CHELSEA ASIA TOUR 2013

Chelsea’s stars Eden Hazard and Demba Ba will be coming to town for the first time! The Belgian and the Senegalese are poised to make their maiden trip to Kuala Lumpur as part of the English Premier League team’s 2013/2014 pre-season tour.

This will be ‘The Blues’ third visit to Kuala Lumpur since 2008 and the friendly match against a Malaysian Selection will be played on July 21 at the Shah Alam Stadium. Chelsea will also play matches in Thailand and Indonesia.

Malaysian fans will also get the opportunity to watch UEFA Champions League winners such as Ashley Cole, Petr Cech, Branislav Ivanovic and Gary Cahill who will join the likes of Hazard and Ba on the Malaysian leg of the tour.

It will also be a sweet trip down memory lane for current skipper John Terry as it was in Kuala Lumpur that he earned accolades as team captain when lifting the Premier League Asia Cup in 2003, during Chelsea’s playing tour then.

This year’s summer tour will see the club living up to the theme ‘Here to Play, Here to Stay’, and is made possible through the concerted efforts of ProEvents International and the Football Association of Malaysia.

Chelsea will take to the field against the Malaysian Selection who are also known as Harimau Malaya (Malayan Tigers) four days after their friendly against Thailand All-Star XI on July 17 in Bangkok, before flying to Jakarta to conclude their tour against an Indonesian XI on July 25 at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium.

Chelsea’s Chief Executive Ron Gourlay said they are pleased to return to Kuala Lumpur as there is a large fan-base among Malaysians. 

“It is fantastic news that we will be adding Kuala Lumpur to our already confirmed match in Bangkok and Indonesia this summer,” said Gourlay at a press conference today at the Saujana Hotel in Subang.

Also present were the FA of Malaysia Vice-President Dato’ Seri Subahan Kamal who is also the national team manager and FAM General-Secretary Lt Gen (Rtd) Dato’ Azzuddin Ahmad.

“We look forward to the match against what promises to be a strong and improving opposition. Two years ago in Malaysia we narrowly won before 85,000 fans. And we are looking forward to the same stunning atmosphere once again. Each time we travel to Asia I am amazed at the reception, and I am sure this summer will be no different,” added Gourlay.

Kuala Lumpur has been home to a Chelsea FC Blue Pitch since 2011, providing a hub for their staff to bring expert grassroots coaching to Malaysian youngsters, and was also utilised during the youth team’s mini-tour of Asia last summer.

ProEvents International Managing Director San Boon Wah said Malaysia has always been the key destination for English Premier League clubs and Chelsea’s third visit here since 2008 will provide their fans another thrilling experience of watching Chelsea’s new signings for the first time.

 “I am sure fans from this region will be very excited to watch the star-studded Chelsea team play against the Malaysian Selection,” said Boon Wah. “Several of them will be playing in Kuala Lumpur for the first time. It is great news and we appreciate Chelsea’s efforts to bring their best possible squad to Kuala Lumpur.”

He added that ProEvents takes great pride in organising this match and thanked the FA of Malaysia and Chelsea fans as well for their continued support.

“All Malaysian football enthusiasts should come and support the Malaysian Selection and Chelsea as well. I am confident the Stadium will once again be packed for this exciting match against Chelsea who have in their line-up some of the world’s most renowned players.”         

Chelsea official club website receives more than 180,000 unique visits each month from Malaysia, and the club’s Facebook page has almost one million fans in the country. News on ticket sales for the matches against Malaysia will be posted on the official Chelsea website and ticketpro.com.

TAJ mahu kembalikan ATM ke landasan kemenangan, sasar tiga mata berdepan Perak

SELEPAS melalui dua keputusan mengecewakan, pertahanan tengah, Amiridzwan Taj Tajudin melaungkan tekad untuk mengembalikan Angkatan Tentera Malaysia ke landasan kemenangan pada pertemuan menentang Perak, Jumaat ini.

Dikecewakan 2-3 oleh Terengganu di tempat lawan, pendahulu, ATM kehilangan cengkaman ke atas kedudukannya di atas persada liga apabila hanya mampu seri tanpa jaringan berdepan Pahang, Jumaat lalu.

Meskipun menguasai perlawanan, the Gladiators gagal menembusi kekebalan benteng yang diterajui penjaga gol, Rosfaizul Azuar Ali dengan peluang terbaik dimiliki Taj pada babak kedua menerusi tandukannya yang singgah di palang.

“Apa yang boleh kami katakan, memang tiada rezeki pada dua perlawanan sebelum ini. Kami asyik keciciran mata sejak kebelakangan ini.

“Kami memang memiliki banyak peluang tetapi gagal memanfaatkannya. Tandukan saya memang tepat ke sasaran, tetapi apakan daya ia sekadar singgah di palang.

“Kami perlu bangkit pada perlawanan seterusnya menentang Perak,” katanya yang sudah meledakkan satu jaringan musim ini ketika berdepan Johor Darul Takzim.

Pemain tinggi lampai berusia 26 tahun itu memiliki sebab tersendiri untuk menampilkan aksi terbaik bagi perlawanan menentang Perak di Stadium Lumut menjelang tugasan antarabangsa menentang Yaman dalam kelayakan Piala Asia 2015.

Liga akan berehat dua minggu bagi memberi ruang buat barisan K Rajagobal berkumpul bagi mempersiapkan diri bagi menghadapi pasukan Asia Barat itu pada 22 Mac ini di Stadium Shah Alam dengan Taj mahu memastikan dirinya terus berada dalam senarai pengendali kebangsaan tersebut selepas aksi berdepan Qatar bulan lalu.

“Saya berharap akan diberikan peluang sekali lagi untuk menyarung jersi kebangsaan bagi perlawanan menghadapi Yaman. Diharapkan saya dapat meyakinkan jurulatih (K Rajagobal) untuk terus menyenaraikan saya bersama-sama pemain ATM yang lain,” tambahnya.

Sathia congak pendekatan terbaik, optimis ATM terus rentak garang

Jurulatih serba boleh Angkatan Tentera Malaysia, B.Sathianathan tahu apa tonik mujarab yang diperlukan barisan pemain The Gladiators agar tidak terbuai dengan mimpi indah dengan kedudukan mereka sebagai pendahulu Liga Super, dan menuntut pemainnya terus memberi tumpuan penuh dalam meneruskan momentum kemenangan apabila ATM bertandang ke Kuala Terengganu, untuk pertemuan menentang tuan rumah Sabtu ini.

Kemenangan ke atas Selangor tempoh hari melonjakkan ATM sebagai pendahulu baru liga 12 pasukan dengan kutipan 14 mata, tetapi Sathia sedar kelebihan satu mata mengatasi Lions XII dan Selangor bukan kedudukan selamat buat pasukannya.

Justeru, Sathia mengesa anak buahnya tidak mengambil mudah pertembungan menentang Terengganu yang dianggap ramai kononnya ‘tempang’ tanpa kelibat beberapa pemain utama yang tersisih sama ada akibat kecederaan mahupun penggantungan perlawanan.

“Saya berpendapat apa yang diperlukan pemain saya ketika ini adalah persiapan mental yang baik, itu yang saya fokuskan pada ketika ini, persiapkan mereka secara mental agar mereka dapat mengatasi bahang yang semakin terasa ini dengan tenang.

“Bagi saya, siapapun lawan, kita tidak boleh ambil mudah dan kita menghormati Terengganu yang akan beraksi di laman sendiri, tetapi ATM tidak gentar dengan siapapun. Harus diingat perlawanan akan berlangsung pada waktu petang, ia akan menjadi lebih sukar berbanding perlawanan lain dan saya perlu ubah sedikit pendekatan.

“Ramai yang kata Terengganu tempang kerana kehilangan beberapa pemain seperti Faizal Muhamad, Ismail Faruqi dan sebagainya. Tetapi kami silap jika percaya dengan khabar angin sedemikian. Saya yakin Terengganu tetap memiliki kelebihan dan saya tidak mahu pemain saya tersilap menduga kekuatan mereka,” ujar Sathianathan.

Sathia juga menepis tanggapan bahawa kedudukan sebagai pendahulu memberi sedikit tekanan kepada pasukannya yang dijangka bergelut untuk mengekalkan kedudukan tersebut : “Kita berada pada kedudukan yang baik ketika ini, saya suka untuk melihat ATM di kedudukan teratas. Bagi saya ia akan memberi semangat tambahan kepada pemain untuk meneruskan rentak cemerlang yang ditunjukkan ini. Sebab itulah persiapan mental itu penting.”

ATM tidak tewas dalam saingan liga sejak 6 perlawanan lalu – mencatat empat kemenangan dan dua keputusan seri sejak tewas aksi pembukaan kepada Lions XII manakala ayam tambatan, Marlon Alex James pula melonjakkan namanya selaku pendahulu carta penjaring gol setakat ini dengan 6 gol.

WINDS OF CHANGE FOR KELLY

THE winds of change have been heartbreaking for Malaysian football which has seen more tormenting  days than any other during this monsoon season. First was the lost in the Suzuki Cup

The second blow, however, landed just two days ago on other aspiring Malaysian footballers who clambered out of the Asean University Games in Vientiane, again shot out by the Thais 1-0 at the semi-finals stage of the 11-nation tourney.

But the Thais are far from finish with Malaysians. They seem to have ‘gained from our pain’ as the countdown to 2013 begins; rejoice in every moment of our delusions and myopic calculations.   

This time around, they have in their wings the FA of Malaysia assistant general-secretary Kelly Sathiraj who will take on the job as the director of competitions & consultant with the FA of Thailand.

Kelly had an audience with His Royal Highness Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, the FAM deputy president, at 4.30pm today in Kuala Lumpur to convey his decision.

Kelly is well known for his knowledge on the intricacies of competitions, an incredible personality and administrator within the perimeters of the FAM and has always been a ‘competitions man’ with the Asian Football Confederation, taking the cue as match commissioner.

His ‘exodus from FAM’ makes him among the personalities who have joined the ranks of Mohammed Saifuddin Abu Bakar who is now the technical consultant of competition and Pro League at Oman Football Association, and John Windsor who currently holds the post of AFC competitions executive director.

This ‘brain drainage’ is indeed seen as another big blow to Malaysian football as Kelly’s expertise and experience could have been better utilised in far more effective ways in our own backyard.

Now we can only sit back and ponder if Kelly’s ambitious plans for the FA of Thailand will do us any harm or good in the passage of time!

Well, I would like to convey my best wishes to Kelly in his foray with the FA of Thailand and hope he achieves greater success.

CHRISTIE enggan berkecil hati, sasar 10 gol bagi Liga Super 2013

DISISIHKAN daripada skuad kebangsaan Piala Suzuki AFF, pemain sayap kiri ATM, Christie Jayaseelan enggan berkecil hati sebaliknya menanamkan tekad untuk memikat perhatian pengendali Harimau Malaya pada musim 2012 yang bakal membuka tirai awal Januari ini.

Sumbangan pemain kelahiran Kajang berusia 26 tahun dalam kempen Piala Malaysia musim lalu pastinya akan terus dikenang apabila meledakkan gol dalam kemenangan 3-2 pada timbal balik pertama suku akhir berdepan Negeri Sembilan di tempat sendiri.

Ia adalah jaringan tunggal Christie pada kempen Piala Malaysia yang menyimpan pelbagai kenangan buat ATM yang mara buat kali pertama ke final di Bukit Jalil selepas 46 tahun.

Namun ia tidak cukup untuk meyakinkan pengendali kebangsaan, K Rajagobal untuk menyenaraikan penjaring liga ketiga terbanyak ‘The Gladiators’ dengan tiga gol meskipun memanggilnya buat julung kalinya bagi perlawanan persahabatan menentang Vietnam pada awal September.

Kini tumpuannya adalah 100% terhadap ATM dengan Christie mensasarkan untuk meledakkan 10 gol pada kemunculan pertama juara Liga Perdana itu pada pentas elit.

“Sudah pasti saya sedikit terkilan namun keputusan akhir terletak pada jurulatih. Apa yang saya mampu lakukan adalah untuk terus meningkatkan tahap persembahan saya pada musim akan datang.

“Sasaran saya pada musim ini adalah untuk menjaringkan 10 gol,” tambah Christie.

Keyakinannya terserlah selepas mendapat perkhabaran ketibaan R Surendran daripada Selangor yang bakal memperkuatkan jentera serangan ATM musim ini.

Selain Suren, muka-muka baru yang bakal menyarung jersi belang merah biru barisan bimbingan jurulatih terbaik Liga M, B Sathianathan antaranya tonggak berpengalaman, Shukor Adan, Norfazly Alias dan penjaga gol berpengalaman, G Jeevanantham.

“Saya menjalani latihan dengan mereka semalam dan kesemuanya menunjukkan keserasian meskipun Suren dan Norfazly baru saja menyertai pasukan.

“Diharapkan kami mampu mengekalkan persefahaman ini pada sepak mula kempen Liga Super 2013 yang akan datang,” tambahnya.

Sebagai rangka persiapan bagi menghadapi musi baru ini dengan mengadakan tiga aksi persahabatan di Thailand bermula 13 hingga 19 Disember  menentang Tentera Darat Thailand, Bangkok Club dan juara Piala FA Thailand, Burinam.

Fifty boys from FELDA - first batch to leave for CARDIFF CITY experience

BANGI (11 NOVEMBER 2012)- It will be a dream come true for 50 players from FELDA  communities throughout the country when they leave for a three-week training  cum exposure trip to the hallowed grounds of the Cardiff City Football Academy in Wales, UK.

The realisation of this vision was initiated at the official launch of the  Liga 1Malaysia-Cardiff City (Liga 1MCC) by Prime Minister, Datuk Sri Najib Tun Abdul Razak in April this year. The Prime Minister had lauded 1MCC’s efforts to improve football at grassroots level, and as Minister in charge of FELDA, he made a promise to send these young boys on this once-in-a-lifetime experience to Cardiff City. This is indeed a promise fulfilled!

Of these 50 players, 17 are from the FELDA Academy, whilst 33 were selected from various FELDA communities in Kedah, Pahang, Kelantan, Negeri Sembilan, Johor, Selangor and Terengganu. The boys comprise of 25 each from the Under-16 and Under-18 age groups  They  will depart Kuala Lumpur Nov 15 for Cardiff City after a 5-day Orientation Camp in Bangi, Selangor. The group will be accompanied by a Teacher, 2 Coaches from FELDA Academy and officials from FELDA and 1MCC.

This group will undergo training with the Cardiff City Academy boys, play against local teams, attend a Welsh school, undergo the UK Sports Leaders Program, participate in the Community Recycling Program, watch the Cardiff City First Team in training, and also get to watch two home matches, CCFC vs Middlesbrough, and CCFC vs Sheffield Wednesday. They will have the opportunity to visit the Cardiff City Stadium and tour the back of house and see how a professional football Club is managed and how stadium facilities are run, and how fans are managed. They will also meet up with FELDA-sponsored University students currently studying in Cardiff.

Dato’ Chan Tien Ghee, Chairman of 1Malaysia-Cardiff City and Chairman of Cardiff City Football Club has this to say, “The 1MCC philosophy of ‘Football For All’ has achieved its objective in providing a platform for youths to realise their potential through football. The more important aspect of this trip is for our  young aspiring players to be aware of the hard work and high standards required to play professionally abroad. Football is not just about kicking a ball around – it involves hard work, team spirit, responsibility, commitment, discipline and the ability to withstand a tough training regime. It helps to build character and mental strength.”

“I am indeed proud that the first batch of 50 players from the FELDA communities will get to enjoy this exposure in Cardiff City Academy next week,” added Dato’ Chan. “There is no doubt they will be enriched by a wonderful Welsh experience, but more importantly, they will be able to share this experience with their friends and family, and also know that they are a step nearer to realising their dreams.”

On hand to give the Felda players a motivational session during the Orientation Camp at the Agrobank Development Institute in Bangi yesterday was 1MCC Ambassador and the Malaysian National Coach,  Datuk K. Rajagobal. The theme for the Camp is “DARI PUNCAK IMPIAN KE ANGKASA”.

“The 1MCC initiative is indeed a blessing for Malaysian football and as such, it is an opportunity for these players to make good use of the training stint in Cardiff City,” added Rajagobal. “You can only get better with such exposure trips and the players must be prepared to learn as much as they can.”

While these players make history by being the first batch bound for Cardiff City Academy under 1MCC, they will soon be followed by 36 players, boys and girls, from the  current 1MCC-ASTRO-Kem Bola to Cardiff City in March, 2013. 

Sathia hilang khidmat pasangan kembar Aidil dan Zaquan

Naib juara Piala Malaysia, Angkatan Tentera Malaysia (ATM) akan kehilangan khidmat dua pemain tonggak, Aidil Zafuan dan Zaquan Adha Abdul Radzak yang memilih untuk berhijrah ke selatan tanah air untuk menyarung jersi Johor bagi saingan Liga Malaysia musim 2013.

Perkara ini disahkan Ketua Jurulatih ATM, B. Sathianathan yang berkata kedua-dua pemain itu telah menghubunginya selepas tamat aksi final Piala Malaysia menentang Kelantan untuk memaklumkan tentang keputusan mereka itu.

“Ya, kita kehilangan dua pemain tonggak, walaupun saya sedikit terkilan kerana kedua-dua mereka telah bersetuju dengan apa yang ditawarkan pengurusan sebelum aksi final, malah berjanji dengan saya untuk kekal tetapi dalam dunia professional ini adalah perkara biasa. Apabila mereka dapat tawaran lebih tinggi kita tidak boleh buat apa-apa, mereka akan ubah fikiran di saat akhir dan kita tidak boleh sekat mereka.

“Apa sekalipun, saya ucapkan selamat berjaya kepada Aidil dan Zafuan, juga terima kasih di atas segala sumbangan mereka kepada pasukan selama semusim di sini. Aidil telah membentuk pertahanan yang mantap manakala Zaquan telah banyak meningkat dan menjadi tonggak pasukan selepas pulih dari kecederaan ACL, saya yakin mereka akan cemerlang bersama pasukan baru,” kata Sathianathan.

Ditanya sama ada kehilangan mereka akan merencatkan persiapan ATM untuk menghadapi saingan musim baru, apatah lagi Sathia baru sahaja melaungkan ATM akan bertambah kuat bagi saingan musim depan, ini respon beliau.

“Saya tidak berapa kisah untuk kehilangan dua pemain, kita masih mempunyai pemain lain yang boleh mengisi kekosongan itu, lainlah kalau saya hilang 7 atau 8 pemain. Saya juga akan membawa masuk pemain baru. Orang kata kita Manchester City Malaysia, tetapi ATM tidak akan bersaing dengan mana-mana pasukan yang mempunyai kekuatan kewangan untuk memancing pemain sebaliknya mencari pemain yang mahu berkhidmat untuk pasukan ATM.”