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 Mailsport today PETALING JAYA — Malaysia head to the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Cup without a win since beating Cambodia in September after losing their final preparation match 3-1 to Vietnam in Hanoi last night. Malaysia once again only have themselves to blame as they squandered a host of chances in the first half and Muslim Ahmad’s needless red card in the 48th minute made life more difficult. A 4-1 win over Cambodia two months ago remains Dollah Salleh’s only win as national coach since he took charge in July. He made four changes to the starting line-up who lost 3-0 to Syria last week. In came goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat, defenders Zubir Azmi, Afif Amiruddin and central midfielder Gary Steven Robbat for Farizal Marlias, Azmi Muslim, Fadhli Shas and Baddrol Bakhtiar respectively. There were improvements in attack but the misses were shocking. Malaysia may not get that many chances when the AFF Cup kicks off on Sunday. Amri ...

"Ranking tidak penting" - So it doesn't matter that Malaysia, ranked 163 in the Fifa standings , were held to a 1-1 draw against a lower ranked Hong Kong (172) in a friendly match at the Shah Alam Stadium last night. An " experiment " perhaps? - That could have been running through the mind of defender Aidil Zafuan Abdul Radzak after his unexplainable back pass to goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat was intercepted by a Hong Kong player that resulted the equaliser in the dying minutes of the match. It was a mistake indeed but certainly one would not expect such a child-like error from an experienced defender like Aidil. For the record, Malaysia's goal was scored by Safee Sali ( pic ) in the 58th minute. Third time lucky? - We lost 1-0 to Vietnam, 2-0 to Thailand and managed a 1-1 draw against Hong Kong. Then again, why be so judgmental now when the real test awaits the team once the AFF Cup starts proper. Oh, if you like romantic movies, do watch the 1...

Discipline, dedication and integrity. Johor FA president Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim believes those are the three key ingredients that will ensure the success of southern teams Johor and Johor United. For the record, Super League outfit Johor FC will now play as Johor while the Premier League Johor FA team will be known as Johor United next season. Fandi Ahmad will play team manager cum chief coach for Johor with Ismail Ibrahim as coach. Azmi Mohamed, meanwhile, is the coach for Johor United. Among the players that will don the colours of Johor next year include former Spain national player Daniel Guiza ( pic ), Norshahrul Idlan Talaha, Muslim Ahmad and the Abdul Radzak twins -Aidil Zafuan and Zaquan Adha. The unification of both teams was expected based on my meeting with the Johor prince in March as seen here . It will be interesting to note Johor and Johor United's progression in their respective leagues. Johor FC were placed ninth in the Super League while Johor F...

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...

Pemain negara Aidil Zafuan Abdul Radzak menyeru peminat bola sepak negara supaya jangan cepat melatah. Tetapi beliau juga mengakui persembahan pasukan kebangsaan menentang Vietnam dalam perlawanan persahabatan tidak seberapa. Kata-katanya dipetik dari laporan Astro Awani (501) semalam. Ramai yang tidak berpuas hati - bukan hanya dengan keputusan perlawanan di mana pasukan negara tewas 2-0 kepada Vietnam - tetapi dengan corak permainan anak didik K.Rajagobal. "Tak perlu panik dengan kekalahan pertama (selepas enam aksi persahabatan antarabangsa 2012). Ini kerana saya berasakan kita masih di landasan sebenar. Cuma saya sedar, saingan Piala Suzuki AFF 2012 bukan mudah dan ia pasti lebih mencabar." Itu merupakan kata-kata Rajagobal yang diterbitkan di Berita Harian.  Safee Sali pula mengesa rakan seperjuangannya "mempelbagaikan lagi corak serangan kerana (pasukan) lawan sudah boleh baca gerakan" pemain-pemain kita. Baca Kosmo untuk laporan penuh . Wartawa...