Stop & Stare A.K.A. Reflections on 2015.

Closing off 2015.

Khal, @padangbolasepak

Disclaimer: Right off the bat, apologies for the grammar, for the sentence structure, whatever English grammatical sin I may have caused. Trying to improve, trial & error only way to reach that close level of perfection 

Now onto the post:

Two thousand fifteen, a chapter in our Malaysian football history that we as the stakeholders of the sport as supporters had to endure the drama filled year, together. Either on the domestic league level with the club a person support or on the international level with the national football team. At every level, when you think it could not get any worse, it does get really (insert synonym for the word S**T). From the players salary issue to the #SayNoToCircusGame to Ashara (in arabic means 10) to the Shah Alam-Saudi-Flare incident to this & that. Despite all that, we are still here. The apocalypse hasn’t arrived yet, it’s not the end of the world as we know it. Just yet.

Dua ribu lima belas, also a chapter in our history that, initiatives from people as core, fans of the game. Taking various hot water situations forward attempting resolve the types of difficulties the sport is facing today. From the Players Football Association Malaysia(PFAM) to National Football Development Program (NFDP) to Football Malaysia Limited Liability Partnership (FMLLP) to the rest who are doing their part to make the football great again. Tackling problems from professional footballers rights, the youth development concern, promoting professional football in Malaysia & the rest. These people have identified the numerous problems, isolate them. Combating them with their field of strengths as well as helping others who may be constrained however willing to contribute.

In social media (open circuit social media: twitter, Facebook or close circuit social media: whatsapp, telegram) & with the people we meet, we customarily talk, moan, humour & discuss it. In those moments of discussions & debate, observe the picture in detail, the story closely. Identify the trouble. Understand the illustration put forth to us. Then ask ourselves, “What’s the problem?” Normally, our blood pressure would rise when we think about the problem & go, “Oh my.” Fret not, as other people’s blood pressure are also rising with you when reflecting on the present problem. Know that, we are not alone in this theatre of war. Keep in mind there are people in the frontline of the war. I am pretty sure that they lose a lot of sleep than most of us in this fight.

For that, we should do something to help. Rather than not doing anything. “Rome is burning. And the problem is not just with the people who started it. They're past, mostly likely irredeemable. The problem's with all of us who do nothing.” Strength to strength we can rise. You’ll be reading this & probably ask, “What can I do?” The very first thing you should ask yourself, “What is my area of strength?” “With this area of strength, where can I start.” Where & how do you start it is entirely up to you. As long as you feel that you are contributing, then you are making progress. You could be an actuarial science major helping out with the statistical aspect. You could be from the field of law to bolster the rights of those in need. Heck! You could be someone from the Food & Beverage industry, making a career jump from being a barista to a football coach, if you are certain that you have ability to be a coach, of course! 

The avenues of possibilities for you to help strengthen a possible position in the grand scheme of things are endless. 

There will be a point or points in time that you will make the decision. Timing. Sometimes when it is right, it feels right. Sometimes when it is doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. Like Gandalf said from the Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of The Ring, “All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.” 

From time to time, we may find ourselves overworked, burnt out. With that heavy cloud we start to worry & being afraid that the efforts in giving service that will eventually turn into myth. In that respect, relax, we are all human. The margin of errors does happen. Learn from the misstep, reassess, regain the confidence to believe in the effort along with the approach & keep pushing on forward. That heavy cloud will turn into a storm shaking the landscape. That is only one individual, one thunder storm. Imagine others uniting. The storm will eventually turn into a hurricane. And that hurricane will change the Malaysian football scenery for the better. 

In that matter, a constant reminder that we are not alone in this fight. There is a big picture that we are all apart of. We can’t be consumed by our petty differences anymore. We will be united in our common interest. We are fighting for our football. We must seize this opportunity to turn the corner in our footballing history. A  moment when Malaysian football fans all over unite in one voice: “We will not go quietly into the night!” We will not vanish without a fight! 

In the future, there will be people writing about our Malaysian football history. On how we turned it around, together. Now we must make sure they will have to write it. History will always be made in the presence of writers for the future to immerse themselves in. They say football transcends race, language, religion, every creed & every space. As long as the writings & documentation continue, it too shall travel timelessly.

That's about it. Until the next one. 

TM Piala Malaysia 2015. Quick thoughts of Ambition.

Disclaimer: Right off the bat, apologies for the grammar, for the sentence structure, whatever English grammatical sin I may have caused. Trying to improve, trial & error only way to reach that close level of perfection 

This is a quick thought piece about this year's edition of the Malaysia Cup. Will write more (Hopefully haha aha)

Ambition. Would be the key word to describe the 2015 Malaysia Cup campaign for every single team participating. Is the Malaysia Cup a preseason or post-season football club competition? Some teams even players may see the competition as an audition stage or a stage to transcend.

Pulling a satisfactory form over a course of the competition invites interest & attention to a respectful football club. In a way, the Malaysian Cup is somewhat of a measuring stick for teams seeking investment to secure their relevant futures. Group & knock-out/ Post-season playoff elite sporting competitions are somewhat more glamorous than a regular season towards a potential future investor. Cause it shows immediate results within a short span of time rather than waiting nearly a long period of time.

Example. Team X in a recent edition of the Malaysia Cup, team X fled under the noses of everyone over the course of the competition using a new approach to the game. Mixing up youth, experience & fluidity under a coach that knows what to do with the task that was given. On that, the investors came in, seen the results, that were a positive as result they received monetary & backing from stakeholders. Team X may not have won the Malaysia Cup, but they have done something significant to secure their fate. The only way downwards for team X conceding that they become dishonest & at odds with their ways going forward. The case given will be heightened in this year’s Malaysia Cup considering the M-League next year will be privatised.  

Do tell me on Twitter what you think & not in here. Comment section is dusty, I know.

Til the next one.

"Wish You Were Here at Bukit Jalil"

Pink Floyd, only appearance in Malaysia

Disclaimer: Right off the bat, apologies for the grammar, for the sentence structure, whatever English grammatical sin I may have caused. Trying to improve, trial & error only way to reach that close level of perfection

Behind the seats of the Bukit Jalil National Stadium revealed so much what is wrong with Malaysian football. Yes, we can be romantic about the AFF Suzuki Cup campaign we had. We can be proud of the team for making putting effort on the pitch. It's just, off the pitch matters revealed so many consistent problems.

The people who are in-charge, won last night. Tickets were oversold. The stadium capacity were over exhaust by an additional few thousand. There was no proper coordination between the security teams of the police, RELA and others. Fans risked their lives just to get a view of the game. A view, even a tiny part of the pitch was sufficient to risk their lives for. A number of disappointed younger fans with their families sitting at the side of the stand entrances looked dismayed for not having the chance of watching the game. At the end of the night, the people who are in-charge. Their wallets got a bit fatter.

The organisers should have coordinated with the businesses coming to the stadium grounds. To ensure there wouldn't be any wastage of items, like food, clothing & others. Organisers & the stadium ground should have worked hand in hand with each other. For example, for every X amount of food & beverage stalls open along with a certain ratio of spectators. There should be an adequate amount of functioning toilets & running water.

Let's face it sometimes fans are a finicky bunch. Still want to head to the stadiums even when the tickets are sold out. Well open up proper fan viewing zones around the stadium grounds or adjacent to them. Fully sponsored by companies associated with the competition, for doing that they get revenue. Have the whole Bukit Jalil or Shah Alam area soaked in one huge Malaysian atmosphere in & around the stadium.

To add to the topic of fans, this is just a suggestion. Could there be a section in the stadiums for families. Feel that they deserve an allocation section for themselves. Like the Ultras have. So that, you know families can enjoy themselves without having to worry too much.

With that, comes to the idea of FREE SEATING, what a load of (French Words). For that alone, shows somewhat of a lack of faith towards the Malaysian Football public that we'd even attend matches. If the tickets were to be sold accordingly to their seat numbers. A lot of the problems wouldn't arise.

For the Ultras, who were magnificent. Consider giving them a section properly dedicated to them. Like in other nations, most Ultras purchase sections that have standing seats, so that they can display their supportive art to the nation & the footballing world watching.

With all of that comes traffic jams, synonymous with Malaysians & people who lives in the Klang Valley area. However the traffic isn't vehicle type, it's the mass human traffic. Again everything is down to those who have the power to make things happen. Improve the facilities. Coordinated traffic flow. Start having standards, of International standards(hint Safee)

The infrastructure of the Stadiums, were not maintained and not even the sights of improvements. It is a sad fact that the stadiums will be left alone after clean up. Left alone standing until the next footballing event.

Do they conduct a proper postmortem? If they did, if they cared & if they have a set of convictions. Malaysian football fans wouldn't have suffered so much.

That was my view from half time onwards, along with others all over the stadium.
Unorthodox, but fantastic view of the free kick.

Will write up a chronological postmortem piece within the next 48 hours. A piece on the footballing aspect of the 2014 Suzuki Cup, Look forward to that.

Also Padang Bola Sepak's facebook page. Like our facebook page, if you are in to that sort of thing.

Let's Look At It.

Football is usually looked as an emotional, passionate, instinctive and heartfelt game. That’s all good but frankly Malaysia never had the academic, analytical and critical aspect nailed on.

It’s hard not to be romantic about our beloved national sport of football. This kind of thing, it’s fun for the fans like us. It sells tickets, sunflower seeds and jerseys, replica or original.

There is an epidemic failure within the game to understand what is really happening. And this leads people who run Malaysian football teams to misjudge their players and mismanage their teams. There is no need of examples. The examples are plenty to look at. Be it disorganisation's or politicking. Who suffers? The people that truly love the game with their hearts and minds.

Players’… people in the game are overlooked for a variety of biased reasons and perceived flaws. For example;

Player X. He’s a central midfield player. He is one of the most undervalued players in football. His defect is that he’s old, came from a different ethnicity and different social class. This player could not just the best central midfield player, but one of the most effective passer in all of Malaysian football. He should cost a huge Y amount. A team that uses the academic aspect of the game to their advantage can get him for a low Z amount.

Question, is there someone conducting proper data collecting and analysing on Malaysian football players? If yes, do contact us we would like to speak with you. If no, then they are not given the license to do so because of funding (budget) and perceived bias. Or the typical Malaysian answer, there is no job market for it. Hence no one wants to do so, even if a said person has the know how and passion to do it. It’s sad.

The academia of the sport is ever presently missing.

One may argue if we would take this route. We may cut the fun out of football. We may create a boring game of football. On the flip side, we may find a solution to the pain.

Embracing the academic side of the game while still invoking the heart of what makes football great. Opens up all kinds of interesting possibilities.

Troubled? At how different this approach is. This will be hard to get other to understand and accept. Transforming something and making massive changes, not everyone is going to understand. The important thing is going right from the get and then make the change happen. The best way to convinced people that this approach is the right one. Is to be right and show them (not tell them) this is the best way. Most people will never be convinced otherwise.

It’s about changing the game. It’s about seeing something that’s not quite right in our football and deciding to fix it. By using an academic approach with the foundation of our passion. Who knows where we will be.

By @padangbolasepak

Looking for more reading material? Go and read up on this, "Football is about community not about the money." by Dez Corkhill http://www.fourthofficial.com/football/dez-corkhill-football-is-about-community-not-money/

New Start.

Apologies. I thought when I first started this Malaysian Football Blog, I thought I will be able to commit myself 100%. It wasn't the case after last year's Malaysia Cup Final. Hopefully this coming Malaysia Cup will be better. Will be starting a twitter account: live tweeting games, re-tweets from top Malaysian Football Journalist, links to our articles & professionals.

Do apologies if our articles have bad grammar & structure. We'll do our best too improve along we go. If you are interested in helping us out. Do email to us at padangbolasepakmalaysia@gmail.com

I think we are a few sites that cover Malaysian Football in English. Reason being we want to reach out to an untapped Malaysian audiences out there. There are a number of Malaysian Football sites that cover the football in our national language. That doesn't mean we'll ignore doing articles in Malay. We'll have space to do that.

The plan now is to do:

Weekly articles.
Live Tweets.
And whatever a football blog do.

I'm in over my head here, but maybe a podcast in the future.

So this is our new twitter account @padangbolasepak do follow us.

That's all for now. Take Care

Regards, Khal.

Malaysia Domestic Season 2014

First rounds of the Malaysian Super League as well as the second has passed.

Apologises for lack of update. On this blog, this is just a spare time commitment.

Currently composing an article on Steve Darby's overall approach towards Kelantan. Will release it soon. Other articles in the works will be focused on JDT and Selangor.

An article that's quite closely related to my heart personally is on kit manufacturers and sponsorships deals in the league.

Pantai Timur Finale Review

A superb header by Mathias Conti and a brave performance by Khairul Azhan helped Pahang to achieve Malaysia Cup dream coming out 1-0 winners over Kelantan at the Shah Alam Stadium. The win ends a 21 year Malaysia Cup drought.

No question that Pahang were the dominate team over the course of the game. Their organisation strangled Kelantan's pattern of play. Going into the game, all the talk was of how Kelantan, without Obinna would cope.

Pahang's attack targeted Kelantan's weakness in the centre of defense and exposed it they have.

The only goal came from the head of Argentine Mathias Conti. The Striker made the most of Azamuddin Akil's superb run and cross to finish quite superbly.

Here's seven things we've learnt from Pahang vs Kelantan

1. Without Obinna, Pahang took advantage.

And they did took it well. Kelantan's central defenders looked disjointed and unorganised. Early on in the game, Khairul Fahmi did try to pull his defenders together however it wasn't enough. Both defenders rode their luck until the decisive goal that sealed the game.

2. Dollah Salleh's tactical change at half-time piled on more pressure

Introduction of Fauzi Roslan in the start of second half, meant that Pahang changed to a 4-4-2. With Azamuddin Akil who played as a second striker in the first half move to a right wing position. It work as they were overrunning Kelantan's right. In hindsight got the winner.

3. Amirul Hadi proved his worth at midfield.

There is little doubt that his move to Pahang revived his career and enjoying the best form of his life. With the faith of his head coach, the former Malaysian international could be expecting a recall after his performances this calendar year.

4. Bojan Hoddak didn't have a plan B.

There's much evidence that the head coach is too over reliant of his starting players. He doesn't really utilize his squad very well. Made substitutions really late into the game when the team needed a lift to inspire them to carry on. Early introduction of Faiz Subri and Fakri Saarni early in the 2nd half could have given them another outlet to exploit.

5. Fakri Saarni is Kelantan's long term future.

Many people will give me a lot of stick for this. I'm sticking with it. I've been such a critic of the player. Even when he signed for Kelantan mid-season I was shock. However he has improved a lot physically, technically and mentally. All he needs are the goals to boost his confidences.  His introduction during the second half helped the teams efforts to get the equalizer. Combining well with Indra Putra, Dickson and Norfarhan.

6. Khairul Azhan repays Dollah Salleh's faith by putting a brave performance.

When Kelantan did looked threatening, Khairul Azhan was there to kept the clean sheet for Pahang. He did nothing wrong whatsoever over the 90 minutes. Made a special stop in the heart of the Pahang fans when he denied Norfarhan in the dying moments of the game.

7. Fans were superb.

Despite the downpour, fans from the east coast were high in spirit and voice at Shah Alam. Even us who were watching from the screens felt the intensity of the game.

Conclusion.

So Pahang emerge as victors of this year's Malaysia Cup. The traditional season curtain closer could have well set the tone for next year's domestic season. With the attitude of "We can win this." resonates to every club in the country.

This is Pantai Timur! Malaysia Cup Final Preview.

Malaysia Cup Final Preview by Khalilul.

The magic of Malaysia Cup will be in full flow when Kelantan meets Pahang on Sunday night at the Shah Alam Stadium.

Fence sitters may be hoping for an explosive affair between the two teams from the east coast.

The two sides have face each other four times during this calendar year. Twice in the league and twice in the group stages of the Malaysia Cup. Kelantan came out on top twice at Kota Bharu. As Pahang were held at Darul Makmur twice.

This will be The Red Warriors fourth Malaysia Cup Final appearance in the space of five years. While Pahang make their much awaited return to the grand stage of Domestic cup football. Their final appearance was back in 1997. They'll certainly be looking to make it a special one.

Here is a complete preview of the match with latest team news and probable starting lineups.

Kelantan

The Red Warriors goal has been certainly to stamp their authority as a dominated force in Malaysian football.

Kelantan have been picked up five wins, three draws and two losses so far in their Malaysia Cup campaign. Scoring a massive 25 goals which on average is 2.5 goals per-game and conceded 14 goals which on average 1.4 goals conceded per-game.

So Kelantan have no problem in scoring goals when required to. Main concern will be the defence.

Missing from the team will be the tank at the back Obinna. Who is serving a suspension after been shown a yellow card in the Semi-final at Kota Bharu

Kelantan predicted line up. (4-3-3): Khairul Fahmi, Nik Shahrul, Azizi Mat Rose, Farisham, Zairul Fitree, Shakir Shaari, Piya, Zairo Anuar, Indra Putra, Dickson Nwakaeme, Nor Farhan.

Pahang

Pahang during this calendar year under Dollah Salleh back in the Super-league have shown many what they are capable of. Finishing a respectable fifth in the league only a point behind Kelantan.

Pahang have been picked up five wins, three draws and two losses so far in their Malaysia Cup campaign. Scoring Scoring an impressive 20 goals which on average is 2 goals per-game and conceded 16 goals which on average 1.6 goals conceded per-game.

Same as as Kelantan they'll have no shortages of firepower up front. However the issue for Pahang over their leakage at the back have been lapse of concentration.

Pahang predicted lineup(4-4-1-1): Khairul Azhan, Jalaluddin Jaafar, Damion Stewart, Razman Roslan, Shahrizan Salleh, Amirul Zainal, Hafiz Kamal, Gopinathan, R. Surendran, Azamuddin Akil, Mathias Conti.

Players to Watch

Kelantan: Dickson Nwakaeme

Can the Nigerian increase his status with the Kelantanese faithful by bringing in another silverware? He certainly has the ability to do just that. Even since his introduction into the team, he has been enjoying and contributing a lot of goals with his key passes, assist, goals and overall team play in all competition this year.

Pahang: Azamuddin Akil

Azamuddin Akil will be the one pushing Pahang's attack tirelessly over the period of the Malaysia Cup Final. Don't be surpise if his name is on the score sheet for the Elephants during the final because he has the ability to do so. He'll undoubtedly enjoying himself in this year's season domestic curtain closer.   

Wild Cards to consider:

Kelantan: Ahmad Fakri Saarani

Most of his substitution appearance so far this year have been very fruitful and positive for The Red Warriors. He might make a few silly misplace passes, but he will pour his heart out for the team in order to get the win. He has been a very improved player over the years. Can you can see why the Kelantan management and coaching staff have so much faith in him in the coming foreseeable future.

Pahang: Fauzi Roslan

Pahang's fox in the box has been a household name since the opening match of the Super League against Johor Darul Takzim. However his form this year have been somewhat of a start and stop over the months. Only aged 25 he has more than enough time to show his true qualities in the upcoming years for the elephants. In the second leg semi-final against Sarawak he came off the bench to score a header that booked Pahang a spot in the final. Maybe he could do the same against Kelantan. But this time scoring the winner?

Conclusion.

Looking at the stats and players you can argue the Kelantan have the slight advantage of being the more experienced team in this final. However you can't ignore Pahang's drive they'll push on until the final whistle. They'll prove much to handle for Kelantan in this exciting Malaysia Cup Final.

All in all, let's all hope for an intense, exciting and friendly Malaysia Cup Final competition between the two football loving teams from Pantai Timur.

What to expect real soon.

Deeply apologise for the lack for post. Been heavily involve with my other works. However I have written tons of drafts on Malaysian football. Topics include Kelantan's 2013 season and beyond will post after the Malaysia Cup Final. K. Rajagopals stats record along with coach OKS record with Harimau Muda as well. Honestly think that stats does tell us the truth when it comes to sports. It's an interesting factor. Another post is on JDT, Pahang, ATM, Sarawak and Selangor how these clubs will challenge for an AFC Cup place next season. As well as why it should be a priority for Malaysian clubs to raise their AFC coefficient so we can get more teams from here to enter the competition.

Realistically, if we could keep developing our football like this with the help of experience and high qualified coaches, in no time we'll see a Malaysian club in a Final of the AFC Cup. However in the next few seasons realistically Semi-Finals should be the priority. Set the bar higher.

Will post new posts and articles soon!

What has happen so far.

1st. Lions 12 won the league.
2nd. Kelantan won the FA Cup
3rd. Selangor and Kelantan advance to the AFC Cup
4th. JDT will have a new spanish coach . Fandi will be no.2 to the spaniard.
5th. Fadhli Shas scored more goals against Cech than Messi.


Sorry for the lack of updates!!!