MOST definitley I was rooting for South Korean golf legend, Park Se Ri to win last week's LPGA Malaysia-Sime Darby tournament at Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club. Not only do I think that Se Ri is a great golf champion but also respected her on a personal term. Se Ri played good throughout the week to finish 4th but more importantly her performance in Malaysia convinced me that she still has a lot of good golf in her to win another LPGA title sometime soon.
It was exactly a week ago that I achieved one of my greatest sporting moment of my life! Whoaaa...sounds like the professional athlete right? But surely no one would be able to take the sweet memories I had on that day, October 12 2011, at 7.55 am to be precise. I struck my first hole-in-one after playing and enjoying golf for 12 years. It was doubly sweet and exciting as I did it in front of World Golf's Hall of Fame inductee, Pak Se Ri. Se Ri, unlike American player Cristie Kerr whom I played with in last year's Pro-Am, was such a wonderful person. Her so-called 'aura' and humanly manners truly felt good to me. My precious 'hole-in-one' strike on the 128-meter, Par 3, Hole 15th at KLGCC, was inpired by Pak Se Ri. Not to mention the once in a lifetime friendly kiss from one of the greatest golfer of her generation. Thank you Miss Pak Se Ri..
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Friday, September 30, 2011
Adam Malik - Muar-born to ATP
It feels so good that everytime I browsed through the ATP website, the name Adam Malik still rings a bell. So, before the name Adam Malik and the Malaysian flag get wiped out of the ATP system, I would quickly reccomend every Malaysian to have a look at it NOW. I dont want to be the over-patriotic guy here! But hey, seriously I doubt it that there will ever be another tennis player from Malaysia in the eyes of the ATP, in, say at least, another 50 years! So, get to your computers now...just check and search the name Adam Malik so that we will not feel too bad everytime the ATP tour stops in Kuala Lumpur.
This year's ATP-Malaysian Open at Putra Stadium, Bukit Jalil again brought up the question on the level of tennis among the current national players. No Malaysian player are ranked even in the 1,000 bracket of the ATP rankings. Wild-card appearances in the singles qualifying, or the main draw in doubles, ended without any kind of challenge by Malaysian players. I say this without trying to discredit the efforts of our current players such as Si Yew Meng, Deen Hisham, Ahmad Deedat or others. So in terms of ATP history, which means the real thing in men's professional tennis, no Malaysian player comes close to the achievements of Adam Malik. Muar-born Adam who now resides in the United States, is indeed the forgotten hero of Malaysian sports, tennis in particular. And who would forget that Adam is Malaysia's youngest ever player when he played in the Davis Cup at the tender age of 14!.
I feel we are lucky that the ATP player search still holds the data of Adam Malik despite being categorised as an "inactive player". Thanks to the immaculate data gathering of the ATP, we are still able to remember Adam's professional career, though not as illustrious as we would have liked. The ATP web-site data still kept Adam's ranking during the eight year period after he turned pro in 1988. Adam, now 44 years old, has a career high ranking of 436 in April 1995. I remember those days some fans used to complain that his ranking is "nothing" but looking back now, at least Adam was genuinely ranked by the ATP based on his touring points, including his "lone ranger" exploits carrying the Malaysian flag in the Satellite and Challenger Series. He was the real thing representing Malaysia among thousands of tennis professionals in a sport dominated by Europe and the Americas. At least, Adam was a truly feared player in Asian tennis during that period. I remember he played some superb tennis to beat his rivals from Korea, Thailand and Indonesia at the National Tennis Center in Jalan Duta in the late 80's and early 90's.
But my biggest memory of Adam's playing career was when he beat two higher ranked players to reach the Kuala Lumpur ATP tournament in 1994 at KL Badminton Stadium in Cheras. He beat up and coming American, Robbie Weiss in two tie-break sets in the first round. In the round of last 16, Adam overcame experienced Swedish player, Thomas Nydahl, 4-6, 7-6, 7-6 to reach the quarter-finals of an ATP event. And that is history in Malaysian tennis and sports in general! There are lot more stories of Adam who also had the talented but locally groomed V Selvam and another pal, R Ramachandran as his rival and team-mate in the national tennis team during that exciting period. How can I forget them, especially Adam whom I regard as the best tennis player Malaysia has ever produced. Thank you for the memories Adam Malik!
This year's ATP-Malaysian Open at Putra Stadium, Bukit Jalil again brought up the question on the level of tennis among the current national players. No Malaysian player are ranked even in the 1,000 bracket of the ATP rankings. Wild-card appearances in the singles qualifying, or the main draw in doubles, ended without any kind of challenge by Malaysian players. I say this without trying to discredit the efforts of our current players such as Si Yew Meng, Deen Hisham, Ahmad Deedat or others. So in terms of ATP history, which means the real thing in men's professional tennis, no Malaysian player comes close to the achievements of Adam Malik. Muar-born Adam who now resides in the United States, is indeed the forgotten hero of Malaysian sports, tennis in particular. And who would forget that Adam is Malaysia's youngest ever player when he played in the Davis Cup at the tender age of 14!.
I feel we are lucky that the ATP player search still holds the data of Adam Malik despite being categorised as an "inactive player". Thanks to the immaculate data gathering of the ATP, we are still able to remember Adam's professional career, though not as illustrious as we would have liked. The ATP web-site data still kept Adam's ranking during the eight year period after he turned pro in 1988. Adam, now 44 years old, has a career high ranking of 436 in April 1995. I remember those days some fans used to complain that his ranking is "nothing" but looking back now, at least Adam was genuinely ranked by the ATP based on his touring points, including his "lone ranger" exploits carrying the Malaysian flag in the Satellite and Challenger Series. He was the real thing representing Malaysia among thousands of tennis professionals in a sport dominated by Europe and the Americas. At least, Adam was a truly feared player in Asian tennis during that period. I remember he played some superb tennis to beat his rivals from Korea, Thailand and Indonesia at the National Tennis Center in Jalan Duta in the late 80's and early 90's.
But my biggest memory of Adam's playing career was when he beat two higher ranked players to reach the Kuala Lumpur ATP tournament in 1994 at KL Badminton Stadium in Cheras. He beat up and coming American, Robbie Weiss in two tie-break sets in the first round. In the round of last 16, Adam overcame experienced Swedish player, Thomas Nydahl, 4-6, 7-6, 7-6 to reach the quarter-finals of an ATP event. And that is history in Malaysian tennis and sports in general! There are lot more stories of Adam who also had the talented but locally groomed V Selvam and another pal, R Ramachandran as his rival and team-mate in the national tennis team during that exciting period. How can I forget them, especially Adam whom I regard as the best tennis player Malaysia has ever produced. Thank you for the memories Adam Malik!
Friday, September 23, 2011
Siapa kata kita akan 'mengaum'?
Baru saja lepas terbaca blog "Aku Bimbo"... jadi naik semangat pulak untuk aku memasang angan, membentak perasaan! Semuanya gara-gara tajuk beberapa akhbar di Malaysia susulan kekalahan 2-0 di tangan Jepun dalam kelayakan Olimpik London 2012, Rabu lalu. Spesifiknya, tajuk akhbar tabloid berbahasa Melayu. Memang mudah, 'sedap' dan puas hati bagi orang yang tukang buat 'heading' kalau tajuk itu dirasakan dapat menguja para pembaca akhbar berkenaan. Kalau "Aku Bimbo" ada menyanggah sikap sensasi tajuk sebuah akhbar mengenai seorang kanak-kanak yang dijangkiti virus Aids yang dilabel sebagai "budak Aids" (anak gitaris sebuah kumpulan rock tempatan), aku pula kurang senang dengan dua tajuk akhbar tempatan selepas kekalahan Malaysia di tangan Jepun di Stadium Tosu, Fukuoka, Jepun pada 21 September lalu. Bagi aku dua tajuk yang dimaksudkan: 1) "Harimau Muda gagal mengaum di bumi Jepun"; dan 2) "Harimau Lemau"; sungguh dangkal, rendah mutu dan berbaur penghinaan.
Aku yakin dan percaya, kedua-dua tajuk itu direka tanpa menyusuri rentetan sebenar bolasepak negara, malah rangkap katanya dikeluarkan secara spontan untuk memperkecilkan pemain dan pasukan kita sendiri. Bagaimanapun, jika wartawan, penyunting, atau editor yang bertanggungjawab mencetuskan ungkapan tajuk-tajuk itu berfikir dengan sedikit mendalam dan teliti, mereka pastinya akan mendapat ilham untuk memaparkan "heading" lain yang lebih tepat, membina dan tidak merosakkan bahasa. Sebagai orang yang pernah terlibat dengan penerbitan akhbar tabloid pada tahun 1990-an dulu, saya ingin memberikan sedikit hujah mengenai 2 tajuk berkenaan pada Khamis, 22 September 2011 (nama akhbar berkenaan dirahsiakan).
Harimau Muda gagal mengaum di bumi Jepun
Persoalannya:
1) Siapa yang kata pasukan kita akan mengaum di Jepun?
2) Bukankah wartawan dan sidang redaksi akhbar berkenaan sendiri yang berminggu-minggu mengulit sendiri harapan dan gambaran sebelum perlawanan?
3) Adakah jurulatih Olimpik, Ong Kim Swee pernah mengatakan pasukannya akan mengaum di Jepun? Saya rasa tidak pernah!
4) Mengikut sejarah, media sukan tempatan (termasuk akhbar tabloid berkenaan) mudah terbawa-bawa elemen "match previews" yang seolah-olah pasukan kita akan meledak dan menang pada hari perlawanan nanti! Rasa positif itu tidak salah, namun perlu realisitik.
5) Tidak salah juga jika Kim Swee atau pemain berjanji untuk memberikan yang terbaik, atau menjangkakan peluang kita ada apabila bertemu Jepun nanti.
* Jadi, tajuk akhbar "gagal mengaum" dalam konteks menentang Jepun tempoh hari tidak memberi gambaran yang adil dan sesuai. Persoalannya sekali lagi: "Siapa yang janji Malaysia akan mengaum di bumi Jepun?". Itu cuma andaian syok sendiri tabloid berkenaan.
"Harimau lemau"
1) Perkataan "lemau" dalam tajuk ini adalah sebahagian daripada vokabulari bahasa pasar/rojak generasi SMS dan FB. Juga dikerap dianjurkan oleh pelbagai individu dalam selebriti hiburan. Maksud "lemau" ditujukan kepada orang yang lembap, tak bertenaga dan tidak ceria.
2) Penggunaan perkataan 'lemau' terhadap skuad Olimpik negara sungguh berbaur penghinaan (sedangkan pemain jelas berusaha sedaya upaya menyaingi Jepun walaupun akhirnya tewas 2-0).
3) Kita akur corak permainan Malaysia di Tosu didominasi Jepun, antara statistik 16 percubaan Jepun; 1 percubaan Msia. Tetapi perkataan 'lemau" bukan istilah yang adil jika penulis tajuk akhbar berkenaan mengerti kronologi kejatuhan dan kebangkitan bolasepak Malaysia dan Jepun secara amnya. Perbandingan moden: Jepun No1 di Asia; Msia ke-25!
4) Di segi bahasa pun, penggunaan perkataan 'lemau' tidak tepat (sesuai untuk kuih dan biskut) untuk menggambarkan prestasi sesebuah pasukan bolasepak.
* Jadi, penggunaan 'lemau' hanyalah sikap nakal akhbar tabloid berkenaan seperti mahu menghina pasukan Olimpik negara. Ia sekadar 'sedap mulut' mereka saja yang mungkin juga sudah kehabisan idea. Secara peribadi, saya sendiri tahu ramai juga yang boleh dilabel sebagai 'lemau' di kalangan petugas media tempatan.
Apa yang menariknya, komen daripada pengulas berkecuali (Inggeris) untuk perlawanan Jepun-Malaysia itu, mempunyai pendapat yang lebih terbuka dan berbeza daripada gambaran akhbar tempatan kita sendiri. Pengulas berkenaan nyata melihat secara lebih menyeluruh bolasepak Malaysia dan Jepun. Antara pendapat mereka, pasukan Malaysia telah mempamerkan tentangan yang mantap, malah telah mampu meningkatkan keyakinan untuk berdepan Syria dan Bahrain; dan seterusnya merintis masa depan yang lebih baik. Barangkali, pendapat pengulas dan bekas pemain profesional itulah yang menjadi perbezaan minda kelas pertama berbanding sikap 'sedap mulut' dan menghina sesuka hati oleh sesetengah ruangan sukan tabloid tempatan.
Aku yakin dan percaya, kedua-dua tajuk itu direka tanpa menyusuri rentetan sebenar bolasepak negara, malah rangkap katanya dikeluarkan secara spontan untuk memperkecilkan pemain dan pasukan kita sendiri. Bagaimanapun, jika wartawan, penyunting, atau editor yang bertanggungjawab mencetuskan ungkapan tajuk-tajuk itu berfikir dengan sedikit mendalam dan teliti, mereka pastinya akan mendapat ilham untuk memaparkan "heading" lain yang lebih tepat, membina dan tidak merosakkan bahasa. Sebagai orang yang pernah terlibat dengan penerbitan akhbar tabloid pada tahun 1990-an dulu, saya ingin memberikan sedikit hujah mengenai 2 tajuk berkenaan pada Khamis, 22 September 2011 (nama akhbar berkenaan dirahsiakan).
Harimau Muda gagal mengaum di bumi Jepun
Persoalannya:
1) Siapa yang kata pasukan kita akan mengaum di Jepun?
2) Bukankah wartawan dan sidang redaksi akhbar berkenaan sendiri yang berminggu-minggu mengulit sendiri harapan dan gambaran sebelum perlawanan?
3) Adakah jurulatih Olimpik, Ong Kim Swee pernah mengatakan pasukannya akan mengaum di Jepun? Saya rasa tidak pernah!
4) Mengikut sejarah, media sukan tempatan (termasuk akhbar tabloid berkenaan) mudah terbawa-bawa elemen "match previews" yang seolah-olah pasukan kita akan meledak dan menang pada hari perlawanan nanti! Rasa positif itu tidak salah, namun perlu realisitik.
5) Tidak salah juga jika Kim Swee atau pemain berjanji untuk memberikan yang terbaik, atau menjangkakan peluang kita ada apabila bertemu Jepun nanti.
* Jadi, tajuk akhbar "gagal mengaum" dalam konteks menentang Jepun tempoh hari tidak memberi gambaran yang adil dan sesuai. Persoalannya sekali lagi: "Siapa yang janji Malaysia akan mengaum di bumi Jepun?". Itu cuma andaian syok sendiri tabloid berkenaan.
"Harimau lemau"
1) Perkataan "lemau" dalam tajuk ini adalah sebahagian daripada vokabulari bahasa pasar/rojak generasi SMS dan FB. Juga dikerap dianjurkan oleh pelbagai individu dalam selebriti hiburan. Maksud "lemau" ditujukan kepada orang yang lembap, tak bertenaga dan tidak ceria.
2) Penggunaan perkataan 'lemau' terhadap skuad Olimpik negara sungguh berbaur penghinaan (sedangkan pemain jelas berusaha sedaya upaya menyaingi Jepun walaupun akhirnya tewas 2-0).
3) Kita akur corak permainan Malaysia di Tosu didominasi Jepun, antara statistik 16 percubaan Jepun; 1 percubaan Msia. Tetapi perkataan 'lemau" bukan istilah yang adil jika penulis tajuk akhbar berkenaan mengerti kronologi kejatuhan dan kebangkitan bolasepak Malaysia dan Jepun secara amnya. Perbandingan moden: Jepun No1 di Asia; Msia ke-25!
4) Di segi bahasa pun, penggunaan perkataan 'lemau' tidak tepat (sesuai untuk kuih dan biskut) untuk menggambarkan prestasi sesebuah pasukan bolasepak.
* Jadi, penggunaan 'lemau' hanyalah sikap nakal akhbar tabloid berkenaan seperti mahu menghina pasukan Olimpik negara. Ia sekadar 'sedap mulut' mereka saja yang mungkin juga sudah kehabisan idea. Secara peribadi, saya sendiri tahu ramai juga yang boleh dilabel sebagai 'lemau' di kalangan petugas media tempatan.
Apa yang menariknya, komen daripada pengulas berkecuali (Inggeris) untuk perlawanan Jepun-Malaysia itu, mempunyai pendapat yang lebih terbuka dan berbeza daripada gambaran akhbar tempatan kita sendiri. Pengulas berkenaan nyata melihat secara lebih menyeluruh bolasepak Malaysia dan Jepun. Antara pendapat mereka, pasukan Malaysia telah mempamerkan tentangan yang mantap, malah telah mampu meningkatkan keyakinan untuk berdepan Syria dan Bahrain; dan seterusnya merintis masa depan yang lebih baik. Barangkali, pendapat pengulas dan bekas pemain profesional itulah yang menjadi perbezaan minda kelas pertama berbanding sikap 'sedap mulut' dan menghina sesuka hati oleh sesetengah ruangan sukan tabloid tempatan.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Skuad Olimpik cari "good result"
Barangkali 'mood' Raya yang membuatkan saya rasa terlalu sibuk untuk menulis. Detik sedih dan malang menimpa rakan media dalam misi kemanusiaan di Somalia juga seolah-olah melambatkan gerak-geri. Apa pun esok, Malaysia lawan Jepun dalam sukan bolasepak, kejohanan kelayakan Sukan Olimpik, mempunyai tarikan yang sudah cukup kuat.
Jepun (dan Korea Selatan) sering menjadi tuturan 'sedap mulut' peminat fanatik bolasepak tempatan. "Dulu, Jepun pun kita titik senang-senang." Memang benar tetapi tidak semua komen kita tepat. Kelayakan Sukan Olimpik 1972, Malaysia benam Jepun 3-0 menerusi hatrik Syed Ahmad Syed Abu Bakar membolehkan Malaysia layak ke Munich. Itu dulu, ini sekarang! Proses kelayakan bolasepak sekarang juga sudah banyak berubah. Jumlah negara yang menghantar pasukan beraksi dalam bolasepak antarabangsa juga sudah bertambah besar. Perjalanan pasukan kendalian Ong Kim Swee ternyata begitu berliku. Bolasepak Jepun sekarang menuju "world class" dalam semua aspek. Perlawanan esok hanyalah yang pertama daripada 6 perlawanan semuanya yang turut membabitkan Syria dan Bahrain. Yang penting, pasukan Olimpik negara perlu tepat mencari sasaran untuk mendapatkan "good result".
Ketika bersembang dengan Kim Swee di luar 'set' di Sri Pentas minggu lalu, saya sempat meluahkan rasa kepada beliau bahawa Malaysia perlu jelas dan terancang untuk mencari "good result". Kalah 1-0 mungkin masih boleh dianggap "good result". Apa ni? Takde semangat ke? Mengalah sebelum berjuang? Bukan itu maksud saya. Saya percaya Kim Swee dan pemain-pemainnya faham realiti bolasepak di antara Malaysia dan Jepun ketika ini. Justeru, mencari 'good result' amat penting supaya cabaran awal pasukan Olimpik untuk mengintai peluang ke London 2012, tidak terjerumus, terkulai dan layu! Biarlah secara keseluruhannya, pasukan Olimpik Malaysia dapat mempertontonkan kualiti yang sewajarnya dan terus mencari landasan untuk membantu kebangkitan bolasepak Malaysia. Baiklah, 0-0 atau 1-1 sudah tentu good result yang lebih diinginkan peminat bolasepak tempatan dan saya sendiri. Satu mata daripada perlawanan 'away' di Tosu, Jepun sudah pasti cukup berharga, sekaligus membakar semangat dan keyakinan pemain Malaysia untuk cabaran seterusnya. Jadi, Ong Kim Swee, grup teknikalnya serta pemain-pemain skuad Olimpik, peka, prihatin dan berusaha keraslah untuk apa yang sepatutnya menjadi "good result" di Jepun, esok. Selamat berjuang!!!
Jepun (dan Korea Selatan) sering menjadi tuturan 'sedap mulut' peminat fanatik bolasepak tempatan. "Dulu, Jepun pun kita titik senang-senang." Memang benar tetapi tidak semua komen kita tepat. Kelayakan Sukan Olimpik 1972, Malaysia benam Jepun 3-0 menerusi hatrik Syed Ahmad Syed Abu Bakar membolehkan Malaysia layak ke Munich. Itu dulu, ini sekarang! Proses kelayakan bolasepak sekarang juga sudah banyak berubah. Jumlah negara yang menghantar pasukan beraksi dalam bolasepak antarabangsa juga sudah bertambah besar. Perjalanan pasukan kendalian Ong Kim Swee ternyata begitu berliku. Bolasepak Jepun sekarang menuju "world class" dalam semua aspek. Perlawanan esok hanyalah yang pertama daripada 6 perlawanan semuanya yang turut membabitkan Syria dan Bahrain. Yang penting, pasukan Olimpik negara perlu tepat mencari sasaran untuk mendapatkan "good result".
Ketika bersembang dengan Kim Swee di luar 'set' di Sri Pentas minggu lalu, saya sempat meluahkan rasa kepada beliau bahawa Malaysia perlu jelas dan terancang untuk mencari "good result". Kalah 1-0 mungkin masih boleh dianggap "good result". Apa ni? Takde semangat ke? Mengalah sebelum berjuang? Bukan itu maksud saya. Saya percaya Kim Swee dan pemain-pemainnya faham realiti bolasepak di antara Malaysia dan Jepun ketika ini. Justeru, mencari 'good result' amat penting supaya cabaran awal pasukan Olimpik untuk mengintai peluang ke London 2012, tidak terjerumus, terkulai dan layu! Biarlah secara keseluruhannya, pasukan Olimpik Malaysia dapat mempertontonkan kualiti yang sewajarnya dan terus mencari landasan untuk membantu kebangkitan bolasepak Malaysia. Baiklah, 0-0 atau 1-1 sudah tentu good result yang lebih diinginkan peminat bolasepak tempatan dan saya sendiri. Satu mata daripada perlawanan 'away' di Tosu, Jepun sudah pasti cukup berharga, sekaligus membakar semangat dan keyakinan pemain Malaysia untuk cabaran seterusnya. Jadi, Ong Kim Swee, grup teknikalnya serta pemain-pemain skuad Olimpik, peka, prihatin dan berusaha keraslah untuk apa yang sepatutnya menjadi "good result" di Jepun, esok. Selamat berjuang!!!
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Mengenang Allahyarham Noramfaizul
Jangan mulakan 'blame game', kata YAB Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak. Allahyarham Noramfaizul Mohd Nor jurukamera Bernama TV yang tertembak mati ketika membuat liputan misi kemanusiaan Kelab Putera 1-Malaysia di Somalia, dimahsyurkan sebagai wira negara. Kita faham semua itu. Mujur juga Datuk Seri Najib bijak membaca situasi apabila berjanji bahawa langkah dan perancangan yang lebih teliti dan berhati-hati akan diambil sebelum Malaysia menghantar delegasi dalam misi yang seumpamanya pada masa akan datang. Cukuplah dengan pengorbanan rakan kami Noramfaizul yang meninggalkan seorang balu, Norazrina Jaafar dan dua anak lelaki, Mohd Irfan dan Mohd Naufal.
Saya amat percaya, kita mampu mengelakkan tragedi media Malaysia di Somalia daripada berulang. Rasanya tidak mahu lagi melihat sebarang suasana kepulangan jenazah yang disambut, malah dirai, di lapangan terbang seperti yang berlaku di TUDM, Subang, kira-kira jam 10.10 pagit semalam. Terdetik juga kekesalan di sebalik pengiktirafan pihak tertinggi kerajaan yang menyifatkan kematian Allahyarham Noramfaizul sebagai inspirasi yang melambangkan jati diri dan hati budi seluruh warga Malaysia dalam membantu insan sejagat. Bukan berniat mencetuskan 'blame game' yang diistilahkan YAB Perdana Menteri, tetapi tetap timbul pelbagai persoalan apakah penganjur misi Somalia telah mengambilkira segala risiko keselamatan dan merencana pengurusan misi bantuan berkenaan dengan sebaik-baiknya. Diharap tiada sebarang kelalaian atau sikap memandang ringan terhadap setiap keperluan yang sepatutnya diberi perhatian. Diharap, tiada sebarang kesempatan diambil oleh mana-mana pihak, dan jangan sekali-kali mahu 'membutakan' kita daripada realiti dan tragedi yang menimpa Allahyarham.
Secara peribadi saya hanya mengenali Allahyarham menerusi beberapa ketika seperti liputan sukan atau acara sukan antara media tempatan. Jersi pasukan bolasepak Malaysia (versi sebelum kebangkitan Harimau Malaya) yang dipakai ketika bergambar bersama keluarga, membuktikan semangat Allahyarham terhadap negaranya. Allahyarham memiliki air muka yang tenang dan ceria. Saya cukup senang setiap kali bertemu beliau. Kali terakhir saya disapa Allahyarham ialah pada pelancaran logo UFL di Bandar Sri Damansara, Kuala Lumpur pada 18 Julai lalu. Saya sedih dan terkilan. Pemergian Allahyarham juga amat dirasai oleh rakan-rakan petugas media yang lain.Takziah buat seluruh anggota keluarga Allahyarham Noramfaizul Mohd Nor.
Saya amat percaya, kita mampu mengelakkan tragedi media Malaysia di Somalia daripada berulang. Rasanya tidak mahu lagi melihat sebarang suasana kepulangan jenazah yang disambut, malah dirai, di lapangan terbang seperti yang berlaku di TUDM, Subang, kira-kira jam 10.10 pagit semalam. Terdetik juga kekesalan di sebalik pengiktirafan pihak tertinggi kerajaan yang menyifatkan kematian Allahyarham Noramfaizul sebagai inspirasi yang melambangkan jati diri dan hati budi seluruh warga Malaysia dalam membantu insan sejagat. Bukan berniat mencetuskan 'blame game' yang diistilahkan YAB Perdana Menteri, tetapi tetap timbul pelbagai persoalan apakah penganjur misi Somalia telah mengambilkira segala risiko keselamatan dan merencana pengurusan misi bantuan berkenaan dengan sebaik-baiknya. Diharap tiada sebarang kelalaian atau sikap memandang ringan terhadap setiap keperluan yang sepatutnya diberi perhatian. Diharap, tiada sebarang kesempatan diambil oleh mana-mana pihak, dan jangan sekali-kali mahu 'membutakan' kita daripada realiti dan tragedi yang menimpa Allahyarham.
Secara peribadi saya hanya mengenali Allahyarham menerusi beberapa ketika seperti liputan sukan atau acara sukan antara media tempatan. Jersi pasukan bolasepak Malaysia (versi sebelum kebangkitan Harimau Malaya) yang dipakai ketika bergambar bersama keluarga, membuktikan semangat Allahyarham terhadap negaranya. Allahyarham memiliki air muka yang tenang dan ceria. Saya cukup senang setiap kali bertemu beliau. Kali terakhir saya disapa Allahyarham ialah pada pelancaran logo UFL di Bandar Sri Damansara, Kuala Lumpur pada 18 Julai lalu. Saya sedih dan terkilan. Pemergian Allahyarham juga amat dirasai oleh rakan-rakan petugas media yang lain.Takziah buat seluruh anggota keluarga Allahyarham Noramfaizul Mohd Nor.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Mind boggling 'second-best'?
Feeling really bad this morning...barely 2 hours of sleep! Perhaps, thinking too much about Lee Chong Wei's another failed attempt to win the World title. Or maybe the 'bangun sahur' blues? Not really. Blame it on Chong Wei, or wait...maybe I'm the one who should be blamed! My head kept going back and forth to explore my inner beliefs that Chong Wei is Malaysia's best ever singles badminton player. Better than legends of the 50's and 60's like the great Wong Peng Soon, Eddy Choong, Teh Kew San, Tan Aik Huang, Rashid Sidek, etc? Yes Chong Wei is the best. But he has never won "the real big title" as Malaysian press guys would question. Which big one? World championships, Olympics, All England, Asian Games or even the Malaysian/Indonesian Open? What about the world rankings...doesnt it say something? Agreed Chong Wei is still considered second fiddle in world badminton supremacy behind Lin Dan of China. But surely we all saw in the final of the World Championships at Wembley Arena yesterday how tiny and little that separates between Lin Dan and Chong Wei. 23-21 in the deciding rubber could have gone either way. So two meetings this year: LCW beat LD in straights to successfully defend his All England title; and, LD finally so relieved and somewhat lucky to his his fourth world championship title.
People always acknowledged how great Lin Dan is. But how can we deny the greatness of Chong Wei in the way he shouldered the high expectations every time he steps on court. To me, Chong Wei is without a doubt an iconic badminton champion who has taken the highs and lows, especially the sarcastic comparisons since his heavy defeat to Lin Dan in the 2008 Beijing Olympics final, in his stride. In fact, Chong Wei continues to show us that he is a great champion, playing with consistency, continually improving every little details on the analysis that he and Misbun Sidek studied since that bruising Olympics loss. Of course that 8-18 loss-win record he suffered to Lin Dan tells us that the Chinese superstar is extraordinary. But then again, Chong Wei's greatness in terms of work ethics, discipline, sacrifice and respect for the game (no pull-out mockery), should be glorified by our future generation of badminton players. Bring on Lin Dan, see you again at Wembley Arena at 2012 Olympics!
People always acknowledged how great Lin Dan is. But how can we deny the greatness of Chong Wei in the way he shouldered the high expectations every time he steps on court. To me, Chong Wei is without a doubt an iconic badminton champion who has taken the highs and lows, especially the sarcastic comparisons since his heavy defeat to Lin Dan in the 2008 Beijing Olympics final, in his stride. In fact, Chong Wei continues to show us that he is a great champion, playing with consistency, continually improving every little details on the analysis that he and Misbun Sidek studied since that bruising Olympics loss. Of course that 8-18 loss-win record he suffered to Lin Dan tells us that the Chinese superstar is extraordinary. But then again, Chong Wei's greatness in terms of work ethics, discipline, sacrifice and respect for the game (no pull-out mockery), should be glorified by our future generation of badminton players. Bring on Lin Dan, see you again at Wembley Arena at 2012 Olympics!
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Malaysia's first badminton world champ?
Will Malaysia finally win a World Championship title in badminton this year? Of course they can with our best bet of Lee Chong Wei in singles and Koo Kien Keat and Tan Boon Heong in doubles. All said and done, they are also Malaysia's best hope for the country's first gold medal at the Olympics.
Perhaps the golden feeling for Malaysian sports in badminton would be felt this weekend at Wembley Arena, the venue for both this year's World Championships and the London Olympics, next year. Not matter what the critics might say, I truly believe that Kien Keat and Boon Heong has as good a chance as Chong Wei to win the World Championship title on Sunday.
However, studying at the result of KKK-TBH's win (21-6, 20-22, 21-15) over China's Liu Xiolong and Qiu Zihan earlier this morning, our Malaysian pair are still bogged by what the local media would generalise as "inconsistent". It is more than inconsistency, surely there are elements of lacking in concentration (focus), complacency or being plain "fancy", especially on the part of Kien Keat. After winning the opening set 21-6, one would imagine KK and BH's superiority and experience to wrap up the match in straights. But no. They lost the second game, 22-20, to bring us back some of the painful memories of their defeat in other major tournaments that we have watched 'live' on television. KK and BH got their act together to win 21-15 to book a place in the third round against Chen Hung Ling-Lin Yu Lang tomorrow. KK-BH who are the 4-th seed, should have no such problems against the Taiwanese pair and let's hope that they know how to stay calm before stinging an attack to grab the points during crucial rallies.
Chong Wei must also be at his best and not take lightly the aggressive game approach by Korea's Park Sung Hwan to book his place in the quarter-finals. Chong Wei and KK-BH are good enough to reach the final at least. Malaysia's first title at the World Badminton Championships, and the Olympics, are perhaps just around the corner..somewhere at the Wembley Arena!
Perhaps the golden feeling for Malaysian sports in badminton would be felt this weekend at Wembley Arena, the venue for both this year's World Championships and the London Olympics, next year. Not matter what the critics might say, I truly believe that Kien Keat and Boon Heong has as good a chance as Chong Wei to win the World Championship title on Sunday.
However, studying at the result of KKK-TBH's win (21-6, 20-22, 21-15) over China's Liu Xiolong and Qiu Zihan earlier this morning, our Malaysian pair are still bogged by what the local media would generalise as "inconsistent". It is more than inconsistency, surely there are elements of lacking in concentration (focus), complacency or being plain "fancy", especially on the part of Kien Keat. After winning the opening set 21-6, one would imagine KK and BH's superiority and experience to wrap up the match in straights. But no. They lost the second game, 22-20, to bring us back some of the painful memories of their defeat in other major tournaments that we have watched 'live' on television. KK and BH got their act together to win 21-15 to book a place in the third round against Chen Hung Ling-Lin Yu Lang tomorrow. KK-BH who are the 4-th seed, should have no such problems against the Taiwanese pair and let's hope that they know how to stay calm before stinging an attack to grab the points during crucial rallies.
Chong Wei must also be at his best and not take lightly the aggressive game approach by Korea's Park Sung Hwan to book his place in the quarter-finals. Chong Wei and KK-BH are good enough to reach the final at least. Malaysia's first title at the World Badminton Championships, and the Olympics, are perhaps just around the corner..somewhere at the Wembley Arena!
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
First XI calculations for Rajagopal
Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) have announced 25 players selected for the national squad for two (meaningless?..and now cancelled) friendly matches this month, including one against Oman. Here are among the possibilites and could be's of our national football team following their most dissapointing exit by Singapore in the 2014 World Cup qualifiers last week:
(Including some notes for Datuk K Rajagopal):
Ashaari Shamsuddin: Not sure about his attitude during training sessions but Ashaari's goal-scoring abilities are proven in the Malaysian league or at international level. A beautiful finish against Indonesia in that AFF first leg semi-final at Bukit Jalil, should have been enough to convince us that he is a first XI material. Ashaari looks like an individualist at times, but his goal instincts and finishing technique were clearly missed against Singapore. Never mind his loner kind of attitude during training.
Badrol Bakhtiar: Badrol's considerable work rate and an eye for goal were not really appreciated by Rajagopal. No doubt the Kedah player struggled against the matches against Taiwan after coming off from an injury plagued season. However, Badrol was still good enough to see action against Singapore. On a hind-sight, Badrol is a better choice than fellow SEA Games gold medallist, Fakri Shaarani.
Ismail Faruqi: He was boo-ed by the crowd against Singapore. Faruqi is that kind of player; love him or hate him. I certainly love his courage and confidence in taking on the Singapore players, even in tight situations. A wee bit too much at times; hence the jeer! However, Faruqi can bring a lot of difference to our national team attacking play from mid-field which were at times, too predictable.
Nor Hafiz Zamani Misbah: Zamani has not really proven his real talents with the national team, mainly hampered by injury or the bashings by China, Iran and Uzbekistan when he was a team member in the 2007 Asian Cup. Still Zamani's reading of the game can provide the calming influence which are badly needed to strengthen the defence. Many were convinced by Zamani's ability to hold the defence as proven against Chelsea on July 21.
Farizal Marlias: Goalkeeper on a comeback mission. Also played against Chelsea and marked his return as a national team member with some fine saves to deny the likes of Kalou, Anelka and Drogba. Khairul 'Apek" Fahmi seems to be the number one No 1 at the moment but Farizal is set to replace Sharbini Allawi as Malaysia's number two goalkeeper.
Datuk Rajagopal's line-up for the national team's first XI in the two matches against Singapore were questioned by some die-hard fans. Lets hope Rajagopal really look into various options before deciding to stick only to his 'trusted' players. The national team that did well in the SEA Games and the Asean Championships, need a different dimension now. Also sincerely hope that the so-called football reporters in the country understand the transformation needed to make the Malaysian team stronger and able to play football with a higher level of quality.
(Including some notes for Datuk K Rajagopal):
Ashaari Shamsuddin: Not sure about his attitude during training sessions but Ashaari's goal-scoring abilities are proven in the Malaysian league or at international level. A beautiful finish against Indonesia in that AFF first leg semi-final at Bukit Jalil, should have been enough to convince us that he is a first XI material. Ashaari looks like an individualist at times, but his goal instincts and finishing technique were clearly missed against Singapore. Never mind his loner kind of attitude during training.
Badrol Bakhtiar: Badrol's considerable work rate and an eye for goal were not really appreciated by Rajagopal. No doubt the Kedah player struggled against the matches against Taiwan after coming off from an injury plagued season. However, Badrol was still good enough to see action against Singapore. On a hind-sight, Badrol is a better choice than fellow SEA Games gold medallist, Fakri Shaarani.
Ismail Faruqi: He was boo-ed by the crowd against Singapore. Faruqi is that kind of player; love him or hate him. I certainly love his courage and confidence in taking on the Singapore players, even in tight situations. A wee bit too much at times; hence the jeer! However, Faruqi can bring a lot of difference to our national team attacking play from mid-field which were at times, too predictable.
Nor Hafiz Zamani Misbah: Zamani has not really proven his real talents with the national team, mainly hampered by injury or the bashings by China, Iran and Uzbekistan when he was a team member in the 2007 Asian Cup. Still Zamani's reading of the game can provide the calming influence which are badly needed to strengthen the defence. Many were convinced by Zamani's ability to hold the defence as proven against Chelsea on July 21.
Farizal Marlias: Goalkeeper on a comeback mission. Also played against Chelsea and marked his return as a national team member with some fine saves to deny the likes of Kalou, Anelka and Drogba. Khairul 'Apek" Fahmi seems to be the number one No 1 at the moment but Farizal is set to replace Sharbini Allawi as Malaysia's number two goalkeeper.
Datuk Rajagopal's line-up for the national team's first XI in the two matches against Singapore were questioned by some die-hard fans. Lets hope Rajagopal really look into various options before deciding to stick only to his 'trusted' players. The national team that did well in the SEA Games and the Asean Championships, need a different dimension now. Also sincerely hope that the so-called football reporters in the country understand the transformation needed to make the Malaysian team stronger and able to play football with a higher level of quality.
Friday, July 29, 2011
'Budaya' berbeza Malaysia-Singapura
Maaf terlebih dulu aku mohon dari kalian semua di atas apa yang bakal dicoretkan dalam paparan kali ini. Coretan yang di sebaliknya tersemat rasa pedih kegagalan menangkis cabaran Singapura di pusingan kedua kelayakan Piala Dunia 2014 di Bukit Jalil, malam tadi.
Stadium Nasional yang begitu gah dengan warna kuning dan sorakan patriotik penyokong setia Malaysia, akhirnya terpaksa lara, akur dan semacam bertafakur apabila keputusan seri 1-1 menyekat kemaraan Harimau Malaya yang begitu mengaum sejak pingat emas Sukan SEA di Laos pada Disember 2009.
Banyak kesan sampingan di sebalik prestasi "sedaya upaya tetapi sederhana" daripada pemain-pemain Harimau ketika menentang pasukan Singa. Bagi pemerhati seperti saya, paling terkilan ialah kita tidak dapat terus menguji pasukan atasan Asia dalam peringkat kumpulan. Pengalaman itu (sama seperti Sukan Asia di Guangzhou tahun lalu), cukup berharga untuk bolasepak Malaysia menilai dan belajar untuk menjadi pemain dan pasukan yang lebih stabil (compact) di peringkat Asia. Sayang.... Jika tidak, Safee, Safiq, Kunanlan, Mahali, Amar, Khairul Fahmi, Muslim, Asrar, Aidil dan lain-lain, dapat mengasah lagi corak permainan, fizikal dan mental apabila berentap dengan pasukan seperti Arab Saudi, Jepun, Korea Selatan/Utara, Uzbekistan, Australia dan lain-lain. Saya pasti, pemain sendiri kecewa terlepas peluang itu.
Kegagalan pedih di tangan Singapura bukan berlaku di Bukit Jalil, tetapi sebaliknya di Jalan Besar 23 Julai lalu. Mungkin kealpaan separuh masa selepas mendahului 1-0 di Jalan Besar, menjadi permulaan kejatuhan Harimau Malaya. Barangkali juga, kelicikan kaki, helah badan dan teknik sepakan Aleksander Duric, 40 tahun, pemain kelahiran bekas negara Yugoslavia, untuk menjaringkan gol kemenangan 5-3 Singapura pada perlawanan pertama, merupakan titik hitam kegagalan Malaysia kali ini.
Ini kerana, apa yang 'terselindung' dalam aksi di Stadium Nasional semalam, adalah perbezaan 'budaya' permainan bolasepak di antara Malaysia dan Singapura. Sudah tentu berbeza kerana Singapura kini diwakili 5 pemain yang bukan di lahirkan di Temasik. Duric, Fahruddin Mustafic, Qiu Li, dan Shi Jiayi dan Daniel Bennett. Namun, bukan budaya itu yang saya maksudkan.
Biarpun pedih, tidak dinafikan the Lions juga mempunyai 'budaya' bolasepaknya yang tersendiri dan malam semalam, mereka seperti menggambarkan ketrampilan Singapura sebagai sebuah negara yang rata-rata terancang, bersih dan "hi-tech", sama ada dilaksanakan secara kempen yang sistematik atau pun melalui dasar tegas oleh kerajaan republik itu.
Dalam bolasepak, Singapura sudah menjuarai Piala AFF sebanyak 3 kali walaupun pada tahun 70-and dan 80-an, mereka mudah dijinakkan Malaysia, kecuali satu perlawanan Piala Ovaltine apabila Fandi Ahmad menggelecek Santokh Singh membantu pasukan republik itu menang 2-1 di Stadium Merdeka.
Corak permainan tenang, kemas dan kadangkala 'fancy' agak ketara dirangkaikan oleh pemain Singapura semalam, termasuk sumbangan Harris Haron dan kapten mereka, Shahril Ishak di barisan tengah untuk membuka dan mengawal rentak permainan. Sama sekali tidak cukup untuk pemain Malaysia mengatasi Singapura dengan cara kudrat semata-mata. Insyallah, pengajaran itu pasti membuatkan pasukan muda kita lebih dewasa. Belang Harimau Malaysia masih menawan, semakin hitam dan kuning, ayuh teruskan mengaum!!!
Stadium Nasional yang begitu gah dengan warna kuning dan sorakan patriotik penyokong setia Malaysia, akhirnya terpaksa lara, akur dan semacam bertafakur apabila keputusan seri 1-1 menyekat kemaraan Harimau Malaya yang begitu mengaum sejak pingat emas Sukan SEA di Laos pada Disember 2009.
Banyak kesan sampingan di sebalik prestasi "sedaya upaya tetapi sederhana" daripada pemain-pemain Harimau ketika menentang pasukan Singa. Bagi pemerhati seperti saya, paling terkilan ialah kita tidak dapat terus menguji pasukan atasan Asia dalam peringkat kumpulan. Pengalaman itu (sama seperti Sukan Asia di Guangzhou tahun lalu), cukup berharga untuk bolasepak Malaysia menilai dan belajar untuk menjadi pemain dan pasukan yang lebih stabil (compact) di peringkat Asia. Sayang.... Jika tidak, Safee, Safiq, Kunanlan, Mahali, Amar, Khairul Fahmi, Muslim, Asrar, Aidil dan lain-lain, dapat mengasah lagi corak permainan, fizikal dan mental apabila berentap dengan pasukan seperti Arab Saudi, Jepun, Korea Selatan/Utara, Uzbekistan, Australia dan lain-lain. Saya pasti, pemain sendiri kecewa terlepas peluang itu.
Kegagalan pedih di tangan Singapura bukan berlaku di Bukit Jalil, tetapi sebaliknya di Jalan Besar 23 Julai lalu. Mungkin kealpaan separuh masa selepas mendahului 1-0 di Jalan Besar, menjadi permulaan kejatuhan Harimau Malaya. Barangkali juga, kelicikan kaki, helah badan dan teknik sepakan Aleksander Duric, 40 tahun, pemain kelahiran bekas negara Yugoslavia, untuk menjaringkan gol kemenangan 5-3 Singapura pada perlawanan pertama, merupakan titik hitam kegagalan Malaysia kali ini.
Ini kerana, apa yang 'terselindung' dalam aksi di Stadium Nasional semalam, adalah perbezaan 'budaya' permainan bolasepak di antara Malaysia dan Singapura. Sudah tentu berbeza kerana Singapura kini diwakili 5 pemain yang bukan di lahirkan di Temasik. Duric, Fahruddin Mustafic, Qiu Li, dan Shi Jiayi dan Daniel Bennett. Namun, bukan budaya itu yang saya maksudkan.
Biarpun pedih, tidak dinafikan the Lions juga mempunyai 'budaya' bolasepaknya yang tersendiri dan malam semalam, mereka seperti menggambarkan ketrampilan Singapura sebagai sebuah negara yang rata-rata terancang, bersih dan "hi-tech", sama ada dilaksanakan secara kempen yang sistematik atau pun melalui dasar tegas oleh kerajaan republik itu.
Dalam bolasepak, Singapura sudah menjuarai Piala AFF sebanyak 3 kali walaupun pada tahun 70-and dan 80-an, mereka mudah dijinakkan Malaysia, kecuali satu perlawanan Piala Ovaltine apabila Fandi Ahmad menggelecek Santokh Singh membantu pasukan republik itu menang 2-1 di Stadium Merdeka.
Corak permainan tenang, kemas dan kadangkala 'fancy' agak ketara dirangkaikan oleh pemain Singapura semalam, termasuk sumbangan Harris Haron dan kapten mereka, Shahril Ishak di barisan tengah untuk membuka dan mengawal rentak permainan. Sama sekali tidak cukup untuk pemain Malaysia mengatasi Singapura dengan cara kudrat semata-mata. Insyallah, pengajaran itu pasti membuatkan pasukan muda kita lebih dewasa. Belang Harimau Malaysia masih menawan, semakin hitam dan kuning, ayuh teruskan mengaum!!!
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Spore-Malaysia classic on synthetic
It wasnt exactly one of those classic match between Singapore and Malaysia in the game of football, nor there was an evident 'bookie feeling' or the 'kelong' chants among the supporters of both fans at the Jalan Besar Stadium last night. But 'synthetically' speaking, the nostalgic rivalry between Malaysian and Singaporean football are definitely back!
On a journalistic view, the match could be described as a tensed and topsy turvy affair filled with eight snapshot goals, two red cards and a potentially serious crowd trouble at the terrace between Harimau Malaya's Ultras and Singapore's Lions roar . Singapore came back twice to beat Malaysia 5-3 to finally take a 2 goal cushion di Stadium Nasional Bukit Jalil, on Thursday. "We play on grass too,' quipped Singapore defender Daniel Bennett to quickly point that Singapore are in a good position to qualify for the Asian final group rounds.
Except for the minor skirmishes between a small group of rival fans during and after the game which was finely dealt with by the Singapore police, the Malaysia-Singapore match on Saturday was still lacking the 'derby' or 'causeway' football spirit of the glorious Malaysia Cup days of the 70's, 80's and the early 90's. Personally I felt somewhat sub-dued, easily succumbed by the "long time no see" relationship between Malaysia and Singapore as soon as I met up with former coach of the Lions, Mr Jitta Singh at the VIP lounge of the Jalan Besar Stadium that night. Jitta, who also brought Singapore stars, T Pathmanathan and R Suriamurthi to Pahang when he was appointed manager of the Malaysian state team in mid-80's, is one of the republic's football personality which represents the unique spirit of Malaysian-Singaporean football that started long ago during the early Malaya Cup days in the 1930's, 1940's, and 1950's! Of course my 'arwah' father, Atan bin Mohamed, was the one who gave me the first insights of the great Singapore football stories. I can still remember some of the stories about the the great Awang Bakar, Dol Fattah, Choo Seng Que (Uncle Choo) and Majid Ariff that my father use to tell me when I was a boy. Stadium Jalan Besar too has it's legendary stories about great matches, fabolous players and astonishing goals. Soh Chin Aun, Mokhtar Dahari, R Arumugam and their Selangor team continued those stories from our Malaysian side by stamping their supremacy over Singapore in their Malaysia Cup duels of the 1970's and 1980's.
However the Malaysia-Singapore football rivalry was not really felt at Jalan Besar Stadium despite the loud singing by both fans. Obviously, the 6,000 crowd at Jalan Besar now is so much smaller than the 45,000 capacity crowd of Merdeka Stadium or the 60,000 fans that would fill the National Stadium in Kallang when Singapore play Malaysia (or Selangor) in an official match.
Or perhaps, the 'derby' of 'causeway' football spirit is gone because almost half of the Singapore team are 'foreigners'! Yes, that is a pretty quick and good reason.. No matter how hard they try, Singaporeans will always find it difficult to honestly relate Duric, Mustafic, Qiu Li (China), Bennet or Shi Jiayi, as one of their own. Remember Fandi Ahmad, Quah Kim Song, V Sundram Moorthy, or even Eric Paine? Well, that sounds and feel truly Singaporean!
Taking a 2-goal cushion to Bukit Jalil would give the Lions a certain degree of self-belief when they take on Malaysia in the second leg, second round Asian qualifiers for the 2014 Fifa World Cup. But they will be treading on a tight-rope in front of the expected 70,000 crowd who will relish to witness the Lions bruised and tamed at Stadium Nasional on Thursday. Never mind the nostalgic derby or causeway football spirit....
On a journalistic view, the match could be described as a tensed and topsy turvy affair filled with eight snapshot goals, two red cards and a potentially serious crowd trouble at the terrace between Harimau Malaya's Ultras and Singapore's Lions roar . Singapore came back twice to beat Malaysia 5-3 to finally take a 2 goal cushion di Stadium Nasional Bukit Jalil, on Thursday. "We play on grass too,' quipped Singapore defender Daniel Bennett to quickly point that Singapore are in a good position to qualify for the Asian final group rounds.
Except for the minor skirmishes between a small group of rival fans during and after the game which was finely dealt with by the Singapore police, the Malaysia-Singapore match on Saturday was still lacking the 'derby' or 'causeway' football spirit of the glorious Malaysia Cup days of the 70's, 80's and the early 90's. Personally I felt somewhat sub-dued, easily succumbed by the "long time no see" relationship between Malaysia and Singapore as soon as I met up with former coach of the Lions, Mr Jitta Singh at the VIP lounge of the Jalan Besar Stadium that night. Jitta, who also brought Singapore stars, T Pathmanathan and R Suriamurthi to Pahang when he was appointed manager of the Malaysian state team in mid-80's, is one of the republic's football personality which represents the unique spirit of Malaysian-Singaporean football that started long ago during the early Malaya Cup days in the 1930's, 1940's, and 1950's! Of course my 'arwah' father, Atan bin Mohamed, was the one who gave me the first insights of the great Singapore football stories. I can still remember some of the stories about the the great Awang Bakar, Dol Fattah, Choo Seng Que (Uncle Choo) and Majid Ariff that my father use to tell me when I was a boy. Stadium Jalan Besar too has it's legendary stories about great matches, fabolous players and astonishing goals. Soh Chin Aun, Mokhtar Dahari, R Arumugam and their Selangor team continued those stories from our Malaysian side by stamping their supremacy over Singapore in their Malaysia Cup duels of the 1970's and 1980's.
However the Malaysia-Singapore football rivalry was not really felt at Jalan Besar Stadium despite the loud singing by both fans. Obviously, the 6,000 crowd at Jalan Besar now is so much smaller than the 45,000 capacity crowd of Merdeka Stadium or the 60,000 fans that would fill the National Stadium in Kallang when Singapore play Malaysia (or Selangor) in an official match.
Or perhaps, the 'derby' of 'causeway' football spirit is gone because almost half of the Singapore team are 'foreigners'! Yes, that is a pretty quick and good reason.. No matter how hard they try, Singaporeans will always find it difficult to honestly relate Duric, Mustafic, Qiu Li (China), Bennet or Shi Jiayi, as one of their own. Remember Fandi Ahmad, Quah Kim Song, V Sundram Moorthy, or even Eric Paine? Well, that sounds and feel truly Singaporean!
Taking a 2-goal cushion to Bukit Jalil would give the Lions a certain degree of self-belief when they take on Malaysia in the second leg, second round Asian qualifiers for the 2014 Fifa World Cup. But they will be treading on a tight-rope in front of the expected 70,000 crowd who will relish to witness the Lions bruised and tamed at Stadium Nasional on Thursday. Never mind the nostalgic derby or causeway football spirit....
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
English invasion..no 'tiki taka'
I was really hit by "the blues" on the way to work this morning. Not that I was lazy to start the day at the office but was rather stiffled on the way by a minor traffic jam at Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya. The Blues, I mean Chelsea football club, had taken over my entrance route to the office with two big busses, heavily escorted by traffic police and security vans. I managed to get a glimpse of the people in the team bus and there was Chelsea's new manager, Andre Villas-Boas sitting alone in the front seat of the bus. To me, Villas-Boas is almost in the same mould of the great Jose Mourinho. The difference is, Villas-Boas has not declared himself as the "special one". But believe me, Villas-Boas, the latest choice by Abramovich to bring the Champions League title to Stamford Bridge, has got the personality and tactical background to succeed. So, we will see how much Chelsea has changed it's game style when they take on Harimau Muda team in Kuala Lumpur on July 21, 2011.
Its hardly surpirising that the reason that I am going to watch the Harimau Muda-Chelsea game is mainly to listen and study the reaction of Mr Villas-Boas about the game. Perhaps he would be the real "special one" to Abramovich.
Am I getting carried away with the EPL, its players, coaches and board of directors stories? I hope not because I'm one who has not been amused at seeing how much the EPL has influenced the Malaysian society over the last decade or so. In short, I feel akward to know there so many "football expert and pundits" out there despite actually being a "kaki bangku!" They love the EPL not really for it's football, they love the players not because of their skills but their looks, the follow the stories not because of their instinctive interest but for their gossiping Malaysian nature.
Arsenal, Liverpool dan Chelsea has made quite an impact with their Tour of Asia trip to Kuala Lumpur. Manchester United also had their moments of enjoying "the Malaysian craze" around this time last year. Where does Barcelona, Real Madrid, Milan, Bayern or Ajax stand among Malaysian fans? How many Malaysian fans truly appreciate and salute the "tiki taka" football being played by mighty Barcelona?
* I am not so sure why this guy under the name of "Meganova Hulk" on his FB is so up-set. He went a little bit overboard to me. No doubt he has his own legitimate reason to be appalled by the EPL's "Big Three" presence in Kuala Lumpur. He is the opposite from the EPL loving group of fans in Malaysia. Perhaps "Meganova Hulk" read too deeply into UEFA President, Michel Platini's criticism of too much financial issues plaguing football these days.
Phrases like "modern football", "circus matches" or "business only FAM" are some of the terms used by Meganova Hulk to berate and belittle his fellow "Ultras Malaya" for being too accomodating towards Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea's Asia Tour 2011. Interesting huh? This is definitely a sign of the new spirit for Malaysian football fans following the 2009 Sea Games gold medal feat and also emerging champions of South East Asia in the Suzuki Cup December last year.
Its hardly surpirising that the reason that I am going to watch the Harimau Muda-Chelsea game is mainly to listen and study the reaction of Mr Villas-Boas about the game. Perhaps he would be the real "special one" to Abramovich.
Am I getting carried away with the EPL, its players, coaches and board of directors stories? I hope not because I'm one who has not been amused at seeing how much the EPL has influenced the Malaysian society over the last decade or so. In short, I feel akward to know there so many "football expert and pundits" out there despite actually being a "kaki bangku!" They love the EPL not really for it's football, they love the players not because of their skills but their looks, the follow the stories not because of their instinctive interest but for their gossiping Malaysian nature.
Arsenal, Liverpool dan Chelsea has made quite an impact with their Tour of Asia trip to Kuala Lumpur. Manchester United also had their moments of enjoying "the Malaysian craze" around this time last year. Where does Barcelona, Real Madrid, Milan, Bayern or Ajax stand among Malaysian fans? How many Malaysian fans truly appreciate and salute the "tiki taka" football being played by mighty Barcelona?
* I am not so sure why this guy under the name of "Meganova Hulk" on his FB is so up-set. He went a little bit overboard to me. No doubt he has his own legitimate reason to be appalled by the EPL's "Big Three" presence in Kuala Lumpur. He is the opposite from the EPL loving group of fans in Malaysia. Perhaps "Meganova Hulk" read too deeply into UEFA President, Michel Platini's criticism of too much financial issues plaguing football these days.
Phrases like "modern football", "circus matches" or "business only FAM" are some of the terms used by Meganova Hulk to berate and belittle his fellow "Ultras Malaya" for being too accomodating towards Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea's Asia Tour 2011. Interesting huh? This is definitely a sign of the new spirit for Malaysian football fans following the 2009 Sea Games gold medal feat and also emerging champions of South East Asia in the Suzuki Cup December last year.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Realiti bolasepak Malaysia masih meruncing
Semangat saja tidak cukup untuk Malaysia memanjat tangga bolasepak antarabangsa dari tahap Asia Tenggara ke peringkat Asia. Juga dalam bolasepak, tidak cukup jika pegawai dan pentadbirnya sekadar pandai tersenyum lebar penuh bergaya kepada jurukamera media sewaktu pelancaran majlis. Dua situasi itu cukup rapat berkait semalam, 29 Jun 2011.
Malaysia 2, China Taipeh 1...keputusan perlawanan kelayakan pra-Piala Dunia di Stadium Nasional Bukit Jalil, seharusnya menjadi pembuka mata. Bukan saja mata peminat dan pemerhati bolasepak tanahair, tetapi yang lebih penting membuka 'mata' Persatuan Bolasepak Malaysia (FAM) serta rakan kongsi terbarunya, Kementerian Belia dan Sukan. Jelas sungguh KBS dan Majlis Sukan Negara (MSN) begitu beria-ia dengan bolasepak selepas pasukan negara 'tidak semena-mena' merangkul emas Sukan SEA 2009 dan juara Asia Tenggara 2010). Tiada masalah dengan semua itu asalkan KBS/MSN benar-benar profesional ingin membantu bolasepak (tanpa melupakan tanggungjawab dan komitmennya kepada sukan lain yang kurang popular).
Tidak dinafikan semangat juang pasukan negara menjadi tunjang kejayaan pingat emas Sukan SEA dan Piala AFF, namun sudah sampai masanya FAM, KBS dan orang teknikal bolasepak tempatan melihat dan mengakui kekurangan yang masih ketara dalam bolasepak kita. Untuk menyaingi permainan bolasepak kualiti tinggi, semangat saja tidak cukup...itu harus kita sedar kerana Malaysia kini kembali memasuki kancah bolasepak Asia. Perlu diakui bahawa kita masih ketinggalan jurang "2 gol" di belakang pasukan seperti Jepun, Korea Selatan, Iran atau Uzbekistan.
Kekurangan kita untuk mencabar di peringkat Asia begitu ketara walaupun berjaya menumpaskan China Taipeh 2-1, malam semalam. Realiti mengenai mutu bolasepak negara untuk kembali disegani di Asia masih berliku, termasuk cerita-cerita rasuah atau "menjual" perlawanan. Hambatan terhadap perancangan masa depan bolasepak Malaysia tetap mendesak sekalipun kini berjaya menapak dengan kejayaan pingat emas Sukan SEA di Laos, 2009 dan juara Piala AFF 2010. Justeru, jangan terikut-ikut dengan senyuman Timbalan Menteri Belia dan Sukan, Datuk Razali Ibrahim, serta orang-orang FAM dan MSN yang mula sibuk dengan penyelarasan program dan dana di atas nama perancangan masa depan bolasepak negara. Posing sana, posing sini, begitu selesa sekali kerana ketika ini, sukan bolasepak kini menjadi pujaan. Sebelum Laos dan Piala Suzuki, orang-orang yang lebih kurang sama ini juga yang lebih menyindir daripada menyokong!
Berdasarkan corak permainan (sepasukan dan individu) pemain Malaysia ketika menentang Taiwan, penyelarasan yang lebih penting dipegang oleh orang teknikal, jurulatih, bekas pemain yang mengendalikan akademi dan pusat bolasepak di seluruh negara, bukannya pegawai-pegawai tadbir yang bercakap macam-macam mengenai pasukan negara. Persoalan di kalangan bekas pemain dan jurulatih di Malaysia rasanya masih sama: "Teknik dan kecergasan pemain tempatan masih rendah di kalangan pasukan utama Asia!". Selaraskan "coaches education" di semua peringkat supaya semua jurulatih yang membimbing pemain bermula di peringkat akar umbi lagi, akan secara sedar menekankan corak permainan yang lebih pantas, hantaran tepat dan berimbang, kawalan bola lebih kemas dan daya saing tinggi menerusi kecergasan. Itu tidak termasuk kebijaksanaan jurulatih memujuk dan menjaga pemain bola berbakat semulajadi yang lazimnya agak malas dan banyak karenah. Pemain dengan skil individu ini penting untuk menjadi katalis permainan kualiti pasukan negara masa depan. Sebenarnya tak cukup muka surat jika ingin mengupas terperinci kekurangan yang kita katakan masih ketara ketika Malaysia menang 2-1 ke atas Taiwan.
Sebelum memanjat carta bolasepak Asia, pastikan tempo permainan lebih tinggi tetapi konsentrasi penuh (seperti Sukan SEA dan Piala Suzuki) apabila menentang Taiwan pada perlawanan timbal balik petang Ahad ini. Kalau mahu inspirasi tambahan, bayangkan keghairahan seluruh negara dan peluang sanubari pemain sendiri, apabila menentang pasukan jiran musuh tradisi, Singapura dalam kelayakan pusingan kedua, selepas ini. Singapura.....hmmm...pasti seronok!!!
NOTA: Ucapan takziah buat keluarga Allahyarham Tan Sri Zain Hashim, bekas Naib Presiden FAM, Pengerusi Pengadil FAM dan bekas pengadil FIFA. Secara peribadi, Allahyarham ku kenali sebagai seorang yang 'gentleman' dan berpengalaman luas. Semoga roh Allahyarham dicucuri Rahmat dan ditempatkan di kalangan para solihin. Amin.
NOTA: Ucapan takziah buat keluarga Allahyarham Tan Sri Zain Hashim, bekas Naib Presiden FAM, Pengerusi Pengadil FAM dan bekas pengadil FIFA. Secara peribadi, Allahyarham ku kenali sebagai seorang yang 'gentleman' dan berpengalaman luas. Semoga roh Allahyarham dicucuri Rahmat dan ditempatkan di kalangan para solihin. Amin.
Friday, June 17, 2011
No more fun in sports?
I played a decent round of golf at Berjaya Hills Resort at Bukit Tinggi on Monday afternoon...and last night scored a free-kick goal for the Sportswriters Association of Malaysia (SAM) team in a friendly football match against Hijau Kuning dot.com at Kompleks Majlis Sukan Negara (MSN) at Shah Alam. Felt great about the goal but not the final score of the match!
For us, sports is fun for sure. Let's hope our sportsmen/women and athletes will also continue to find joy in their game. However, that has not been case for a couple of our national track athletes off late. Out of the sudden, they were put in a bad light as trying to evade drug testing! For crying out loud, THEY DONT DESERVE THIS!!! No thanks to the Majlis Sukan Negara (MSN)....or as later pointed out, Institut Sukan Negara (ISN).
There is a teeny weeny question mark on MSN/ISN's timing and the real purpose to suddenly instruct the girls (national athletes) to undergo drug testing. The athletes were caught in the middle, becoming victims of another episode of "power show" between MSN and Malaysian Amatuer Athletics Union (MAAU). It's no secret at all that MSN Director General, Datuk Zolkples Embong still bears a long standing grudge against MAAU's Deputy President, Karim Ibrahim. Zolkples simply could not stand Karim, vise versa!! Surely on his fine and authoritative days at his office in Bukit Jalil, Zolkples could not stop but realise that Karim is the ONLY ONE among national sports officials in this country would DARE point out whatever "wrong-doings" by Datuk Zol or the MSN/ISN.
Matters have gone worse between Zol and Karim with the latest issue involving national athletes who were just excited to undergo training in Bulgaria, last month. Now, parents of the athletes are duly worried. Is it worth for their daughters to pursue their athletic career if there are pressures from all sides? Not just on the track, but the "power shows" between MSN and MAAU. Some parents even recalled the darkest moment in Malaysian sports history when a young female athlete allegedly took her own life due to "outside pressures" in the early 90-s. Is it the same kind of pressure?
For us, sports is fun for sure. Let's hope our sportsmen/women and athletes will also continue to find joy in their game. However, that has not been case for a couple of our national track athletes off late. Out of the sudden, they were put in a bad light as trying to evade drug testing! For crying out loud, THEY DONT DESERVE THIS!!! No thanks to the Majlis Sukan Negara (MSN)....or as later pointed out, Institut Sukan Negara (ISN).
There is a teeny weeny question mark on MSN/ISN's timing and the real purpose to suddenly instruct the girls (national athletes) to undergo drug testing. The athletes were caught in the middle, becoming victims of another episode of "power show" between MSN and Malaysian Amatuer Athletics Union (MAAU). It's no secret at all that MSN Director General, Datuk Zolkples Embong still bears a long standing grudge against MAAU's Deputy President, Karim Ibrahim. Zolkples simply could not stand Karim, vise versa!! Surely on his fine and authoritative days at his office in Bukit Jalil, Zolkples could not stop but realise that Karim is the ONLY ONE among national sports officials in this country would DARE point out whatever "wrong-doings" by Datuk Zol or the MSN/ISN.
Matters have gone worse between Zol and Karim with the latest issue involving national athletes who were just excited to undergo training in Bulgaria, last month. Now, parents of the athletes are duly worried. Is it worth for their daughters to pursue their athletic career if there are pressures from all sides? Not just on the track, but the "power shows" between MSN and MAAU. Some parents even recalled the darkest moment in Malaysian sports history when a young female athlete allegedly took her own life due to "outside pressures" in the early 90-s. Is it the same kind of pressure?
Monday, April 18, 2011
Good golf....Malaysian taste lah...
Unlike previous years, I had really set out to watch the 50-th edition of the Malaysian Open Golf champisonship. The 2 days of minggling through the crowds (and friends) at KLGCC, was pretty enjoyable but sometimes funny. Here are my humble account of the Malaysian Open entitled: "Good golf ...Malaysian taste-lah":
Fans & spectators:
Whooaa..big crowd on Thursday! Parking has always been the main issue for spectators to the Malaysian Open. The Organisers (KLGCC?) did well to provide efficient shuttle service despite the big number of fans. There was probably 40,000 spectators for the final day which in the end saw the steely performance by young Italian, Matteo Manaserro to lift the Malaysian Open title just 2 days before his 18th birthday. I think, this year's MO saw the biggest crowd in Malaysian golf history...almost reaching 100,000 spectators over four days (rivalling our Malaysian GP in Formula One).
Sure, some Malaysian fans knew a lot about golf. They recognise the top players of the European and Asian Tour. The usual fun would likening 'bad' shots by the pros to their own...Very funny! But there a still a big number of local fans "simply talk" without really knowing their facts. For example, I overheard a 50-something old guy saying to his friend that no Malaysians ever made the cut in the Malaysian Open..which is NOT TRUE! Then, some of these Malaysian fans are also fond of be-littling the not so media famous professional golfers. They will label them with phrases like "kokak punya pro", "ini kita punya standard", "perosak"; just because they hardly hear their names or have seen them on television. Come on Malaysian golf fans...don't be like that lah!"
About Malaysian pros:
Same old complaints and condemnation among Malaysian fans on local players. The "accusations" includes: "Our players malas lah"; "Everyday train, so used to the hot weather and local course...but still unable to play well, how to win?." "See, Bangla player Siddikur some more terror lah!" Easier said than done. Honourable Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak concluded the continued 50-th year debate by saying the closest for Malaysia to win the Malaysian Open was via Vijay Singh because his wife is Malaysian. The challenge is undoubtedly steep for Malaysian pros... Danny Chia was best Malaysian at tied 41, one-under par total. To other local pros: "Show us that you have more than what fellow Malaysians think".
Seriously, the question mark on our local pros grew bigger this year as only one player (Danny) made the cut among the 22 Malaysians, which was the biggest local entry so far.
Good shots & star players:
A brilliant 'eagle' on the par 5 10-th hole did the work for Matteo Manassero to lift the 2011 Malaysian Open title. Manassero, just 2 days short of his 18-th birthday, continued his steady performance throughout the remaining holes to pip Gregory Bourdy (France). Rory McIllroy of Ireland who was in the flight behind Manassero, birdied the par 3 15-th, to stay in contention. Manassero did not falter, producing precise and 'safe' shots at 16, 17 and 18-th hole to secure his 1-stroke win over Bourdy. McIllroy also deserved praise despite a bogey in his final hole. To me, unlike what happened at Augusta Masters just a week earlier, Rory did not collapse at KLGCC. He was merely continuing his rise as a fantastic talent in the world of golf.
Fans & spectators:
Whooaa..big crowd on Thursday! Parking has always been the main issue for spectators to the Malaysian Open. The Organisers (KLGCC?) did well to provide efficient shuttle service despite the big number of fans. There was probably 40,000 spectators for the final day which in the end saw the steely performance by young Italian, Matteo Manaserro to lift the Malaysian Open title just 2 days before his 18th birthday. I think, this year's MO saw the biggest crowd in Malaysian golf history...almost reaching 100,000 spectators over four days (rivalling our Malaysian GP in Formula One).
Sure, some Malaysian fans knew a lot about golf. They recognise the top players of the European and Asian Tour. The usual fun would likening 'bad' shots by the pros to their own...Very funny! But there a still a big number of local fans "simply talk" without really knowing their facts. For example, I overheard a 50-something old guy saying to his friend that no Malaysians ever made the cut in the Malaysian Open..which is NOT TRUE! Then, some of these Malaysian fans are also fond of be-littling the not so media famous professional golfers. They will label them with phrases like "kokak punya pro", "ini kita punya standard", "perosak"; just because they hardly hear their names or have seen them on television. Come on Malaysian golf fans...don't be like that lah!"
About Malaysian pros:
Same old complaints and condemnation among Malaysian fans on local players. The "accusations" includes: "Our players malas lah"; "Everyday train, so used to the hot weather and local course...but still unable to play well, how to win?." "See, Bangla player Siddikur some more terror lah!" Easier said than done. Honourable Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak concluded the continued 50-th year debate by saying the closest for Malaysia to win the Malaysian Open was via Vijay Singh because his wife is Malaysian. The challenge is undoubtedly steep for Malaysian pros... Danny Chia was best Malaysian at tied 41, one-under par total. To other local pros: "Show us that you have more than what fellow Malaysians think".
Seriously, the question mark on our local pros grew bigger this year as only one player (Danny) made the cut among the 22 Malaysians, which was the biggest local entry so far.
Good shots & star players:
A brilliant 'eagle' on the par 5 10-th hole did the work for Matteo Manassero to lift the 2011 Malaysian Open title. Manassero, just 2 days short of his 18-th birthday, continued his steady performance throughout the remaining holes to pip Gregory Bourdy (France). Rory McIllroy of Ireland who was in the flight behind Manassero, birdied the par 3 15-th, to stay in contention. Manassero did not falter, producing precise and 'safe' shots at 16, 17 and 18-th hole to secure his 1-stroke win over Bourdy. McIllroy also deserved praise despite a bogey in his final hole. To me, unlike what happened at Augusta Masters just a week earlier, Rory did not collapse at KLGCC. He was merely continuing his rise as a fantastic talent in the world of golf.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Between track cycling and diving....
Lee Chong Wei is still good for the gold at the London Olympics next year. Has he burried the 'Lin Dan block'? Will Malaysia's first ever gold medal at the Olympics be delivered by a badminton player...; a track cyclist...; or perhaps in the diving events?
Too bad squash will not be an Olympic event up untill the 2016 Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. From the look of things, including the overall signs during my participation at Sportel Asia 2011 in Hong Kong, squash is not an "internationally acclaimed" sports,...not yet!
On the other hand, diving is a sports considered to have a somewhat low level of interest in Malaysia despite it's strong status at Olympic Games. It is in the diving events, through the determination of it's lovely pair of Leong Mun Yee and Pandelela Rinong, could be the surprise package for Malaysia at London Olympics next year.
So called sports critic, Tan Sri Khoo Kay Kim, was quite blatant by saying that all the hype of hopes that Malaysia would win it's first ever gold medal at the Olympics in London next year, was misleading.
I would agree with Tan Sri Kay Kim, but not totally. Suprises in sports do happen. There could be one 'fine day' for Malaysian sports...And, whatever the storyline would be, Malaysia's gold medal target at London 2012, if ever achieved, will be a surprise!
Azizul Hasni is being said as our best bet for gold but to me personally, there are at least 8 to 10 track cycling sprinters who are serious contenders for gold...not just Sir Chris Hoy of GBR. There are othe power-packed sprinters like Gregory Bauge (France), Shane Perkins (Australia), Kevin Sireau (France), Jason Kenny (GBR), Levy Maxmillian (Germany) and not to mention China's "Zhang brothers".
No doubt Chong Wei has boosted his confidence tremendously by beating Lin Dan at the All England final. But it will still be a surprise if he could wrest the gold from Lin Dan by avenging the defeat in Beijing 2008. Perhaps with the Games being in London, not Beijing, Pandelela and Mun Yee could spring the biggest surprise, taking the shine away from Chinese divers to bring home Malaysia's first ever gold medal at the Olympics!
Too bad squash will not be an Olympic event up untill the 2016 Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. From the look of things, including the overall signs during my participation at Sportel Asia 2011 in Hong Kong, squash is not an "internationally acclaimed" sports,...not yet!
On the other hand, diving is a sports considered to have a somewhat low level of interest in Malaysia despite it's strong status at Olympic Games. It is in the diving events, through the determination of it's lovely pair of Leong Mun Yee and Pandelela Rinong, could be the surprise package for Malaysia at London Olympics next year.
So called sports critic, Tan Sri Khoo Kay Kim, was quite blatant by saying that all the hype of hopes that Malaysia would win it's first ever gold medal at the Olympics in London next year, was misleading.
I would agree with Tan Sri Kay Kim, but not totally. Suprises in sports do happen. There could be one 'fine day' for Malaysian sports...And, whatever the storyline would be, Malaysia's gold medal target at London 2012, if ever achieved, will be a surprise!
Azizul Hasni is being said as our best bet for gold but to me personally, there are at least 8 to 10 track cycling sprinters who are serious contenders for gold...not just Sir Chris Hoy of GBR. There are othe power-packed sprinters like Gregory Bauge (France), Shane Perkins (Australia), Kevin Sireau (France), Jason Kenny (GBR), Levy Maxmillian (Germany) and not to mention China's "Zhang brothers".
No doubt Chong Wei has boosted his confidence tremendously by beating Lin Dan at the All England final. But it will still be a surprise if he could wrest the gold from Lin Dan by avenging the defeat in Beijing 2008. Perhaps with the Games being in London, not Beijing, Pandelela and Mun Yee could spring the biggest surprise, taking the shine away from Chinese divers to bring home Malaysia's first ever gold medal at the Olympics!
Friday, March 18, 2011
Lee Chong Wei nyalakan kembali impian Olimpik
Mesti sibuklah media tempatan hari ini menyanjung Datuk Lee Chong Wei di atas kejayaannya mempertahankan kejuaraan All England, di NIA, Birmingham, awal pagi tadi. Bukan calang pencapaian. Dia pemain pertama Malaysia yang mempertahankan kejuaraan sejak Datuk Eddy Choong pada tahun 50-an dulu.
Namun, apa yang lebih penting, kejayaan Chong Wei kali ini, telah menyalakan kembali cahaya harapan untuk merangkul pingat emas Sukan Olimpik yang pertama buat Malaysia di London tahun depan. Ini setelah LCW berjaya mempamer dan membuktikan dia mempunyai corak permainan dan pukulan yang tetap mampu untuk menumbangkan jaguh China (mungkin jaguh sepanjang zaman badminton China), Lin Dan. Chong Wei menang straight-games, 21-17, 21-17 - tenang, menerkam, pukulan kemas dan pergerakan di gelanggang yang teratur! Itulah sedikit rumusan aksi Chong Wei kali ini. Kali ini, Lin Dan pula kelihatan cemas dan terdesak!!
Namun, apa yang lebih penting, kejayaan Chong Wei kali ini, telah menyalakan kembali cahaya harapan untuk merangkul pingat emas Sukan Olimpik yang pertama buat Malaysia di London tahun depan. Ini setelah LCW berjaya mempamer dan membuktikan dia mempunyai corak permainan dan pukulan yang tetap mampu untuk menumbangkan jaguh China (mungkin jaguh sepanjang zaman badminton China), Lin Dan. Chong Wei menang straight-games, 21-17, 21-17 - tenang, menerkam, pukulan kemas dan pergerakan di gelanggang yang teratur! Itulah sedikit rumusan aksi Chong Wei kali ini. Kali ini, Lin Dan pula kelihatan cemas dan terdesak!!
Monday, March 7, 2011
Local sports reporting need a re-look?
Aahh..press conferences! Seems like the most favourite and compulsory thing for organisers and sports people in Malaysia these days. PC, as the media guys would call it, has been the main source for news among sportswriters and reporters in the country, especially for the last decade or so. But to me personally, it has turned sour lately with too many stereotyped, repetitious and rhetoric story angles dominating Malaysian sports via print and electronic media.
Yesterday was another classic example of one, coincidentally involving Sports Minister and, also coincidentally, during the Sportswriters Association of Malaysia (SAM) Awards ceremony in Kuala Lumpur.
Perhaps some same group of sportswriters, asking more or less the same kind of questions from the same Sports Minister who had on previous occasions had also said almost the same phrases. No malice to Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek on this matter. He had given his comments to reporters immediately after news broke out that Safee Sali has become the first Malaysian footballer to play in Indonesia's Djarum Super League in February. Shabery was also quoted in Manchester on track cycling star, Azizulhasni Awang's freak accident at the Manchester Velodrome.
But nothing new in Malaysian sports reporting. They just had to ask him on a day after Safe scored on his debut for Pelita. Malaysian sports press was also excited to hear an update from the Minister who had returned to Kuala Lumpur after a State visit with the PM to Australia where they had also met with Azizulhasni in Melbourne.
What else is there for these so called "up-and-coming" group of sportswriters who had gathered on their association's (SAM) awards. They must ask something from the Sports Minister who is, afterall, their Guest of Honour!
But what else does Shabery has to say, other than the same old "bangga... semangat...bukti...produk Malaysia...jadi contoh ikutan.."
We have heard that too many times before and fully understand it! However, I still think that it is about time the Malaysian sports press comes out with 'something new' and a slightly higher level of intelligence.
But, WHAT THEN?, they might ask!
1) Up-date angle
2) To fill page (sub-editors need 'something')
3) Follow-up on something
4) 'Other' stories/angle are difficult (lazy to think lah)
5) Malaysian Sports Ministers always craves for the media
Yesterday was another classic example of one, coincidentally involving Sports Minister and, also coincidentally, during the Sportswriters Association of Malaysia (SAM) Awards ceremony in Kuala Lumpur.
Perhaps some same group of sportswriters, asking more or less the same kind of questions from the same Sports Minister who had on previous occasions had also said almost the same phrases. No malice to Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek on this matter. He had given his comments to reporters immediately after news broke out that Safee Sali has become the first Malaysian footballer to play in Indonesia's Djarum Super League in February. Shabery was also quoted in Manchester on track cycling star, Azizulhasni Awang's freak accident at the Manchester Velodrome.
But nothing new in Malaysian sports reporting. They just had to ask him on a day after Safe scored on his debut for Pelita. Malaysian sports press was also excited to hear an update from the Minister who had returned to Kuala Lumpur after a State visit with the PM to Australia where they had also met with Azizulhasni in Melbourne.
What else is there for these so called "up-and-coming" group of sportswriters who had gathered on their association's (SAM) awards. They must ask something from the Sports Minister who is, afterall, their Guest of Honour!
But what else does Shabery has to say, other than the same old "bangga... semangat...bukti...produk Malaysia...jadi contoh ikutan.."
We have heard that too many times before and fully understand it! However, I still think that it is about time the Malaysian sports press comes out with 'something new' and a slightly higher level of intelligence.
But, WHAT THEN?, they might ask!
1) Up-date angle
2) To fill page (sub-editors need 'something')
3) Follow-up on something
4) 'Other' stories/angle are difficult (lazy to think lah)
5) Malaysian Sports Ministers always craves for the media
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Di antara semangat Azizul dan 'kelewehan Media'
Sungguh ketara sekali laporan media (sukan) Malaysia yang mengatakan: "Kecederaan Azizul tidak serius.." Kayu keras tajam tembus betis, tak serius lagi"? Media gerangan mana agaknya yang paling awal terbawa-bawa dengan semangat tinggi "Rocket Pocket", Azizul Hasni Awang? Media mana agaknya, atau mungkin Pak Menteri Sukan kah yang lebih dulu terbawa-bawa dengan kegagahan Azizul, pelumba yang menjadi harapan pingat Sukan Olimpik London tahun depan (harapan pingat pertama Olimpik selain acara badminton).
Semangat juang Azizulhasni, daya saing dan profesionalismanya, memang tidak boleh dinafikan. Benar, dia bangun segera dalam keadaan betis kirinya telah tertusuk kayu 9 inci untuk menamatkan perlumbaan, sekaligus berjaya merangkul pingat gangsa acara keirin siri Klasik Piala Dunia diMachester, bulan lalu. Anak Terengganu itu juga mengesahkan posisinya selaku juara siri klasik dunia (4 siri perlumbaan), di depan lagenda trek Britain, Sir Chris Hoy.
Malangnya, bagi saya, semangat tinggi dan kekuatan Azizulhasni telah disalahtafsir, gara-gara keghairahan untuk melihat dia bangkit daripada insiden ngeri di Manchester, dengan membutirkan sebuah pingat untuk Malaysia pada Sukan Olimpik London, tahun depan.
Memang benar, perancangan dan peluang Azizulhasni menuju London 2012, tidak mungkin terjejas kerana insiden di Manchester. Pun begitu, janganlah sampai kata apa yang menimpanya itu tidak serius. Ia cukup serius dalam semua segi!
Lebih malang lagi, dek kerana terbawa-bawa dengan "harapan syok sendiri" terhadap Azizul, tiada satu pun media tempatan Malaysia berani atau cekap untuk mengutarakan "apa yang sebenarnya berlaku di trek Manchester itu?"
Velodrom berkenaan begitu gah sebagai "Home of British Cycling" tetapi apa sudah jadi? Kayu trek terkopek?..Maintainence 'ala-Malaysia'?...Penganjur terlepas pandang? Kalau berlaku di Malaysia, mesti ramai penulis sukan media tempatan, termasuk yang ada blog sendiri, dengan pantas mengritik, menyalahkan penganjur atau menyiasat bagaimana kayu trek kecil dan tajam boleh menusuk tembus betis kiri pelumba kebanggaan kita.
Kenapa tiada yang menyentuh langsung sudut Manchester dan penganjurnya? Yang ada pun, Datuk Naim Mohamad dikatakan tidak akan membuat bantahan kepada penganjur. Dan sekarang sibuk pula dengan laporan bagi meniup keghairahan Azizulhasni untuk berlumba pada World Championships di Belanda bulan depan.
"Kecederaan Azizul tidak serius?"...the Malaysian sports media must be joking!!!
Semangat juang Azizulhasni, daya saing dan profesionalismanya, memang tidak boleh dinafikan. Benar, dia bangun segera dalam keadaan betis kirinya telah tertusuk kayu 9 inci untuk menamatkan perlumbaan, sekaligus berjaya merangkul pingat gangsa acara keirin siri Klasik Piala Dunia diMachester, bulan lalu. Anak Terengganu itu juga mengesahkan posisinya selaku juara siri klasik dunia (4 siri perlumbaan), di depan lagenda trek Britain, Sir Chris Hoy.
Malangnya, bagi saya, semangat tinggi dan kekuatan Azizulhasni telah disalahtafsir, gara-gara keghairahan untuk melihat dia bangkit daripada insiden ngeri di Manchester, dengan membutirkan sebuah pingat untuk Malaysia pada Sukan Olimpik London, tahun depan.
Memang benar, perancangan dan peluang Azizulhasni menuju London 2012, tidak mungkin terjejas kerana insiden di Manchester. Pun begitu, janganlah sampai kata apa yang menimpanya itu tidak serius. Ia cukup serius dalam semua segi!
Lebih malang lagi, dek kerana terbawa-bawa dengan "harapan syok sendiri" terhadap Azizul, tiada satu pun media tempatan Malaysia berani atau cekap untuk mengutarakan "apa yang sebenarnya berlaku di trek Manchester itu?"
Velodrom berkenaan begitu gah sebagai "Home of British Cycling" tetapi apa sudah jadi? Kayu trek terkopek?..Maintainence 'ala-Malaysia'?...Penganjur terlepas pandang? Kalau berlaku di Malaysia, mesti ramai penulis sukan media tempatan, termasuk yang ada blog sendiri, dengan pantas mengritik, menyalahkan penganjur atau menyiasat bagaimana kayu trek kecil dan tajam boleh menusuk tembus betis kiri pelumba kebanggaan kita.
Kenapa tiada yang menyentuh langsung sudut Manchester dan penganjurnya? Yang ada pun, Datuk Naim Mohamad dikatakan tidak akan membuat bantahan kepada penganjur. Dan sekarang sibuk pula dengan laporan bagi meniup keghairahan Azizulhasni untuk berlumba pada World Championships di Belanda bulan depan.
"Kecederaan Azizul tidak serius?"...the Malaysian sports media must be joking!!!
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Malaysia menang 2-0; Pakistan uji kematangan Harimau Muda
Pheewww..lega juga akhirnya dengan 2 gol separuh masa pertama. Sekejap nampak mudah, tiba-tiba jadi 'liat'...pasukan Harimau Muda A negara harus mengambil banyak iktibar daripada perlawanan 'istimewa" dengan Pakistan dalam kelayakan Olimpik, di Stadium Shah Alam, malam tadi.
Kita kena kritik prestasi dan corak permainan anak-anak buah Ong Kim Swee. Fokus kritikan ialah mereka sepatutnya lebih matang, lebih cermat mengimbangkan fokus, dedikasi dan semangat juang untuk membendung sikap terlalu yakin, selesa dan penuh gaya!
Bukan mahu kritik semangat, teknik atau taktik individu/berpasukan. Yang perlu ditegur ialah sikap pemain keseluruhannya yang begitu mudah "hilang kesedaran" setelah begitu garang dan penuh sungguh-sungguh sehingga berjaya membolosi gawang Pakistan seawal minit ketiga lagi.
Apa jadi selepas itu? Tiba-tiba, aksi dan gerak geri (body language) hampir semua pemain negara seakan-akan longgar; bagai dibuai rasa selesa, mungkin merasakan Pakistan lawan yang mudah saja untuk ditundukkan. Kenapa tidak teruskan asakan garang, tahap tempo permainan yang tinggi serta komitmen untuk menang yang tebal seperti awalnya? Apakah pemain-pemain muda kita telah mudah diresapi oleh tempias kekebalan daripada kejayaan skuad kebangsaan menjuarai Piala Suzuki, Disember lalu?
Persoalan isu kematangan Skuad Olimpik negara malam tadi ialah "kenapa Pakistan tiba-tiba 'liat' untuk ditundukkan? Mujur selepas jaringan Wan Zaharulnizam Wan Zakaria pada minit ke-3, Malaysia berjaya menambah jaringan menerusi Mohd Irfan Fazail pada minit-minit akhir babak pertama.
Diharapkan, Ong Kim Swee, penolongnya, Mohd Hassan dan Yong, dapat membimbing pemain Skuad Olimpik negara di segi memupuk diri dengan kematangan kerana situasi dan suasana dalam sesuatu perlawanan bolasepak boleh berubah sekelip mata...lawan yang pada mulanya mudah, tiba-tiba boleh bertukar menjadi 'liat"!!! Selamat berjuang di Lahore...
Kita kena kritik prestasi dan corak permainan anak-anak buah Ong Kim Swee. Fokus kritikan ialah mereka sepatutnya lebih matang, lebih cermat mengimbangkan fokus, dedikasi dan semangat juang untuk membendung sikap terlalu yakin, selesa dan penuh gaya!
Bukan mahu kritik semangat, teknik atau taktik individu/berpasukan. Yang perlu ditegur ialah sikap pemain keseluruhannya yang begitu mudah "hilang kesedaran" setelah begitu garang dan penuh sungguh-sungguh sehingga berjaya membolosi gawang Pakistan seawal minit ketiga lagi.
Apa jadi selepas itu? Tiba-tiba, aksi dan gerak geri (body language) hampir semua pemain negara seakan-akan longgar; bagai dibuai rasa selesa, mungkin merasakan Pakistan lawan yang mudah saja untuk ditundukkan. Kenapa tidak teruskan asakan garang, tahap tempo permainan yang tinggi serta komitmen untuk menang yang tebal seperti awalnya? Apakah pemain-pemain muda kita telah mudah diresapi oleh tempias kekebalan daripada kejayaan skuad kebangsaan menjuarai Piala Suzuki, Disember lalu?
Persoalan isu kematangan Skuad Olimpik negara malam tadi ialah "kenapa Pakistan tiba-tiba 'liat' untuk ditundukkan? Mujur selepas jaringan Wan Zaharulnizam Wan Zakaria pada minit ke-3, Malaysia berjaya menambah jaringan menerusi Mohd Irfan Fazail pada minit-minit akhir babak pertama.
Diharapkan, Ong Kim Swee, penolongnya, Mohd Hassan dan Yong, dapat membimbing pemain Skuad Olimpik negara di segi memupuk diri dengan kematangan kerana situasi dan suasana dalam sesuatu perlawanan bolasepak boleh berubah sekelip mata...lawan yang pada mulanya mudah, tiba-tiba boleh bertukar menjadi 'liat"!!! Selamat berjuang di Lahore...
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Pakistan in store...will Kim Swee able to handle the pressure?
Cricket loving Pakistan are capable of sending the shivers to Malaysian football. That is a strong statement among the neutrals going into the pre-Olympic qualifying match between the two countries on February 23 (first leg, Kuala Lumpur) and March 9 (2nd leg, Lahore).
No doubt Pakistanis all over the world are more concerned about their team's chances in the ICC World Cup cricket which started last Friday in India and Bangladesh. The Pakistan team are under close scrutiny following their shameful episodes of match-fixing allegations recently.
However, Pakistan's encounter with Malaysia in the game of football at the Shah Alam Stadium on Wednesday (Feb 23, 2011), have nonetheless created a sense of suspense among local fans.
I have found out that national Harimau Muda A (Olympic team) coach, Ong Kim Swee is under considerable pressure to maintain the momentum of success by the national senior team under coach K Rajagopal following their Sea Games 2009 and Asean-Suzuki Cup tournament last year.
To me, Pakistan should not be a problem for Ong Kim Swee's team. I strongly feel that Malaysian football is a shade better than Pakistan's, whether it is based on history, current form or FIFA rankings.
So Kim Swee, just be positive and get your boys to go out there and perform their 'normal' game. Don't worry...we are good enough to beat Pakistan... after all it's not cricket!
No doubt Pakistanis all over the world are more concerned about their team's chances in the ICC World Cup cricket which started last Friday in India and Bangladesh. The Pakistan team are under close scrutiny following their shameful episodes of match-fixing allegations recently.
However, Pakistan's encounter with Malaysia in the game of football at the Shah Alam Stadium on Wednesday (Feb 23, 2011), have nonetheless created a sense of suspense among local fans.
I have found out that national Harimau Muda A (Olympic team) coach, Ong Kim Swee is under considerable pressure to maintain the momentum of success by the national senior team under coach K Rajagopal following their Sea Games 2009 and Asean-Suzuki Cup tournament last year.
To me, Pakistan should not be a problem for Ong Kim Swee's team. I strongly feel that Malaysian football is a shade better than Pakistan's, whether it is based on history, current form or FIFA rankings.
So Kim Swee, just be positive and get your boys to go out there and perform their 'normal' game. Don't worry...we are good enough to beat Pakistan... after all it's not cricket!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Pasca Piala Suzuki..Malaysia menang lagi!
Banyak kenangan sempat saya imbas sambil seronok menyaksikan pasukan kebangsaan Malaysia menumpaskan Hong Kong 2-0 pada perlawanan persahabatan antarabangsa di Stadium Shah Alam, semalam. Tahniah diucapkan kepada pemain-pemain negara.
Bagaimanapun, ada ingatan lain buat saya mengenai perlawanan Malaysia-Hong Kong, tetapi di Stadium Darulmakmur, Kuantan, pada tahun 2006. Ingatannya sungguh mengecewakan!
Saya tidak pasti sama ada jurulatih kebangsaan, K Rajagopal masih ingat atau tidak tentang perlawanan di Kuantan itu. Apa sekalipun, ia adalah perlawanan yang amat sukar untuk saya lupakan. Semuanya, gara-gara kekecewaan saya mengenai persembahan pasukan negara ketika itu. Malaysia bukan saja kalah 3-1 di Kuantan, tetapi apa yang lebih mengecewakan ialah corak permainan yang bagi saya, sangat hambar. Pemain yang beraksi di Kuantan pada malam itu tidak boleh dipersalahkan sepenuhnya. Jarang kita katakan ini: "Jurulatih yang salah!"..Bagi saya kekalahan 3-1 Malaysia di tangan Hong Kong dalam kelayakan Piala Dunia itu, sungguh memalukan kerana kesilapan jurulatih. Siapa jurulatih Malaysia ketika itu? K Rajagopal atau Karl Weigang (dari Jerman)?
Susunan pemain atau 'line-up' pada malam itu di Kuantan mungkin yang terburuk dalam mana-mana sejarah perlawanan pasukan kebangsaan. Entah apa yang berlaku saya 'emo' sikit kerana kecewa dan tidak puas hati dengan 'line-up" team Malaysia malam itu. Bukan tunjuk pandai tetapi saya yakin rata-rata peminat baru pun dapat lihat dengan jelas lineup yang terlalu 'defensive', 'conservative', 'passive', dan tidak pro-aktif. Siapa buat lineup? Rajagopal? Atau sebenarnya Weigang yang ketika itu sebagai Pengarah Teknikal FAM tetapi mengambil-alih pasukan kebangsaan secara sementara...Rajagopal pun macam sementara sebagai jurulatih. Dalam sidang media, saya tidak segan silu memberi hujah" "Kenapa lineup Malaysia defensive sangat? Macam mana nak uji Hong Kong?" Itu antara persoalan yang begitu tertanam dalam diri saya selepas menyaksikan skuad Malaysia terkial-kial untuk mara dan bergerak sedangkan Hong Kong tidak sekuat mana pun! Yang saya masih ingat, Khairunissam Shahabuddin dan K Nanthakumar sebagai mid-field, mereka tidak dapat banyak bergerak dan sentiasa tidak jauh di depan rakan-rakan defensive yang lain seperti Yuzaiman Zahari, Samsul Saad dan Khairil Zainal...macam mana yang cari ruang untuk menyerang! Maka, lontaran suara saya mempersoalkan 'lineup' Rajagopal dan Weigang itulah yang mungkin membuatkan saya kurang disenangi Rajagopal sehingga hari ini..betul ke coach Raja?? Bersambung....
Bagaimanapun, ada ingatan lain buat saya mengenai perlawanan Malaysia-Hong Kong, tetapi di Stadium Darulmakmur, Kuantan, pada tahun 2006. Ingatannya sungguh mengecewakan!
Saya tidak pasti sama ada jurulatih kebangsaan, K Rajagopal masih ingat atau tidak tentang perlawanan di Kuantan itu. Apa sekalipun, ia adalah perlawanan yang amat sukar untuk saya lupakan. Semuanya, gara-gara kekecewaan saya mengenai persembahan pasukan negara ketika itu. Malaysia bukan saja kalah 3-1 di Kuantan, tetapi apa yang lebih mengecewakan ialah corak permainan yang bagi saya, sangat hambar. Pemain yang beraksi di Kuantan pada malam itu tidak boleh dipersalahkan sepenuhnya. Jarang kita katakan ini: "Jurulatih yang salah!"..Bagi saya kekalahan 3-1 Malaysia di tangan Hong Kong dalam kelayakan Piala Dunia itu, sungguh memalukan kerana kesilapan jurulatih. Siapa jurulatih Malaysia ketika itu? K Rajagopal atau Karl Weigang (dari Jerman)?
Susunan pemain atau 'line-up' pada malam itu di Kuantan mungkin yang terburuk dalam mana-mana sejarah perlawanan pasukan kebangsaan. Entah apa yang berlaku saya 'emo' sikit kerana kecewa dan tidak puas hati dengan 'line-up" team Malaysia malam itu. Bukan tunjuk pandai tetapi saya yakin rata-rata peminat baru pun dapat lihat dengan jelas lineup yang terlalu 'defensive', 'conservative', 'passive', dan tidak pro-aktif. Siapa buat lineup? Rajagopal? Atau sebenarnya Weigang yang ketika itu sebagai Pengarah Teknikal FAM tetapi mengambil-alih pasukan kebangsaan secara sementara...Rajagopal pun macam sementara sebagai jurulatih. Dalam sidang media, saya tidak segan silu memberi hujah" "Kenapa lineup Malaysia defensive sangat? Macam mana nak uji Hong Kong?" Itu antara persoalan yang begitu tertanam dalam diri saya selepas menyaksikan skuad Malaysia terkial-kial untuk mara dan bergerak sedangkan Hong Kong tidak sekuat mana pun! Yang saya masih ingat, Khairunissam Shahabuddin dan K Nanthakumar sebagai mid-field, mereka tidak dapat banyak bergerak dan sentiasa tidak jauh di depan rakan-rakan defensive yang lain seperti Yuzaiman Zahari, Samsul Saad dan Khairil Zainal...macam mana yang cari ruang untuk menyerang! Maka, lontaran suara saya mempersoalkan 'lineup' Rajagopal dan Weigang itulah yang mungkin membuatkan saya kurang disenangi Rajagopal sehingga hari ini..betul ke coach Raja?? Bersambung....
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Widening "football territories"?
There were two Barnes on television last night...cable TV that is. Peter and John, England football wingers of the late 70's and 80's, were joined by one Abbas Saad, a Lebanese born Australian who played for Singapore and Johor during the heydays of Malaysian Semi-pro football era of the early 90's. On a backdrop of Malaysian life? (Malaysian television to be more specific). Wow, to me, it has been a long way! Never would I imagined that one day, I would listen and watch Peter, John and Abbas, combining forces to convince Malaysian fans that the English Premier League is the one to watch.
As an English football fan from the late 70's, of course I enjoyed the lefty-skills of the two Barnseys (trying to copy the current lingo of Malaysian-EPL fans). Peter was on the left whilst one of my Man United heroes, Stevie Coppell was on the right flank of England under Mr Ron Greenwood. Happy dribbling John was considered the Brazilliant of the English First Division.
I knew Abbas when I was anxiously trying to become the true Malaysian football writer during the late 80's, and early 90's! Naturally, I felt close to the show! Not that I was really into the Chelsea-Liverpool match or the Torres situation that they were talking about. I felt close because they are really, really closing in to our shores of Malaysia. Amazing. It might be considered normal by some of you, but to me, it's another proof of how much the landscape and backdrop of sports, football in particular, has changed in Malaysia!
As an English football fan from the late 70's, of course I enjoyed the lefty-skills of the two Barnseys (trying to copy the current lingo of Malaysian-EPL fans). Peter was on the left whilst one of my Man United heroes, Stevie Coppell was on the right flank of England under Mr Ron Greenwood. Happy dribbling John was considered the Brazilliant of the English First Division.
I knew Abbas when I was anxiously trying to become the true Malaysian football writer during the late 80's, and early 90's! Naturally, I felt close to the show! Not that I was really into the Chelsea-Liverpool match or the Torres situation that they were talking about. I felt close because they are really, really closing in to our shores of Malaysia. Amazing. It might be considered normal by some of you, but to me, it's another proof of how much the landscape and backdrop of sports, football in particular, has changed in Malaysia!
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