farid Ideris to spearhead the attacks. The strength of this team build around their midfield where See Kok Luen and Gallegos normally combining well with their neat passes. Key Players: Farid Ideris, Shoufiq Kusaini, See Kok luen, Khairul Ismail, Eze Gallegos.
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