Jai Ho Malaysia

WINDSOR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF AFC

2012-02-01T15:01:00.006+08:00

WINDSOR Paul John officially stepped into the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) HQ today as its Executive Director. This is a full-time job compared to the previous appointment by AFC as a consultant.

The former FIFA DO Officer will take charge of all competitions,event management and restructuring that will be taking place in AFC. He will report to AFC secretary-general Dato Alex Soosay.

Needless to say Windsor experience in FAM, AFF, FIFA is impeccable. It is safe to say that after Dato Seri Paul Mony Samuel and Dato Peter Vellapan, Windsor Paul is the only one who has achieved such exposure.

From being a General Co-ordinator in the FIFA World Cup, FIFA Club Championship, not many are aware that he was recently in Japan as the Head of GC for the FIFA Club Championship and he is also the Head of FIFA inspection team to the London Olympics. He has also written a book on Football Event Management for FIFA President Datuk Seri Sepp Blatter. The book is expected to be launched soon.

Today, it is hard, if not impossible, to draw a parallel between Windsor Paul and most Malaysians for what the former has achieved in football administration, both regionally and globally.

A God-fearing man, many can't even stand his candidness. The former teacher who started his career as assistant coach in Selangor, under the supervision of the great Dato M.Chandran, moved on to be an administrator in FAM.

I had the honour to work with this man, and the little knowledge I have about football, was very much thought by Windsor. The rest is history they say ... To a brother I wish you all the best. May you be blessed and have a great year in AFC.

1MCC LAUNCHED

2012-01-19T11:16:00.002+08:00

1 Malaysia Cardiff City (1MCC) has officially launched its Logo and its Social Media Platform today. This is aimed at continuing its bid to further reach out to youths via their grassroots football programme as well as other programmes in the pipeline. This platform aims to unite all within the Country’s diverse landscape – through the medium of FOOTBALL.

The Cardiff City Football Club stands by the tradition of “FOOTBALL FOR ALL”, and 1MCC’s objectives are in tandem with the mother Club, making an impact through their 1MCC-Junior Football League 2011 which just ended its season last month. 1MCC has also partnered FELDA (Federal Land Development Authority) in their community programmes via sports and education.

2012 will be an exciting year for 1MCC as it launches the LIGA 1MCC – to promote grassroots football and to further open doors to provide a structured and organised youth football programme for enthusiasts from ages 8 through to 18 years. The FAM (Football Association of Malaysia)- sanctioned LIGA 1MCC will kick- start in mid February 2012.

“The launch of our Social Media Platform will see us reaching out to youths via Facebook, Twitter and our own YouTube channel, enabling the football fraternity to have better accessibility and connection with all our activities and programmes. This will see interaction and participation in our well-formulated programmes which have been designed to further develop the youths interest in football,” said Chairman of 1MCC and Cardiff City Football Club, Dato’ Chan Tien Ghee in Kuala Lumpur today.

“Malaysia possesses a vast pool of talented and skilled footballers as well as many aspiring ones. This social media platform will bring them together via cyberspace, to exchange news and interests and to also access the activities of 1MCC and that of our mother Club, the Cardiff City Football Club in Wales, UK. With this connection they are able to further their interests in football, and ultimately strive to achieve to their highest individual potential” Dato’ Chan added.

FAM Deputy President, His Royal Highness, Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah lauded 1MCC for creating the catalyst and also setting the benchmark in the pursuit of identifying world class Malaysian footballers via a structured grassroots development programme.

“Malaysian football is now on the road to reclaiming its glorious years. It may be a long way off, but with 1MCC’s initiatives and commitment with young footballers, this goal is certainly achievable and will become a reality. 1MCC’s programmes will give us all a chance to bring Malaysia back to the forefront of Asian football.” His Royal Highness added.

Cardiff City Football Club Manager, Malcolm Mackay (fondly known as Malky Mackay), has sung praises of 1MCC’s efforts, calling it a ‘structured set up that will revolutionise the face of Malaysian football’. “Football is constantly changing and evolving in terms of mechanics and technology. Hence a structured and well-planned development programme is essential to progress in tandem with the times. It is not an easy task to put together a well-structured development drill that fits all levels of play as we are dealing with children with different abilities. However, 1MCC has come up with a system that can springboard and enable these young individuals to raise their game to new and higher standards,” said Mackay. “And that, he said, is something that is commendable.”

CHRISTIE bintang ATM baru dalam pembikinan, pasang impian wakil negara suatu ketika nanti

2012-01-19T11:11:00.002+08:00

TAMPIL sebagai pemain gantian pada babak kedua, kemasukan Christie Jayaseelan mencetuskan impak serta-merta apabila menjaringkan gol kedua buat Angkatan Tentera Malaysia (ATM) dalam laluan ke kejayaan 2-0 ke atas Harimau Muda B di Stadium Petaling Jaya semalam.

Masuk menggantikan Zaquan Adha Abd Radzak pada minit ke-56, pemain kelahiran Kajang berusia 25 tahun itu mengesahkan kemenangan ketiga berturut-turut buat barisan bimbingan B Sathianathan apabila meledakkan gol sepuluh minit sebelum tamat selepas bertukar hantaran 1-2 dengan ketua pasukan, Hairuddin Omar.

Jaringannya itu, yang pertamanya musim ini, kian menyemarakkan semangatnya untuk beraksi dengan lebih kerap dalam kesebelasan utama dengan menaruh harapan bahawa persembahannya mampu memikat pengendali, B Sathianathan untuk menurunkannya daripada awal pada perlawanan menentang pencabar terkuat Liga Perdana, Sime Darby, Jumaat ini.

“Saya berharap jaringann itu dapat memikat Sathia untuk menurunkan saya dalam kesebelasan utama bagi perlawanan menentang Sime Darby.

“Saya menyedari bahawa saingan untuk menempatkan diri dalam pasukan begitu sukar dengan kehadiran penyerang ternama seperti Marlon (Alex James), Zaquan Adha dan Hairuddin Omar.

“Tetapi ia sedikit pun tidak menggusarkan saya dengan kehadiran saya di ATM adalah untuk menimba ilmu daripada pemain kebangsaan yang berpengalaman di kelab ini,” kata Christie yang berhijrah daripada PKNS musim ini.

Pemain tengah serangan itu melalui perjalanan berliku sebelum bergelar pemain profesional apabila kelab yang diwakili pada awal kerjayanya, Public Bank menarik diri daripada Liga Malaysia pada 2006 berikutan masalah kewangan.

Keadaan itu memaksa Christie berhijrah ke PKNS yang menyaksikannya membina nama di bawah jurulatih, Abdul Rahman Ibrahim dengan menjaringkan 6 gol sebelum mengambil keputusan untuk menyertai revolusi Sathia musim ini.

Kini, Christie, yang menyimpan impian untuk mewakili negara, berharap persembahan konsistennya mampu diterjemahkan kepada panggilan oleh jurulatih kebangsaan, K Rajagobal untuk menyarung jersi Harimau Malaya suatu ketika nanti.

ATM berada pada laluan menjulang gelaran Liga Perdana

2012-01-19T11:10:00.001+08:00

MESKIPUN masih terlalu awal untuk memperkatakan mengenai gelaran Liga Perdana, kejayaan meraih tiga kemenangan berturut-turut tanpa bolos adalah petanda baik buat Angkatan Tentera Malaysia yang mengejar kenaikan ke Liga Super buat julung kalinya musim depan.

Namun, barisan bimbingan B Sathianathan seharusnya tidak leka sebaliknya mengekalkan rentak konsisten ini dengan lawan seterusnya menjanjikan cabaran sebenar pertama buat ATM setakat ini, Sime Darby FC yang bakal mereka ditemui di Stadium Majlis Perbandaran Selayang, Jumaat ini (4.45 ptg).

Sime Darby jelas bukan pasukan yang seharusnya dipandang enteng berikutan langkah mereka mendapatkan khidmat pemain seperti Razali Umar Kandasamy dari Perak, Irme Mat, Zamri Hassan, Hairul Nizam Haniff dan dua import Liberia, Patrick Wleh dan Sengbah dan Sengbah Kennedy.

“Ia adalah ujian sebenar pertama buat kami. Sime Darby memiliki ramai pemain hebat dan menyimpan cita-cita untuk ke Liga Super, sama seperti kami.

“Kami berharap untuk meneruskan persembahan yang ditunjukkan sehingga kini,” kata Sathia.

Selepas 3 perlawanan, ATM kini gah di puncak liga dengan rekod 100 peratus, menjaringkan 9 gol tanpa bolos diketuai Marlon Alex James, calon awal Kasut Emas dengan 6 gol diikuti Zaquan Adha Abd Radzak, Hairuddin Omar dan Christie Jayaseelan, masing-masing dengan satu jaringan.

Perkhabaran baik disaksikan pada perlawanan menentang Harimau Muda B tempoh hari apabila kapten, Hairuddin dan Christie menjaringkan gol-gol pertama mereka musim ini, membuktikan bahawa ATM tidak bergantung sepenuhnya kepada Marlon untuk menembusi gawang lawan musim ini.

“Jaringan dua pemain ini membuktikan bahawa ATM adalah pasukan yang mengharapkan kepada seorang pemain, Marlon semata-mata.

“Kesemua pemain saya tidak mengalami kecederaan dan berada pada tahap kecergasan terbaik bagi menghadapi perlawanan ini,” tambah Sathia.

BLESSED CHRISTMAS.

2011-12-23T13:43:00.001+08:00

WISHING YOU A BLESSED CHRISTMAS & MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALWAYS.

IT IS A SEASON OF GIVING & FORGIVING.

HAVE A WONDERFUL & BLESSED 2012.

HM Sultan Ahmad Shah receives top AFC award

2011-11-24T19:47:00.001+08:00

Asian football's highest individual accolade - the Diamond of Asia - has been awarded to former AFC President and current Sultan of Pahang, His Majesty Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Ibni Sultan Abu Bakar Riayatuddin Al Muadzam Shah.

HM Sultan Ahmad Shah led the Asian Football Confederation from 1994 to 2002, during which time he played an influential role in Asia's first-ever hosting of the FIFA World Cup, and becomes the second Malaysian to join the exclusive club of Diamond of Asia recipients after the honour was bestowed upon Malaysian Prime Minister Dato' Seri Najib Tun Razak at least year's AFC Annual Awards ceremony.

"I served as the AFC President for eight years and it was an unforgettable experience. I am very touched, delighted and greatly honoured to receive this distinction today in front of all my friends in football," HM Sultan Ahmad Shah said in his acceptance speech.

"I dedicated my life to football and the Diamond of Asia has special significance for me. It is with great respect and pride I accept this award.

"Let me take this opportunity to also thank the AFC Executive Committee and commend them for the good work they are doing.

"The Future is Asia and we should not rest until we have realised this dream."

HM Sultan Ahmad Shah is the seventh recipient of the elite accolade after Saburo Kawabuchi (2005), Joseph S Blatter (2006), Lennart Johannson (2007), Ken Naganuma (posthumously; 2008), General Farouk Bouzo (2009) and Dato' Seri Najib Tun Razak.

The Diamond of Asia may be conferred for a single contribution of great importance or for ongoing contributions throughout a number of years and is a way for the AFC to acknowledge the recipient's sterling services. The award is given annually and always to one person - selected by the AFC Executive Committee - each year.

The recipient of this accolade enjoys a distinguished position within AFC, and is entitled to special privileges, including invitations to all AFC competitions and to all AFC official functions and events. Furthermore, the recipient ranks only after the AFC Executive Committee in terms of importance within the AFC's protocol and hierarchy.

IT'S DATO ALEX SOOSAY

2011-10-11T14:54:00.006+08:00

ASIAN Football Confederation (AFC) General Secretary Alex Soosay will be conferred Darjah Indera Mahkota Pahang (DIMP) on Oct 24th at Istana Sultan Abu Bakar, Pekan.

Alex was appointed as General Secretary on July 15, 2009 after the resignation of Datuk Sri Paul Mony Samuel, Alex is an AFC veteran, having headed several key departments during his 14-year-long career. The Malaysian has played and coached at the national level and was Executive Secretary of the Negeri Sembilan Football Association before joining AFC in 1994.

Well-known as a hands-on organiser, Soosay was involved in the AFC Asian Cups of 1996, 2000, 2004 and 2007, and the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Championship, 2001 FIFA Confederations Cup and the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

Congratulations Dato and we wish you all the best ...

SAFEE TO RETURN TO CARDIFF FOR TWO MORE WEEKS

2011-09-27T14:12:00.002+08:00

Cardiff City manager Malky Mackay today put on record his views on Safee Sali as the Malaysian striker completed his visit to South Wales, having trained first hand with the Bluebirds.

“Safee joined us for a ten day trial, during which time he showed a great attitude and work ethic while soaking in the environment and the way we train here at Cardiff City,” said Mackay.

“Obviously it was a big change and a different style and level of football, though he adapted and integrated well with the squad. We also appreciate that it’s difficult to get a full picture during a short ten day period, especially with the number of games and match preparation we had during that time.

“With a mind to the need for Safee to play competitive games with the Malaysian national team and in Indonesia with Pelita Jaya, we have asked Safee to return to Cardiff City for a two week period in the future which will be beneficial to all concerned. For now though we say our goodbyes and would like to put on record that we consider Safee to be a credit to his team and his country.”

Safee also had words on the experience after an insightful time in Cardiff, saying, "After playing with the reserves and even the first team at training, I have found the game here to be very much quicker. You do not get so much time with the ball. It is a whole new and different level.

“The training has gone well and all my team-mates gave me a really warm welcome. Although it has been just two weeks, I have learned since I have been here. God willing, I may return to play here in the near future.”

Safee was a spectator for the match between Cardiff City and Leicester City on Sunday. The match was also attended by Malaysian High Commissioner to Britain Datuk Zakaria Sulong and his wife, who participated in the Malaysia Day celebrations observed by the club. Safee will now return to Malaysia on Tuesday to prepare for an international match with Australia next month.

RED WARRIORS TO MALAYSIA ARMED FORCES

2011-09-25T23:31:00.002+08:00

FORMER National Coach B.Sathianathan will sign a one year contract with Armed Forces Football Association today at 4pm at Mindef. The signing will be witnessed by Armed Forces Chief General Tan Sri Zulkifli Zainal Abidin.

"This is a new challenge for me and I want to share my experience with Armed Forces, and I am confident that we will do well. I am the Manager as well so thats gives me the full authority to manage the team." said Sathia

Armed Forces is serious in making changes, after a bad season and a tarnished reputation, who was linked to match fixing in the last season.

It will be interesting to see the revival that ATM is looking at, We wish Sathia all the best.

THE WANTED MAN !

2011-09-21T18:48:00.002+08:00

WINDSOR John is probably the most wanted man at this point in time in the world of football. Last week Asian Football Confederation (AFC) appointed Windsor as the 2015 Asian Cup Consultant.

Not many are aware that Windsor is also the consultant for 2014 World Cup for FIFA, Infact he was there two months ago to look at the preparations of the World Cup and submitted an independent study on the preparation.

Yesterday the former FAM Head of R&D and FIFA Development Officer left for London to lead a team of FIFA Delegates to inspect six stadiums which has been identified for the 2012 Olympics.

The Venues are : City of Coventry Stadium, Millennium Stadium, Old Trafford, St James Park, Wembley Stadium, Hayden Park.

He is expected to conducted the FIFA De Brief, Event Test and also the Competition Draw.

All the best Chief !

ARENA 802

2011-09-15T13:02:00.002+08:00

Selepas lebih setahun diwujudkan, saluran sukan tempatan , Astro Arena (Saluran 801) terus mengorak langkah dan komited merancakkan lagi sukan negara ini dengan memperkenalkan saluran baru, Arena 802.

Pengenalan saluran sukan baru ini meneruskan tradisi Astro dalam terus menawarkan kandungan terbaik khusus buat peminat sukan tempatan untuk menikmati pelbagai aksi sukan secara langsung melalui saluran Astro Arena.
Pengurus Saluran Astro Arena, Venu Ramadass berkata, saluran baru ini boleh di tonton oleh peminat sukan tanahair hanya di hujung minggu di mana pertembungan masa siaran dan kejohanan yang padat yang di siarkan di Astro Arena.

“Ini adalah bukti komitmen kami untuk memenuhi keperluan kandungan sukan tempatan dengan menampilkan saluran khas ini bertujuan untuk menampung siaran langsung pelbagai kejohanan sukan berlangsung serentak .

“Sebelum ini Arena 802 di pancarkan buat pertama kali pada Julai lalu apabila menyiarkan siaran langsung Kejohanan sepak Takraw Piala Dunia (Istaf) 2011 dan kini Arena 802 ‘di hidupkan’ semula bagi memberi pilihan kepada peminat sukan untuk menikmati lebih tawaran siaran langsung yang di siarkan.

“Kehangatan Piala Malaysia yang membuka tirainya pada September dan beberapa kejohanan lain termasuk Liga Hoki Kebangsaan pada hujung minggu ini pasti menyemarakkan lagi minat orang ramai untuk mengikuti pekembangan sukan terbabit,”katanya.

Sabtu(17.9.2011) ini, siaran langsung saingan Piala Malaysia di antara Perak dan Sabah di saluran 801, disusuli Terengganu dengan Sime Darby FC secara tertunda juga di 801.

Serentak di 802 pula, perlawanan sumbangsih Liga Hoki Kebangsaan di antara KLHC dan TNB di 802 bermula 8.00 malam.

Keesokannya, Ahad(18.9.2011), kejohanan sepak takraw Utusan Malaysia zon tengah, separuh akhir 10.00 pagi hingga 12.30 tengah hari dan akhir 4.30 petang hingga 6.00 petang secara langsung menerusi Grandstand Ahad di saluran 801, diikuti Kelantan lawan Sarawak dalam peringkat kumpulan Piala Malaysia bermula 8.00 malam.

Di saluran 802 pula, Kejohanan Bolasepak Freestyle Dunia dari jam 1.00 tengah hari hingga 4.00 petang disusuli Liga Hoki Kebangsaan di antara UiTM dan UniKL pada jam 6 petang dan Nur Insafi lawan YNS jam 8.00 malam.

SAFEE SALI & CARDIFF

2011-09-07T19:02:00.001+08:00

Prolific striker Safee Sali has will be the first Malaysian to get a bite of the cherry at Cardiff City Football Club after being offered a two-week trial.

The Pelita Jaya striker, who has been in scintillating for both club and country lately, has done enough to impress Cardiff City owner Datuk Chan Tien Ghee and merit a trial stint with the Welsh outfit from Sept 12 to 27.

Safee is the second Malaysian to be offered the trial. National team skipper Safiq Rahim was the first to land the deal, but due to his Malaysia Cup commitments with Selangor, the 24-year-old will only be flying off once the competition comes to a close.

Safee has often been compared to Malaysian great Mokhtar Dahari and touted as the best striker of his generation. The latest revelation was music to his years as he braces himself for what he said would be “the pinnacle of his career”.

“Every Malaysian football fan follows the English game and I’m no different. Even as a kid, I’ve always dreamt of one day plying my trade in the English league ... and now I have a chance to do that with this trial.

“The door has been opened for me. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity and I am going to give it my all to prove my credentials,” said the 27-year-old Safee.

Meanwhile, Datuk Chan hopes more Malaysians would show worldly promise and potential to hit it big time in football.

“When Safiq managed to get a trial with Cardiff, there was a real good buzz around the club as well as in Malaysia. Now with Safee joining in the fray, hopefully the hype will be heightened and inspire our young and budding footballers to aim only for the sky.

“This effort will bode well for both the club and Malaysia. There’s a lot of talent back home and it’s time we start unearthing the gifted by giving them proper exposure. I think this could be the beginning of a revolution,” said Malaysian businessman Datuk Chan who took over the Cardiff City last year.

SELAMAT HARI RAYA AIDILFITRI, MAAF ZAHIR & BATIN

2011-08-29T16:00:00.003+08:00

Malaysia v Australia

2011-08-26T19:13:00.001+08:00

The Socceroos will reportedly play a friendly against world No.146 Malaysia in Sydney on October 7 ahead of the World Cup qualifier against Oman four days later.

The vice-president of the Football Association of Malaysia, Datuk Subahan Kamal, has been quoted as saying Malaysia will travel to Australia to play the Socceroos on the day before the scheduled start of the A-League season.

"We received an invitation to hold the national team friendly against Australia last week," he said on the team's official Twitter stream.

"The FAM agreed as it is difficult for us to be given the chance to play a team which played in the World Cup like Australia."

"We've never played Australia before and they have quality players like Harry Kewell and Tim Cahill. That's a big challenge."

"Australia have chosen us as the right team for their preparations for World Cup qualification."

Malaysia are already out of the running for World Cup qualification having lost to Singapore in qualification in late July.

Their highest-ever ranking was as world No.77 in 1993 and missed qualification for this year's Asian Cup.

They played in the 2007 Asian Cup as one of the four hosts but lost all three games, scoring just one goal and conceding 12.

FFA have been contacted for comment on the announcement from the FAM.

The reported timing of the match all but rules out FFA changing the A-League schedule to accommodate the much-anticipated debuts of Harry Kewell and Brett Emerton in the season opener between Melbourne Victory and Sydney FC at Etihad Stadium. www.portal.com

Safiq set for Cardiff City trials

2011-08-26T17:15:00.004+08:00

Malaysian skipper to fly off after Malaysia Cup campaign

Malaysia’s talismanic captain Safiq Rahim will fly off for a trial stint with Cardiff City Football Club once the curtains come down on the Malaysia Cup, which kicks off next month.

Following fruitful talks between Cardiff City chairman, Malaysian-born Datuk Chan Tien Ghee, and Safiq today, it has been confirmed that the Selangor player will spend three weeks on trial with the Welsh outfit as soon as the Red Giants’ Malaysia Cup campaign was over.

The 24-year-old Safiq has been a pivotal figure in the Malaysian top flight league for several seasons now. His reputation has blossomed remarkably since earning his first senior cap in 2007. Last year, he skippered the national team to its maiden AFF Suzuki Cup triumph.

Safiq further rose to prominence following outstanding performances against English Premier League giants Arsenal Football Club and Liverpool Football Club last month. The second match saw the Manchester United fan curl in a sublime freekick in a spirited match which Malaysia eventually lost 6-3.

With him reaching the peak of his career, the invitation for trials with Cardiff City could not have come at a better time for the midfielder who is hell-bent on grabbing the rare opportunity with both hands.

“I am very excited. With an open heart, I will take this offer and give it my best and do Malaysia proud. It’s not every day an opportunity like this comes knocking on your door, especially for a Malaysian. So, I’m fully intent on seizing this chance and making the most of what will be offered to me,” said Safiq.

Meanwhile, Datuk Chan, who took over the championship side in May last year, said he was optimistic that the trials would be a stepping stone for Malaysia as the country continued seeking to relive its glory days.

“We are glad Safiq has accepted our offer for a trial with the first team at Cardiff and we hope that everything turns out well for the boy. He’s young and ambitious … most importantly, he has whatever it takes to make the cut.

“My office has issued the letter of invitation to him and we will make all the arrangements for him at Cardiff. This is a chance for Safiq to pioneer Malaysian football to levels never reached before “ added Dato Chan

WHAT'S HAPPENING TAN SRI KHALID ?

2011-07-17T21:47:00.002+08:00

Kompleks Sukan PKNS in Kelana Jaya, Selangor will be redeveloped jointly by Melati Ehsan Holdings Bhd and PKNS Holdings Sdn Bhd into a RM1.623 billion mixed commercial development.

In a filing to Bursa Malaysia on Friday, Jan 28, Melati Ehsan said its unit Bayu Melati Sdn Bhd had on the same day entered into a joint venture agreement for the proposed proposed development of three pieces of freehold commercial lands, collectively having a land area of 75,473 sq m, with the sports complex on it.

"The proposed development entails the construction, completion and sale of two blocks of serviced apartments, a block of SoHo offices, a sports complex, two blocks of office tower, a shopping mall, a hotel, a performing arts centre and car park lots on the land, together with infrastructure and landscaping to be carried out by Bayu Melati in accordance with the terms and conditions of the joint venture agreement," it added.

The gross costs value of the development is estimated at RM1.07 billion subject to changes as bayu Melati may propose improvements to the building and layout plans, design, building works and other features of the development.

The project will be funded by Melati Ehsan's internally generated funds and/or borrowings.

"As consideration to PKNS Holdings for the land, Bayu Melati shall pay to PKNS Holdings out of its own financial resources and/or financing, 70% of the total projected gross profits from the actual sales value of the development as determined by the terms of the joint venture agreement or RM387 million, whichever is higher and the surrender of the sports complex and performing arts centre upon completion.

"The proposed joint venture is an excellent opportunity for Melati Ehsan to embark on a new mixed commercial development to capitalise on the existing demand for such properties within the popular Kelana Jaya area where it does not possess any land bank. The track record and corporate image of the joint venture partner and its holding company is expected to enhance the saleability of the properties in the development project. It is expected to contribute to the medium and long term profitability of the group," it noted.- EDGE.COM

Maybank Offers 20,000 schoolchildren a Rare Les Bleus Experience

2011-07-16T01:32:00.002+08:00

Maybank brings joy to twenty thousand children from schools in the Klang Valley and Selangor for a lifetime experience of watching one of the top English football club, Chelsea Football Club (Chelsea FC) team play with the Malaysian Harimau Muda football team on 21 July 2011 at Stadium Bukit Jalil.

“Maybank is pleased to sponsor 20,000 tickets to enable the schoolchildren from over 100 schools in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur adopted by Maybank under Bank Negara Malaysia’s school adoption programme to watch top world class Chelsea footballers play live in Malaysia. Our sponsorship is part of the Bank’s mission of promoting excellence among school children where sports is a powerful medium to inspire the children to achieve this,” said Lim Hong Tat, Deputy President and Head of Community Financial Services at a special ceremony to hand tickets to the schools held in Menara Maybank today.

Twenty schoolchildren from SMK Bandar Baru Sentul and SMK Wangsa Maju Seksyen 2, Setapak received the tickets from Lim. Also present were San Boon Wah, Managing Director of ProEvents International, the Exclusive Chelsea Asia Tour Organiser and teachers from the two schools.

“This sponsorship also fits with the Bank’s corporate responsibility in a holistic approach to our engagement with our adopted schools combining the development of education and sports. Apart from our commitment to educational and facilities support to our schools, we are also happy to encourage development of sports in giving exposure to schoolchildren to meet sports superstars. The experience of watching a live performance of top football stars from Chelsea FC and the Malaysian team may motivate our young to take the sport as a career too,” added Lim.

Lim also said that the football is one of the popular sports in Malaysia and Malaysians have a long tradition of interest and a huge following of the English Premier League (EPL). “We believe that giving our school children a rare opportunity to watch top class EPL players will help this sports in the long term as it will provide motivation to our young who have dreams to one day represent the Malaysian football team or even an opportunity to play in the EPL to pursue that ambition,” he said.

Maybank’s sponsorship will also enable the Bank to send participants to the Chelsea Kuala Lumpur Blue Pitch Programme launched last month to promote the development of grass roots football in the region and in Malaysia.

Devil Safiq hell-bent for win against Liverpool

2011-07-16T01:21:00.002+08:00

Malaysia’s captain Safiq Rahim will have more than a reason to steer his side to victory when they take on English Premier League giants Liverpool Football Club at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on July 16.

A diehard Manchester United supporter since his childhood days, Safiq is relishing the thought of giving Red Devil’s arch-nemesis a torrid time despite the host’s tag as the underdogs.

“It may be an exhibition match but the team, me in particular, is going to take the match very seriously. It is important for us to win any match we play in actually, but going head to head against Liverpool will spur to push the limit as I bleed the red of United.

“I’m a local boy but I still share the passion of Man Utd’s most hardcore fans. I’ve been following the team for as long as I can remember. So, I’m all fired up for Saturday’s game against the Scousers,” said the national team skipper.

Malaysia had suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat against another EPL bigwig, Arsenal Football Club yesterday. Although it was a painful and demoralising defeat for him and his peers, Safiq said the group are ready to make amends against Liverpool.

“We really got hit yesterday. For all of us, the score line may have been flattering for Arsenal but we don’t think it truly reflected on the game. All four goals were simple schoolboy stuff, which makes it an even harder pill to swallow.

“But that’s what happens when you play top, top teams, you get punished. We could have committed the same sort of mistakes against any normal team and got away with it. However, against these team, you can expect to pay for errors. And that’s basically what happened. But in the end of the day, it was a lesson learnt,” Safiq added.

Safiq promised the fans of a much-improved Malaysian side, saying that they would use and capitalise on the experience gained against the Gunners.

“Fans can definitely expect an improvement in our next game. It was a disappointing first match but that wasn’t the real Malaysian team which was on the pitch yesterday. On Saturday, the Tigers will show its stripes!” he exclaimed.

Summary of Ticketing Details

Tickets are priced at RM388, RM108, RM68 and RM58 are available online at www.ticketpro.com.my and can also be purchased from Ticketpro Hotline 03-78807999 plus Ticketpro outlets.

About ProEvents

Celebrating its 10^th anniversary in Malaysia, ProEvents is the leading football marketing and management consultancy in Asia with offices in Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore.

Over the past 18 years, ProEvents has organised and promoted more international football matches in Asia than any other company. Teams brought in include Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Leeds, Inter Milan, Sampdoria, FIFA World Stars and the national sides of Brazil, England, Argentina, Portugal, Bulgaria, Finland, China, Japan, Korea and Yugoslavia.

The company’s co-founder and CEO Julian Kam, is an appointed FIFA Match Agent. For more information please visit our website @ www.proevents.com

SPECIALLY DESIGNED LIVERPOOL & CHELSEA ROOM KEYS FOR HOTEL GUESTS

2011-07-05T20:45:00.000+08:00

How about taking your hotel room key home as a priceless souvenir which is specially designed as a commemorative item for English Premier League giants Liverpool and Chelsea on their tour of Malaysia?

Yes. You will not need to return your room key at the end of your stay if you choose to stay in One World Hotel – the official hotel for the Liverpool and Chelsea teams – which is giving away the keys on a first come first serve basis to hotel guests if they book into the hotel this month.

This is a joint effort by the hotel and ProEvents International, the exclusive Asia Tour 2011 organiser for the two English teams.

The specially designed keys with images of the Liverpool players are available from July 1-16 while those with images of the Chelsea players will be available from July 17-31.

ProEvents chief executive officer Julian Kam said: “As we get closer to the dates of the matches, the excitement of the visit by the two teams is beyond expectations. The tickets are selling fast and the response has been tremendous. We urge the fans not to wait long to get their tickets.”

The Reds, as Liverpool as popularly known, will take on the Malaysian XI at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on July 16 and kick-off is at 5.45pm. The Blues, which is Chelsea’s nickname, will play the Malaysian XI at the same venue on July 21. Kick-off is at 8.45pm.

Tiickets for the matches are priced at RM58, RM68, RM108 and RM388 and can be purchased through www.ticketpro.com.my and selected adidas outlets nationwide.

INDIA TO CREATE HISTORY

2011-06-24T21:50:00.003+08:00

India will be looking for polo history on Malaysian soil when they take on Indian sub-continent rivals Pakistan in the Asian-Australasian-African Championships final at the Royal Selangor Polo Ground tomorrow (4pm).

India have never won an international polo tournament outside India and they want to make it count in Malaysia. And the Indians believe they have the team to do that.

A win for India will culminate their mission of going home with an unbeaten record after registering impressive victories over Australia and Malaysia in the preliminary rounds, followed by a 9-5 win over defending champions South Africa in the semi-finals to earn the favourites tag.

India last won an international polo title way back in 2000 and this was in the FIP World Cup Qualifier in Jaipur, India when they beat Pakistan 9-6 in front of 40,000 supporters to emerge champions. The last meeting between the two rivals was during the 2007 Qualifier in New Zealand, with India coming out tops 13 ½ - 11.

Apart from bringing a wealth of experience, the Indian team is reaping the fruits of a training-cum acclimatisation stint in Indonesia before coming to Malaysia. The Indians spent three weeks at the Nusantara Polo Club in Jakarta at the invitation of its president Gen Prabowo Subianto.

“The stint in Indonesia had a huge impact on the team as we got to train with 40 horses from Argentina under hot and humid weather conditions similar to Malaysia. It was a fruitful three-week stint in Jakarta,” said India manager Vikram Singh Rathore.

“It will be a great win if we can return home with the title as it will take polo to new heights in India. As I said earlier, we have assembled the best ever Indian polo team in 20 years that is capable of writing polo history. We are gelling very well.”

Pakistan manager Abdul Qadir Mamdot admitted that India has the edge and are early favourites for the title but in the same breath added that his team will not throw in the towel meekly.

“India will certainly start as favourites as they have experienced players who have been together for about four years. We have a young team. Temur (Nadeem) is making his international debut here but has come up well so far,” said Abdul Qadir.

The India-Pakistan final has certainly attracted a lot of attention back home. Maharaja Gaj Singh of Jodhpur, the vice-president of the Indian Polo Association has been with the team since the semi-finals while Gen Issandyar Pataudi, the president of the Pakistan Polo Association arrived today to boost the morale of their respective teams.

While India will be counting on their ace Samir Suhag (Handicap 5), who has scored 16 goals in this championships so far, Pakistan will be banking on Raja Sami Ullah (Handicap 4), a fulltime professional who has played in Argentina, United Kingdom and Dubai. Sami scored three goals in the semi-final match against Australia.

Meanwhile, Australia will join India and Pakistan in this year’s FIP Polo World Cup Finals in San Luis, Argentina from Oct 11-25 after beating South Africa in the playoff for third and fourth placing today.

It was a heartbreak for South Africa as Australia staged a remarkable fight back to force a 8-8 draw in the fifth and final chukka. In the extra chukka, Australia pushed up a gear to run out 12-9 winners and qualify for their 2^nd world cup finals.

Australia got their goals through by Matt Grimes scoring 5 goals, 4 by Alec White, 2 by Ed Gold and 1 by Zac Hagedoorn while South Africa scorers were Lance Watson 7 goals and one each by Johann Du Preez and Campbell Macnab.

India v Pakistan Final ?

2011-06-21T12:42:00.001+08:00

Based on current form, great polo rivals Pakistan and India, are the early favourites to reach the final in this year’s Asian-Australasian-African Polo Championships when they take on Australia and South Africa respectively in the semi-finals at the Royal Pahang Polo grounds here today

Even the absence of their ace Hissam Ali Hyder, a five goaler, who is currently playing professional polo in England, has not dampened Pakistan’s confidence. Hissam, better known as “Namu” in the polo world, has not been released by his club in England as he is needed for the semi-finals in the Queen’s Cup competition.

“With or without Hissam we are confident of reaching the final and qualify for the (FIP Polo World Cup) Finals,” said team manager Abdul Qadir Mamdot.

“We are in great form. Pakistan set a national scoring record with 28 goals in two matches. We are also the top scorers here and it has given us the confidence. Insyallah (God willing) we can maintain our current form.

“The absence of Hissam will not affect our game as we have Sami Ullah (Handicap 4) who has been in great form in our matches against Nigeria and Pakistan. Australia is a good side but we have a good strong attacking side to take them on.

“Hissam’s club in England could release him as his team is in the semi-finals. Hissam is a great player and has been recommended to increase his Handicap to 6. He is a great player. He is our No 1...very fast and very accurate. His presence would have made an effect on the team. ”

So far Pakistan have played in only one World Cup Finals and this was in Paris in 2003 but failed to make the second round.

Pakistan topped the table with 28 goals for and 17 against for a massive plus 11 goals after a 15 ½ - 7 and 12 ½ wins over Nigeria and South Africa respectively while India were second with a 17.5 and 10 against with a 7.5 plus tally derived from 5 ½ - 5 and 12-5 wins over Australia and Malaysia.

Meanwhile, India manager Vikram Rathore said the arrival of His Highness Maharaja Gaj Singh of Jodhpur is a “morale booster” to the team, especially in the semi-finals match against South Africa.

“We go into the match, having played a ‘high-pressure’ match against Australia. This has put us in the right frame of mind to face South Africa for a place in the final,” said Vikram, who is counting on hot-shot Samir Suhag, who scored seven goals against Malaysia and four against Australia.

“Hopefully, it will be an India-Pakistan final. We have great rivalry in polo. It will be good for Asian polo.”

India and South Africa go into the match on equal footing, with a win each in the two test matches they played earlier this year. India won 9-6 at home but lost 8-5 away.

South Africa coach Clive Peddle said: “It will be interesting semi-finals. It will be different when you play at this stage of the tournament. Our top priority is to qualify for the finals as we won the last Qualifier in New Zealand.

Meanwhile, Malaysia ended their campaign with a sixth placing in the seven-team championships which also counted as the Zone D Qualifier for this year’s FIP Polo World Cup Finals in Argentina from Oct 11-25.

In today’s round robin playoffs played over two chukkas, Malaysia had mixed fortunes, beating Nigeria 5 1/2 – 5 in the first match but lost 3 – 2 ½ to New Zealand.

Malaysia finished sixth, Nigeria, seventh while New Zealand took fifth place after a 3-3 draw against Nigeria.

The champions, the runners-up and the third place winner will qualify for the World Cup Finals.

EDHAM QUITS NATIONAL TEAM

2011-06-20T11:20:00.001+08:00

Malaysia’s crushing 12-5 defeat to India which put paid to their hopes of playing in the FIP Polo World Cup Finals, saw its first casualty in the national team when Muhammad Edham Shaharuddin announced that he is quitting international duty.

From now on the 36-year-old Pekan-born Edham or Ed, as he is popularly known, who started playing polo at the age of 16, said it will be only league and club tournaments for him.

The on-going Asian-Australasian-African Polo Championships also serve as the Zone D Qualifier for the World Cup Finals. The champions, runners-up and the third place winner will go to the Finals which will be held in San Luis, Argentina from Oct 11-25.

Malaysia beat New Zealand 9-8 in their first match but the defeat to India proved costly, leaving the hosts with a minus 6 goal difference.

“I have yet to overcome the heavy defeat. I had a sleepless night and kept tossing and turning in bed to find answers for the defeat. It is all over for me. This is my last international tournament playing for my country.

“The next World Cup Finals is in 2014, by which time I will be 39 and I don’t think I will be able to last the pace. This defeat is a bitter pill to swallow. It is a sad way to go out of the World Cup in this manner.

“It is all the more disappointing for me because I am playing in my home town. I am sorry to have disappointed my fans and supporters. If they are disappointed, the disappointment is triple for me.

“There is still something to play for... the round robin and we will go out with dignity. Hopefully, we will be able to give some cheer to our supporters.”

“I still have another two years of polo but it will be only local league and club tournaments for me. What happens after that is left to be seen. It was our best chance to qualify for the World Cup Finals but it is now a shattered dream,” said Edham, who has played high goal tournaments all over the world.

In his professional polo career, Edham has played in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, Argentina, the United States and England. He is a three time winner of the Rolex International in Singapore and counts the RMPA (Royal Malaysian Polo Association) Cup (2003) and the 25 de Mayo medium goal tournaments in Argentina as his best wins. He is also a three winner of the Thai Polo Open.

Edham’s talent was spotted at the age of 16 and was sent to Argentina for apprenticeship. There was no turning for the talented Edham since then for the son of a professional.

With age catching up, Edham is also contemplating to tie the knot and raise a family. However, Edham was not willing to reveal much on this but said: “There is someone in my life.”

In the same breath, Edham revealed that he will be able to spend more time on his hobby – Superbikes.

“I enjoy riding the big bikes. It is just a hobby and I won’t go into serious racing,” added Edham.

Meanwhile, Royal Malaysian Polo Association (RMPA) president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah said he will have a look at the whole team before deciding on the next move.

In yesterday’s only match, which ended the preliminary round fixtures, Pakistan, with a 1 ½ goal advantage, beat South Africa 12 ½ - 10. It was Pakistan’s second win in as many matches. Pakistan and India finished with four points each, however, Pakistan topped the group on better goal difference of 10 1/2 to India’s 7 ½.

Despite the defeat, South Africa also moved into the last four with, finishing third with two points – the same as Australia – but with a superior goal difference of plus 6 to Australia’s 1 ½.

Saqib Khakwani was on form for Pakistan with six goals while Ahmed Tiwana scored four and Temur Nadeem one. Three goals apiece by Johan Du Preez, Lance Watson and Duncan Watson and Campbell Macrae one completed South Africa’s scoresheet.

MALAYSIA'S HUMBLE TOP THREE TARGET

2011-06-11T15:01:00.004+08:00

The strong presence of some of the best polo-playing nations in the Asian-Australasian-African Championships which are also the Zone D playoffs for the 2011 FIP Polo World Cup has not diminished Malaysia’s hopes and “humble target” in any way.

Instead, Malaysia are ready to mount a serious challenge for the title despite the presence of teams like South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, India, Pakistan and Nigeria – to battle for a top three finish which will earn them a ticket to this year’s FIP World Cup Finals in San Luis, Argentina from Oct 11-25.

HRH Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, the president of the Royal Malaysian Polo Association (RMPA), was briefed on the team’s progress by chief coach Carlos Pandoi and team manager Ahmad Jamili Rashid on Thursday, soon after his return from overseas.

“We have a very strong field in this Qualifier. Some of the best polo playing countries will be challenging for honours...teams like South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, India or Pakistan and even Nigeria have great polo traditions.

“But we have our own mission...that is to win the title or at least finish in the top three to qualify for the World Cup Finals. This is our humble target. As hosts we have home-ground advantage and this is a plus factor that we need to tilt in our favour,” said Tengku Abdullah, who is also the Crown Prince of Pahang.

Tengku Abdullah has taken a personal interest in the Zone D Qualifier as Malaysia hope to create polo history and qualify for their first ever World Cup Finals. This was seen when hours after arriving in Pekan, Tengku Abdullah was at the dry-run of the opening ceremony despite the rain.

“I have been told the team is raring to go. The team has shown vast improvement in all departments. The trainer and physiotherapist, who have been with the team since the Terengganu Open Championships, have added weight.

“The fitness level of the players has gone up. Polo is a very demanding game and you have to be really fit to face the challenges. I am confident the team will do well. Malaysia will be there fighting for top honours.

“If we don’t win the title but finish in the top three and qualify (for the World Cup Finals) it will be history,” said Tengku Abdullah, adding that Malaysia hope to get a good group when the draw for the Horse Groups is done tomorrow.

He later met the players and team officials.

The Malaysian team is captained by Shaik Reismann (Handicap 3), Huzaini Yunos (4), Amran Selamat (2), Muhammad Edham Shaharuddin (4), Saladin Mazlan (3) and Tengku Ahmad Shazril (3).

Malaysia, drawn in Zone A, will open their campaign with a match against New Zealand on Tuesday and India on Friday, both of whom are drawn in Zone B. South Africa, Pakistan and Nigeria are drawn in Zone C.

The preliminary matches and the semi-finals will be played at the Royal Pahang Polo Club in Pekan while the third and fourth placing match and the final will be at the Royal Selangor Polo Club on June 24 and June 25 respectively.

Malaysia will play Nigeria in a 4 chukkas friendly match at the Royal Pahang Polo Club (Field 2) tomorrow at 4pm. Admission to the championships is free.

CONGRATS DATUK RAJA

2011-06-04T12:33:00.004+08:00

NATIONAL Head Coach K.Rajagobal was conferred Panglima Jasa Negara by DYMM Seri Paduka Baginda Yang Di Pertuan Agong at Istana Negara this morning.

This is a great honour by the country and the King in recognizing the sacrifices made by Raja and his beloved wife.

Congrats Coach and God Bless You & Your Family

PLAYERS CHARGED

2011-06-02T20:58:00.004+08:00

It is learnt the Malaysian Anti Corruption Commission (MACC) will charge nine players tomorrow in Seremban ... If this is true the bookies are on the prowl and raring the ugly head.

Let's wait and See ...

Updates on www.mmail.com.my

A VIDEO footage of Negri Sembilan (NS) President's Cup players supposedly dealing with bookies is one of many leads obtained by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in its on-going investigation into the team.

The video, taken from an entertainment outlet in Seremban, allegedly showed a transaction between the players and bookies to fix two matches.

Sources told The Malay Mail the players were paid between RM200 and RM300 as an "advance" and were later given RM2,000 to RM3,000 upon completion of the 'job'.

The two matches were against Pulau Pinang SDM Navy Kepala Batas at Bertam Mini Stadium in Penang on April 21, and Bukit Jalil Sports School on May 5 at the National Sports Council.

Negri Sembilan defeated the Penang team 5-2 but lost 0-2 to Bukit Jalil.

The MACC was said to had streamlined their investigation on nine players, from 11 initially suspected of match-fixing. The players were first questioned last Saturday followed by sessions on Monday and Wednesday.

They were apparently hauled yesterday.

Negri Sembilan FA (NSFA) secretary Datuk Abdul Halim Abdul Latif was at the MACC office in Seremban yesterday but it remained unclear what transpired there.

“There is a lot of evidence to charge the players. This is a step in the right direction. All this while, players have had it easy as this was never reported to the authorities,” said a source.

“There are also talks the President’s Cup players are dealing with several individuals from the senior squad. But let’s allow the MACC to do their job and unearth the truth.”

Hardly a week after Fifa head of security Chris Eaton met with FA of Malaysia officials on match fixing activities in the country, NSFA lodged a police report over the alleged match-fixing activities involving its President’s Cup players at the Seremban 2 police station.

There were also talks of eight Kedah President’s Cup players caught with some RM90,000 believed to be gained from fixing matches.

They were apparently sacked by the Kedah FA two weeks ago.

'RM4k-RM7k to fix game'

A PROBE by The Malay Mail last year revealed two President’s Cup players confessing they were approached by bookies to fix not only the under-20 tournament but also the annual King’s Gold Cup competition.

They were offered between RM4,000 and RM7,000 to fix a game.

The Malay Mail also obtained a text message purportedly sent out to a T-Team official by a man alleging players from the team were going to fix their quarterfinal game against KL on July 15.

This came about after The Paper That Cares, in its exclusive series, “Bookies taking online bets”, published on April 14, 2009, showed bookies monitoring President’s Cup matches as several websites, including AsianBookie.com, BetStudy and BetSquare, provided real-time results and betting odds for the age-group tournament.

Originally known as the Burnley Cup, the President’s Cup was first played in 1985 after the FA of Malaysia (FAM) turned semi-professional. The FAM decided every team competing in domestic leagues were required to field a President’s Cup side in the name of development.

It started off as an under-23 tournament but was later changed to under-21.

FAM abolished the Youth Cup and changed the President’s Cup to an under-20 affair three years ago.

Many footballing legends, including Mokhtar Dahari and R. Arumugam, as well as current stars, such as Amirulhadi Zainal and Safee Sali, have played in the President’s Cup

ARSENAL FC TO VISIT MALAYSIA

2011-05-24T19:56:00.002+08:00

Arsenal FC, one of the youngest and most attractive football club teams in the world, confirmed that Malaysia will kick-start their first pre-season tour in Asia since 1999 – giving their huge fan base in Malaysia and in this region first hand opportunity to see Arsène Wenger’s First Team squad for the 2011-12 season live in action.

Arsenal’s confirmation was announced today by FA of Malaysia (FAM) deputy president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, who is also the Tengku Mahkota (Crown Prince) of Pahang, Tom Fox, Chief Commercial Officer of Arsenal FC and Julian Kam, CEO of ProEvents Group, the sole and exclusive tour organiser of the Arsenal Asia Tour 2011.

Organised by the FAM, the match between Malaysian XI vs Arsenal will be held at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium on July 13 and the kick-off is at 20.45 (8.45pm).

“It is great to have the Gunners back in Malaysia after 12 year. Special thanks to ProEvents for making this happen. ProEvents has established itself as the leading football marketing and management consultancy in Asia and we look forward to more such tours from the company.

“Arsenal needs no introduction here. The last time Arsenal played Malaysia in 1999, the stadium was packed with 80,000 fans. I am sure Arsenal will draw another bumper crowd this time around.

“More importantly, it will give the Malaysian players the opportunity to pit their skills against the world class professionals, many of whom are household names worldwide,” said Tengku Abdullah.

“Arsenal’s tour of Malaysia is great news for Arsenal fans here and neighbouring countries. We expect more fans from countries such as Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam coming for this match.

“The fact is that with the increased coverage of BPL in Asia, Arsenal’s fan base has increased substantially around the region. Everyone is excited and eagerly waiting for the team to arrive in KL in July,” said Julian Kam.

Arsenal Chief Executive Ivan Gazidis said: “Everyone at Arsenal Football Club is excited to be visiting Malaysia. We enjoy huge support in Asia and this will help bring the Club closer to our fans in South East Asia.

“Arsenal Football Club has a tradition of playing in Malaysia going back to the 1960s. This is our fourth visit to Malaysia. We last played in Kuala Lumpur in 1999. It will be a wonderful experience for the Club and our players, many of whom will be visiting Malaysia for the first time.”

Prices for tickets for the match range from RM58, RM68, RM108 and limited VIP tickets at RM388 and are available for purchase at selected Nike stores at KLCC, The Pavilion Mid Valley, One Utama and Sunway and Ticketpro outlets nationwide or call up Ticketpro’s hotline at 013-78807999 or book online through their website www.ticketpro.com.my.

There is a bonus for those who purchase their match ticket from May 27-June 5 as each ticket will come with a complimentary training pass.

Summary of Ticketing Details

Prices for tickets range from RM58, RM68, RM108 and limited VIP tickets at RM388. From May 27, match tickets are exclusively available at selective Nike stores nationwide and each purchase comes with a complimentary commemorative training pass. From May 30 onwards, fans can purchase tickets at selected Nike and Ticketpro outlets nationwide or call up Ticketpro’s hotline at 03-78807999 or book online through their website www.ticketpro.com.my.

BLUES COMING TO TOWN

2011-05-23T14:45:00.001+08:00

Exciting news for all football fans as they will have an opportunity to get a free commemorative Chelsea Football Club training pass when they purchase tickets for the Malaysia XI vs Chelsea match at selected adidas outlets nationwide from May 20-29 while stocks last.

Prices for the tickets range from RM58, RM68, RM108 and limited VIP tickets at RM388.

Organised by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), the Malaysia XI vs Chelsea FC match, will be held at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil at 8.45pm on Thursday, July 21 2011. The official match sponsors include adidas, Astro, One World and Naza World.

“In 2008, we had 55,000 football fans come and watched an excellent and exciting game of football. We expect more fans to come for this year’s match, especially from neighbouring countries such as Brunei, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand and Singapore,” said Julian Kam, CEO of ProEvents Group, who is the sole and exclusive promoter for the Chelsea Asia Tour 2011.

“Chelsea is here not just to play a football match. We have also lined up an up-close and personal activity for the fans to get closer with Chelsea players and officials. These include an autograph session, soccer clinics, charitable events and meeting the official Chelsea Supporters Club.

“This is a golden opportunity for all football fans to see a top flight English Premier League team in action. As this pre-season tour forms an important part of the team’s preparations for the 2011/12 season which begins in August,” Kam added

FA of Malaysia (FAM) secretary general Dato Azzuddin Ahmad in congratulating ProEvents for making this match possible and also for celebrating its 10^th anniversary in Malaysia, said: “This is a great opportunity for football fans to come and watch a top notch English Premier League team in action.

“Football fans in Malaysia and possibly in this region should not miss this golden opportunity to come and watch their idols in action. I am confident Malaysian players are also eagerly waiting to face the professionals.”

Summary of Ticketing Details

Prices for tickets range from RM58, RM68, RM108 and limited VIP tickets at RM388. From May 20-29, match tickets are exclusively available at selective adidas stores nationwide and each purchase comes with a complimentary commemorative training pass. From May 30 onwards, fans can purchase tickets at selected adidas and Ticketpro outlets nationwide or call up Ticketpro’s hotline at 03-78807999 or book online through their website www.ticketpro.com.my.

MRU PREPARES FOR 5 NATIONS

2011-05-20T16:50:00.000+08:00

FIFTEEN players who featured in the MRU Super League final on 8 May 2011 have been drafted in a 30-man squad preparing for the HSBC Asian 5 Nations tournament in South Korea early next month.

Cobra, the newly crowned winners, contributed 10 players while five were drafted from the runners-up Keris Conlay, according to national team manager DSP Ridzuan Abdul Aziz.

The squad has assembled at UiTM in Shah Alam for a centralised camp before the team departs for Ansan, a city in South Korea and an hour’s drive away from Incheon Airport.

DSP Ridzuan said he had initially called up a squad of 46 players but by this week, the number had dropped to 30. The final choice for the 24-member side to fly the Malaysian flag at the tournament will be made prior to departure.

They will be accompanied by four officials.

DSP Ridzuan was chief scout at MRU Super League’s final and was impressed with what he saw. He did not waste time is making immediate arrangements to recruit his new charges.

“Overall, I am happy with the material I have this week,’’ he said, adding that preparations would be much easier with a crop of players who are fit and disciplined.

One disappointment he highlighted was the absence from the camp of three imported players from Sabah who have been part of his campaign for the past two years.

The three players from Fiji – Semi Seruvakula, Nacani Seniu and Viliame Tuinivanua – are a core part of the Malaysian backline. It transpires that they have not been released by their union bosses.

“I know there is an internal problem, but don’t let the players suffer. I need them in the national side,” DSP Ridzuan said.

He did not divulge the details of the “problem” but it is known to be a conflict between the MRU and the Sabah Rugby Union.

The other Fijians in the squad are ASAS captain Timoci Nacokula, and Cobra veterans Isoa Turuva and Kini Rasolosolo. Nacokula and Turuva are centres while Rasolosolo appears at No.8.

DSP Ridzuan said after Malaysia won the Division 2 championship in 2009, he said the outing to South Korea has to be better than the disappointing performance in Singapore last year.

Malaysia, with a full team, lost narrowly 20-22 to hosts Singapore in a match that see-sawed all the way. Singapore scored the narrow lead with two players in the sin bin.

However, Malaysia came back in their next game to beat Chinese Taipei 36-5 to be come third best in the four-country competition. The silverware was taken home by Sri Lanka and Singapore the runners-up.

Malaysia’s first game on Wednesday June 1 at 1pm will be against Singapore. Should they beat Singapore they will proceed to play the winner of the South Korea-Philippine match on Saturday June 4.

SHEIKHFUL BAHARI HERO FOR SMK DATO ABDULLAH

2011-05-17T17:05:00.002+08:00

It was worth the trip down south to Pasir Gudang, Johor for Negri Sembilan outfit SMK Dato Abdullah of Seremban to compete in the south zone Manchester United Premier Cup (MUPC) qualifier over the weekend.

It came out tops – beating Johor Bahru’s Khaizar Sports 1-0 in the zone final played at Padang Mawar in Pasir Gudang on Sunday to book its place in the National Finals which will be played in Bukit Jalil on May 28. Khaizar also made it to the national finals.

Negri had two other teams in the qualifier but SMK Zaaba of Kuala Pilah were knocked out in the second round while SMK Tunku Ampuan Duha, Seremban in the quarter-finals.

With the completion of the south zone qualifier, eight teams have qualified for the national finals. They are SMK Putera, Kota Bahru and SMK Sultan Sulaiman, Kuala Terengganu from the East Zone, SMK Pusat Bandar Puchong and SMK Meru, Klang (Central Zone). Penang Schools Sports Council and SMK Anderson, Ipoh, qualified from the North Zone.

For the first time there will be two teams from the East Malaysia and this qualifier will be held at Stadium Sarawak in Kuching on May 21-22.

The national champions will represent Malaysia at the South East Asia regional finalsto be held in Si Racha, Thailand from June 7-9. The regional champions will then compete in the World Finals in Carrington, Manchester in August. The final will be played at Old Trafford.

In the south zone final, a ninth minute goal by Sheikhful Bahari Yaacob turned out to be the winner for SMK Dato Abdullah.

“We trained hard for this year’s MUPC. A lot of efforts were put in during training. Winning the south zone is a morale booster for the team to do well in the national finals. We aim to go far this year,” said Negri Sembilan Schools Sports Council coordinator Husai Nizam.

There was some consolation for Khaizar Sports when Mohd Shambr haizam Sulaiman was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) and Mohd Ruzaini Juli won the best goalkeeper award. The top scorer was Mohamed Ashraf Roslan of SMK Dato Abdullah with three goals. The Fairplay award went to SMK Tenggaroh ‘A’.

A total of 32 teams competed in Pasir Gudang. In the semi-finals, SMK Dato Abdullah gunned down SMK Tenggaroh ‘A’ 2-0 with goals by Muhd Farid Syakir (6^thmin) and Sheikhful Bahari (8^th). In the other semi-final Khaizar edged Tunas Cemerlang Johor FC 5-4 on penalties after a scoreless draw.

WORAWI REMOVED

2011-05-14T17:51:00.000+08:00

Fifa executive committee member Worawi Makudi, who has been implicated in a World Cup bribery scandal, is no longer head of the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) according to a government sporting body.

The Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) said that the postponement of FAT elections last week was illegal, and as no election had been held within the required time limit after Worawi's presidency expired at the end of 2010, his position was void.

Worawi was to have been challenged for the presidency at FAT elections last Friday but the poll was postponed when the executive board said some of the clubs had more than one voting representative.

"It was clearly an illegal move," SAT deputy governor Somkid Pinthong told a Senate committee on sports, according to a report in Thursday's Bangkok Post.

"An election for FAT president must have been completed by March 31," Somkid said. "As an election was not held by that date, Worawi and his executive board have lost their positions.

"In fact, they did not even have the authority to call the May 6 election."

The FAT had planned to hold an election within two weeks, but had only until Tuesday to answer an SAT query over the initial postponement or face further action.

Worawi was outside the country attending to Fifa business but was reportedly due back tomorrow and was scheduled to hold a press conference on Monday at which he will address the threat to his tenure as FAT president and Fifa executive committee member.

He was also expected to address allegations by English Football Association chairman David Triesman that said Worawi and three other executive committee members asked for various kinds of payment in exchange for their support of England's failed bid to host the 2018 World Cup.

Worawi was accused of asking for control of the television rights to a proposed Thailand-England friendly in Bangkok this year, which did not proceed after England's World Cup bid failed. Worawi has denied the allegations.

Worawi had also publicly declared that he would support challenger Mohammed Hammam in the upcoming elections for the FIFA presidency, against incumbent Sepp Blatter. -- AP

ASEAN FOR 2030

2011-04-14T10:50:00.002+08:00

Football Association of Thailand president Worawi Makudi, a member of the powerful FIFA executive committee, is confident that the Association of South-east Asian Nations (ASEAN) would be able to host a World Cup finals.

The idea of a joint bid by the 10-member ASEAN to host the 2030 World Cup finals came alive at a foreign ministers' summit in Lombok, Indonesia in January. Malaysia was tasked to come up with a proposal and to submit a status report at the ASEAN Summit in Indonesia next month.

On Sunday, the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) backed the idea of a joint bid.

Speaking to MediaCorp over the phone from London yesterday, Worawi said: "This is just an idea now, and we're just collecting feedback. The process of bidding hasn't even started ... but I'm confident that in the next 20 years ASEAN will easily have the capability - in terms of infrastructure - to host the World Cup."

But he cautioned: "I have no doubt that there will be a lot of development in this region in the years ahead ... but it is eventually up to FIFA to award (the hosting rights)."

FIFA's goals of using football as a unifying factor and spreading the game to as many countries as possible will be served by bringing a World Cup here.

But, besides infrastructure, the selection of a team, or teams, to represent the countries here could be extremely complicated. The first and only World Cup to see co-hosts was the 2002 edition held in Japan and Korea, when both countries were granted automatic slots in the competition.

In a statement released on its website yesterday, the AFF said it "welcomes the initiative by the Association of South-east Asian Nations (ASEAN) to consider hosting the 2030 World Cup in the region."

An ASEAN delegation headed by Malaysia's Deputy Minister for Youth and Sports, Dato' Razali Ibrahim, presented a World Cup bid proposal to the AFF members for the first time on Sunday. The AFF will form a committee to study the proposal.

In the meantime, representatives from Malaysia and the ASEAN Secretariat are in the midst of preparing a status report on the proposal for the forthcoming ASEAN Summit in Jakarta from May 7 to 8.

The next World Cup finals will be held in Brazil in 2014, followed by Russia in 2018 and Qatar four years later. Argentina and Uruguay have expressed an interest in a joint bid for the 2026 finals, and the earliest the tournament could return to Asia will be in 2030.

The benefits of hosting a World Cup are obvious, says Worawi. "Even before the tournament kicks off, along the way as we prepare for the event, we will see a lot of football development in the region ... But for now it is still an idea," he said ..

SOMETHING TO LEARN FROM THE THAIS

2011-04-13T10:47:00.001+08:00

HQ FOR AFF

2011-04-12T22:02:00.001+08:00

Newly elected Asean Football Federation (AFF) president Sultan Ahmad Shah is expected to propose the building of the AFF headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.

The Sultan who is also the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) president said he would put forward the proposal to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

"I will write to the Prime Minister for a land allocation to build the AFF headquarters but will seek the approval of the AFF council before writing the letter to the Prime Minister.

"To me, Najib is a leader who understands and supports the importance of sports," he said after opening the fourth schedule of the Pahang state legislative assembly at Wisma Sri Pahang here Monday.

Sultan Ahmad Shah said when he was the president of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad had approved a plot of land for the AFC headquarters while FIFA also allocated financial aid.

Sultan Ahmad Shah, who is the Sultan of Pahang, took over the AFF presidency from Tan Sri Tengku Ahmad Rithauddeen Tengku Ismail, who had helmed the AFF since 1995.

The AFF was established on Jan 31, 1984, with member countries comprising Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor Leste and Vietnam.