Foul!

As featured in Malay Mail Afternoon E-Paper today By Haresh Deol haresh@mmail.com.my FIRST they let their country down. Now, they turn their backs on the Jalur Gemilang. It appears the spat between Johor Darul Ta'zim and the FA of Malaysia (FAM) has escalated to a new level. Captain Safiq Rahim and Aidil Zafuan Abdul Radzak quit Harimau Malaysia hours apart yesterday through statements posted on their club (Johor Southern Tigers) Facebook page yesterday. And more are expected to abandon the sinking ship as the national team continues to produce unconvincing results since the 10-0 thrashing by United Arab Emirates during the World Cup qualifying match last year. National coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee was tongue tied when asked to comment about the resignations yesterday. But he is bracing for more to leave. Insiders say more JDT players are expected to discard the national colours, leaving Kim Swee in a lurch as he prepares the team for the Asean Football Federation Cu...

As published in Mailsport today By Haresh Deol haresh@mmail.com.my PETALING JAYA — The national team, already struggling in the international arena, were dealt a blow after two key players quit. Captain Safiq Rahim and Aidil Zafuan Abdul Razak announced their retirement, just hours apart, from Harimau Malaysia through their club Johor Darul Ta’zim (Johor Southern Tigers) Facebook page yesterday. National coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee, however, said he will not be surprised if more players leave the national outfit. “I heard it from the media. I was not informed of anything. “I don't know what is the reason, why they are leaving. But I won't be surprised if more will leave.” While admitting it was a setback, Kim Swee said he will have to move forward as he prepares the team for the Asean Football Federation Cup that starts on Nov 19. “I like challenges, I don't mind the stress ... but not such challenges and stress. I don't want ...

As published in today's Mailsport Reports by Vijhay Vick vijhay@mmail.com.my SINGAPORE - Mahali Jasuli hopes to end Malaysia's jinx when they play Myanmar today.  “We need a positive start. If we drop points it could cause us problem when we face Thailand and Singapore, who are the favourites to reach the semis,” said Mahali, who is aware  Malaysia lost their last two opening matches in the AFF Cup in 2010 and 2012.  “A win over be the perfect booster after poor results in our recent matches. It will ease some pressure as well." Mahali would likely start at rightback as Dollah Salleh's preferred choice Aidil Zafuan Abdul Radzak was left out due to injuries. Mahali also stressed they must not let the poor preparations affect them. Harimau Malaya only have one win - 4-1 over lowly Cambodia - from five preparation matches since August. They lost to Tajikistan (4-1), Indonesia (2-0), Syria (3-0) and Vietnam (3-1). “Our results i...

Malaysia defeated Laos 4-1 in the second group match in the AFF Cup. Both teams were tied to a 1-1 draw in the first half. The goals for Malaysia came from Safiq Rahim, Safee Sali ( pic ), Wan Zack Haikal and Khyril Muhymeen Zambri. So will we now see a video of 'fans' singing 'Thank you Rajagobal'? Earlier Indonesia managed a 1-0 win over Singapore. It will certainly be an interesting clash between Malaysia and Indonesia this Saturday. HD says: What say you?  

Perhaps some folks are being polite, giving the small football nation their fair share of space in the dailies. Singapore's Today Online says Laos are possibly the bogey team . And it looks like the Laos team are in an upbeat mood. Malaysia play Laos in their second match on Nov 28. Judging by their performances in the series of friendly matches, they cannot take Laos for granted. After all, skipper Safiq Rahim did caution his team mates against playing Bangladesh and it turned out to be a 1-1 draw. On paper, Laos have no chance of advancing beyond Group B for they have the likes of Singapore and Indonesia as company. Nevertheless, do expect Laos to create at least an upset - as they did in the 2-2 draw against Thailand in the opening match in 2010 which certainly surprised many. Hopefully the upset will not be against Malaysia. And here is the finalised list for the Malaysian squad; Khairul Fahmi Che Mat, Farizal Marlias, Mahalli Jasuli, Mohamad Fadhli Mohd Sh...

Itu masih menjadi tanda tanya tetapi ramai peminat Liverpool terutamanya di Terengganu ingin melihat kelibat Fowler sebagai jurulatih T-Team musim depan. Apa yang pasti ialah penghijrahan kembar Abdul Radzak - Aidil Zafuan dan Zaquan Adha - ke pasukan 'Manchester City' baru, Johor FA. Azmi Muslim juga akan ke Johor yang kini terkenal dengan Legoland dan Johor Premium Outlets. Baca laporan penuh disini. Safiq Rahim pula dikatakan berminat untuk bermain bersama kelab Indonesia Arema Pelita tetapi ingin memberi fokus terhadap persiapan Harimau Malaya menjelang Piala AFF Suzuki bulan depan. Walaupun baru sahaja memenangi Piala Malaysia dan menerima lot tanah sebagai ganjaran, ada juga pemain Kelantan akan keluar yang ingin meninggalkan Kota Bharu. Ada ura-ura yang menyatakan bahawa Khairul Fahmi Che Mat ingin beraksi dengan kelab lain - atau bersama kelab Indonesia. Apa yang pasti, persaingan sengit akan berterusan di musim 2013. HD kata: Baru...

It is nice to see hitman Safee Sali enjoying acting stints on Indonesian TV . Football is his career but he gains extra cash - directly and indirectly - from such appearances and endorsements. Sadly, most of our athletes still lack in this department. Athletes like Safiq Rahim, Khairul Fahmi Che Mat and Azlan Iskandar are household names not only because they are good in the scene but they are media savvy - in their own way. Consistent appearances in the media - may it be print, radio, website or television - gives them mileage to win the hearts of advertisers. We are not asking them to bask in the limelight and forget about their priorities but to take advantage of their current status for their future as most quit the scene by the age of 35. Sadly, some athletes don't view it that way. Simple example. I was at the National Sports Council field in Bukit Jalil to interview the national team as they were preparing for a match against an EPL team. I approached seasoned players Hai...

FA of Malaysia (FAM) vice president Hamidin Amin has told footballers and fans alike to "jangan terlalu menaruh harapan" when it comes to foreign stints especially in Europe. Judging by Hamidin's tone, he doesn't seem please with these club sides offering stints as they seem to toy with the sentiments of the players and the fans. It's like trying to "pei min" (give face in Cantonese). But the Selangor FA secretary stressed he is happy that players are able to experience training with reputable names. As such he has asked our local footballers to just enjoy the moment and don't get your hopes up - as published in today's Mailsport. He was referring to Safiq Rahim's speculated training stint with Queens Park Rangers next month. Perhaps Hamidin is right. HD says: We have had many other Malaysians who actually played for clubs abroad - Chow Chee Keong ( pic ), James Wong, Lim Teong Kim, Akmal Rizal Rakhli and Stanley Bernard to name a few.

It is not easy for a Malaysian to play in the English Premier League. It is not about the football standards alone but obtaining the work permit. Safiq enjoyed a training stint with Wales club Cardiff City recently. Yet, that has not stopped fresh speculation of national skipper Safiq Rahim playing for Queens Park Rangers next year. According to EyeFootball.com ; "Tony ( shouldn't it be Neil ?) Warnock has been recommended Rahim by (Tony) Fernandes' representatives, and the player will arrive on trial in January to spend time with the first team." But what caught my attention is the final paragraph of the article; "Selangor value the midfielder at around 300,000 GBP but a trial period is expected prior to any permanent deal." That's about RM1.4 million! No disrespect to Safiq but....biar benar wei?!?! HD says: The above mentioned website seem to have placed a wrong picture. I'm a little skeptical over the report.