Brazilian Paulo Rangel fired Selangor to the top of the Super League standings with a brace in a 2-1 win over Sime Darby at the Selayang Stadium after falling behind to an early goal.
Perak tripped up Kelantan 2-1 in Ipoh to climb above LionsXII, who drew with Terengganu 0-0, and Darul Ta'zim while a late goal by Khairan Ezuan Razali moved T-Team off the bottom after a 2-2 draw with Armed Forces.
Selangor, smarting from Tuesday's FA Cup loss to Sarawak, fielded an unchanged line up but were penalised for poor defending after just 72 seconds when Failee Ghazli rifled in the opener from Farderin Kadir's cross.
K. Gurusamy's responded for Selangor with a shot outside the box which hit the post before Rangel grabbed the equaliser five minutes before the break after Sime Darby's defenders failed to cut out Bunyamin Umar's low cross which allowed the Brazilian time to control the ball and pick his spot.
Steve Pantelidis was ruled offside when he headed in Junior Aparecido's free-kick four minutes after the break but Rangel was on hand to head in Hadi Yahya's cross five minutes from time to top the Super League scoring charts with five goals.
Selangor went two points clear of Forces and Terengganu as Sime Darby, who only had one foreign signing in Uzbek midfielder Dilshod Sharofetdinov available, dropped to the bottom of the table with their third league defeat.
Perak continued their surprise start to the season with two youngsters scoring their goals at the Perak Stadium.
An error by Kelantan goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat in the 12th minute, when he flapped at the corner kick, allowed Ahmad Sukri Hamid to knock the ball in for his first senior goal.
Mohamed Shawky drew Kelantan level 10 minutes after the break but it was another Perak youngster, Khairul Asyraf Sahizah, who replaced Zelimir Terkes earlier, who scored with a header 12 minutes from time.
T-Team left it late to grab a point against Forces at the Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah Stadium as the action shifted to the field after last Tuesday's off-pitch incident in Johor Baru dominated headlines.
Azlan Ismail scored off a Badrul Hisyam Morris pass after 12 minutes to put T-Team ahead but a rocket by Norfazly Alias from 40 metres made it 1-1 five minutes before half-time.
Bruno Martelotto put Forces 2-1 up on the hour mark with a close-range effort from a Venice Elphi pass before T-Team goalkeeper Shahril Saari kept the host in the game when he saved Juan Manuel Arostegui's 67th-minute penalty.
Khairan then stepped up to slam in a loose ball inside the penalty box in stoppage-time to salvage a point for T-Team.
Super League champions LionsXII were held 0-0 by Terengganu at the Jalan Besar Stadium as Shahfiq Ghani coming closest to breaking the deadlock in the second half with a free-kick.
Showing posts with label Armed Forces. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Armed Forces. Show all posts
Sunday, 9 February 2014
Friday, 31 January 2014
Coaches of Sime Darby and Armed Forces unhappy over referees
It’s only been 15 days – and four matches – since the M-League kicked off, but already there are rumblings about the poor quality of refereeing.
Already two coaches – Sime Darby FC’s Ismail Zakaria and Armed Forces’ B. Sathianathan – are in danger of being hauled up by the Football Association of Malaysia’s (FAM) disciplinary committee for criticising the referees during their teams’ recent Super League matches.
Ismail had voiced his displeasure after referee Mohd Nazmi Nasarudin awarded a questionable penalty in their 2-1 defeat to Kelantan in the opening match on Jan 18.
Sathia, meanwhile, criticised referee Suhaimi Mat Hassan’s error-filled performance after his side were knocked out 2-1 by Sime Darby in the first round of the FA Cup competition on Jan 21.
Last week, FAM disciplinary committee chairman Datuk Taufek Abdul Razak had instructed the rules and regulations committee to conduct a probe on the two coaches to see if they had breached Article 18 of the FAM disciplinary code.
Article 18 states that players and coaches cannot speak to the media without prior consent from FAM.
If found guilty, Ismail and Sathia face a minimum four-match suspension and a maximum two-year ban.
Surely something must be wrong with the standard of refereeing when you consider this: four red cards and 69 yellow cards have been brandished by the referees in just three rounds of Super League matches. That’s a total of 73 cards in 18 matches!
That works out to about four cards per game.
One match – a Super League clash between Sime Darby and Pahang played at the Selayang Stadium on Saturday – saw eight yellow cards being flashed, believe it or not!
Perhaps, Sathia and Ismail could have gone through the proper channels to voice their displeasure but one can’t just ignore the statistics either.
Ismail, who has yet to be officially charged with criticising the referee, said that he would lodge a formal complaint, together with video evidence, to FAM on the poor standard of refereeing in Kuching.
“It’s not a case of sour grapes ... we are not complaining because we lost to Sarawak,” said Ismail on Thursday.
“I accept my team’s defeat ... but the quality of refereeing is so alarming. We had two of our least aggressive players in the team getting sent off for dissent ... I find that very strange.
“I hope FAM will be more open to criticism. We are criticising because we want the standard of refereeing to improve ... it’s not a personal attack.”
Already two coaches – Sime Darby FC’s Ismail Zakaria and Armed Forces’ B. Sathianathan – are in danger of being hauled up by the Football Association of Malaysia’s (FAM) disciplinary committee for criticising the referees during their teams’ recent Super League matches.
Ismail had voiced his displeasure after referee Mohd Nazmi Nasarudin awarded a questionable penalty in their 2-1 defeat to Kelantan in the opening match on Jan 18.
Sathia, meanwhile, criticised referee Suhaimi Mat Hassan’s error-filled performance after his side were knocked out 2-1 by Sime Darby in the first round of the FA Cup competition on Jan 21.
Last week, FAM disciplinary committee chairman Datuk Taufek Abdul Razak had instructed the rules and regulations committee to conduct a probe on the two coaches to see if they had breached Article 18 of the FAM disciplinary code.
Article 18 states that players and coaches cannot speak to the media without prior consent from FAM.
If found guilty, Ismail and Sathia face a minimum four-match suspension and a maximum two-year ban.
Surely something must be wrong with the standard of refereeing when you consider this: four red cards and 69 yellow cards have been brandished by the referees in just three rounds of Super League matches. That’s a total of 73 cards in 18 matches!
That works out to about four cards per game.
One match – a Super League clash between Sime Darby and Pahang played at the Selayang Stadium on Saturday – saw eight yellow cards being flashed, believe it or not!
Perhaps, Sathia and Ismail could have gone through the proper channels to voice their displeasure but one can’t just ignore the statistics either.
Ismail, who has yet to be officially charged with criticising the referee, said that he would lodge a formal complaint, together with video evidence, to FAM on the poor standard of refereeing in Kuching.
“It’s not a case of sour grapes ... we are not complaining because we lost to Sarawak,” said Ismail on Thursday.
“I accept my team’s defeat ... but the quality of refereeing is so alarming. We had two of our least aggressive players in the team getting sent off for dissent ... I find that very strange.
“I hope FAM will be more open to criticism. We are criticising because we want the standard of refereeing to improve ... it’s not a personal attack.”
Armed Forces beats Perak
Armed Forces rode their luck at times but B. Sathianathan had more than one reason to be thankful as his team held on to beat a young Perak side 1-0 in a Super League match in Selayang on Tuesday.
For one thing, it ended back-to-back defeats to Sime Darby in the FA Cup and PKNS in the league having opened their campaign with a 2-0 win over Sarawak.
Forces also managed the rare feat of winning without their top scorer of the last two seasons, Marlon Alex James, who complained of pain in the back of his knee and was not risked.
Sathianathan also saw Juan Manuel Arostegui break his duck in the Argentine's fourth appearance and did not have to call upon captain Hairuddin Omar, who remained on the bench after recovering from a hamstring injury which has delayed his 2014 debut.
"It was a great game and Perak played well. We tried to get into our rhythm, which is what has been missing," said Sathianathan, whose team failed to fully capitalise on a run of four games all played at their Selayang Stadium home.
"Sometimes we were in control and sometimes we were all over the place. It happens early in the season and Perak being so aggressive gave us problems.
"It is a relief for me and the team. We have been under pressure mentally and psychologically. We can't always play well but today there were some good combinations.
"It's just that some times we make silly mistakes, make clearances when we should play it on the ground. But I told the players that as long they give their best, I'll be satisfied."
Arostegui scored the only goal of the match in the 19th minute when he turned in a rebound after Christie Jayaseelan's shot came back off the crossbar and it needed a fingertip save from Syed Adney Syed Hussein to prevent defender Spase Dilevski from diverting the ball into his own net and preserve Forces' lead.
Forces are one of five teams on six points after three matches and are placed third in the table behind Selangor and Terengganu by virtue of having scored one goal less with goal differences identical.
For one thing, it ended back-to-back defeats to Sime Darby in the FA Cup and PKNS in the league having opened their campaign with a 2-0 win over Sarawak.
Forces also managed the rare feat of winning without their top scorer of the last two seasons, Marlon Alex James, who complained of pain in the back of his knee and was not risked.
Sathianathan also saw Juan Manuel Arostegui break his duck in the Argentine's fourth appearance and did not have to call upon captain Hairuddin Omar, who remained on the bench after recovering from a hamstring injury which has delayed his 2014 debut.
"It was a great game and Perak played well. We tried to get into our rhythm, which is what has been missing," said Sathianathan, whose team failed to fully capitalise on a run of four games all played at their Selayang Stadium home.
"Sometimes we were in control and sometimes we were all over the place. It happens early in the season and Perak being so aggressive gave us problems.
"It is a relief for me and the team. We have been under pressure mentally and psychologically. We can't always play well but today there were some good combinations.
"It's just that some times we make silly mistakes, make clearances when we should play it on the ground. But I told the players that as long they give their best, I'll be satisfied."
Arostegui scored the only goal of the match in the 19th minute when he turned in a rebound after Christie Jayaseelan's shot came back off the crossbar and it needed a fingertip save from Syed Adney Syed Hussein to prevent defender Spase Dilevski from diverting the ball into his own net and preserve Forces' lead.
Forces are one of five teams on six points after three matches and are placed third in the table behind Selangor and Terengganu by virtue of having scored one goal less with goal differences identical.
Saturday, 14 April 2012
Pahang move into joint top place in Premier League
Pahang caught up with Premier League leaders Armed Forces (ATM) when they defeated club side Betaria of Negeri Sembilan 2-0 at the Temerloh Stadium Friday night.
The two teams now are sharing 26 points a piece, Pahang with an inferior goal difference, after 12 rounds of matches.
Azamuddin Mohd Akil scored the first goal in the 48th minute followed by Mohd Azuan in the 77th minute.
ATM on the other hand were only able to carve out a 2-2 draw against Police at the MBPJ Stadium in Kelana Jaya.
The two teams now are sharing 26 points a piece, Pahang with an inferior goal difference, after 12 rounds of matches.
Azamuddin Mohd Akil scored the first goal in the 48th minute followed by Mohd Azuan in the 77th minute.
ATM on the other hand were only able to carve out a 2-2 draw against Police at the MBPJ Stadium in Kelana Jaya.
Monday, 19 March 2012
Armed Forces draw with MP Muar but regain lead in Premier League
Armed Forces (ATM) remained in the lead of the Premier League although they only managed a 2-2 draw against MP Muar at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Muar Friday.
Coach B. Sathianathan's soldiers are with 22 points after today's match, two points more than nearest challengers Pahang.
At the Tuanku Abdul Rahman in Paroi, Police played to a 1-1 draw against Sime Darby with Patrick Ronaldinho putting Sime Darby ahead in the 2nd minute.
Elsewhere, USM FC edged Johor 2-1 at USM's Athletics Stadium in Penang, NS Betaria edged Harimau Muda B 3-2 at the Hang Tuah Stadium in Melaka (afternoon match) while at the Selayang Stadium, Pos Malaysia were held to a 1-1 draw by Pahang.
Coach B. Sathianathan's soldiers are with 22 points after today's match, two points more than nearest challengers Pahang.
At the Tuanku Abdul Rahman in Paroi, Police played to a 1-1 draw against Sime Darby with Patrick Ronaldinho putting Sime Darby ahead in the 2nd minute.
Elsewhere, USM FC edged Johor 2-1 at USM's Athletics Stadium in Penang, NS Betaria edged Harimau Muda B 3-2 at the Hang Tuah Stadium in Melaka (afternoon match) while at the Selayang Stadium, Pos Malaysia were held to a 1-1 draw by Pahang.
Saturday, 18 February 2012
Armed Forces beaten by Perak in Premier League
Perak edged Armed Forces (ATM) 1-0 before 10,000 home fans in a FA Cup tie at the Perak Stadium here Friday night.
The winning goal was scored just three minutes after the starting whistle with Perak's import player Michal Kubala putting the ball in the net from a free kick just outside the box.
In the 18th minute, coach B. Sathianathan's "soldiers" had a chance to pull level but Zakuan Adha Abdul Razak's piledriver was palmed off by Perak's goakeeper Nasril Nourdin.
Both teams had their fare share of getting goals thereafter but the score stood till the final whistle.
The winning goal was scored just three minutes after the starting whistle with Perak's import player Michal Kubala putting the ball in the net from a free kick just outside the box.
In the 18th minute, coach B. Sathianathan's "soldiers" had a chance to pull level but Zakuan Adha Abdul Razak's piledriver was palmed off by Perak's goakeeper Nasril Nourdin.
Both teams had their fare share of getting goals thereafter but the score stood till the final whistle.
Friday, 17 February 2012
Armed Forces ready for tough match against Perak in FA Cup
Armed Forces will come out with guns blazing against two-time champions Perak in tonight’s FA Cup first round match at the Perak Stadium.
Former national coach B. Sathianathan’s men are the talk of the town with their high-powered artillery and many expect the Premier League side to shoot down Super League team Perak.
The expensively assembled Armed Forces side currently top the Premier League standings with 18 points from six wins and a defeat. The soldiers are in top form and have been going great guns.
Their sharpshooter is last year’s Negri Sembilan Malaysia Cup hero Hairuddin Omar. He scored the winning goal in the 2-1 win over Kelantan in the final. So far, he has netted eight goals in seven matches. The former national striker is on a hot streak having scored back-to-back hat-tricks in the last two matches against Johor (4-0) and Perlis (4-1) in the Premier League.
But Sathianathan was quick to point out that his men are in for a tough time against a Perak side who are currently second in the 14-team Super League standings.
“We are not just facing a Super League team but a top rated side,” warned Sathianathan yesterday.
Perak, who are behind leaders Kelantan, lost their last game against the Lions XII in Ipoh on Tuesday.
“The Lions XII won the game (2-1) but Perak were the better side. It is going to be an acid test for my players because it is a knock-out do-or-die match,” said Sathianathan.
Besides Hairuddin, the other Armed Forces players to watch out for are Mohd Zaquan Adha Abdul Razak and St Vincent and Grenadines’ Marlon James. However, Marlon has been ruled out from the FA Cup clash as he is nursing a calf injury but their attacking midfielder Bruno Marteletto from Argentina can wreck havoc as well.
“We don’t want to rush Marlon and risk aggravating his injury. But the fact remains we have a tough match. This is the moment everyone is waiting for – to see how our star-studded team perform this season. And being a knock-out match and playing in Ipoh – the home team have the advantage,” said Sathianathan.
The other stars in the Forces side include national players Mohd Aidil Zafuan, Mohd Farizal Harun, Azmi Muslim and K. Reuben. They also have former internationals Rezal Zambery Yahaya, Irwan Fadli Idrus and two exciting flankers in Christie Jayaseelan (PKNS FC) and Mohd Fitri Omar (Muar MC).
A total of 32 teams will be competing in the 23rd edition of the competition with defending champions Terengganu drawn against Police in the first round at the Sultan Ismail Stadium in Kuala Terengganu tomorrow.
The opening two rounds will be played over one-leg with the quarter-finals and semi-finals played over two legs.
Former national coach B. Sathianathan’s men are the talk of the town with their high-powered artillery and many expect the Premier League side to shoot down Super League team Perak.
The expensively assembled Armed Forces side currently top the Premier League standings with 18 points from six wins and a defeat. The soldiers are in top form and have been going great guns.
Their sharpshooter is last year’s Negri Sembilan Malaysia Cup hero Hairuddin Omar. He scored the winning goal in the 2-1 win over Kelantan in the final. So far, he has netted eight goals in seven matches. The former national striker is on a hot streak having scored back-to-back hat-tricks in the last two matches against Johor (4-0) and Perlis (4-1) in the Premier League.
But Sathianathan was quick to point out that his men are in for a tough time against a Perak side who are currently second in the 14-team Super League standings.
“We are not just facing a Super League team but a top rated side,” warned Sathianathan yesterday.
Perak, who are behind leaders Kelantan, lost their last game against the Lions XII in Ipoh on Tuesday.
“The Lions XII won the game (2-1) but Perak were the better side. It is going to be an acid test for my players because it is a knock-out do-or-die match,” said Sathianathan.
Besides Hairuddin, the other Armed Forces players to watch out for are Mohd Zaquan Adha Abdul Razak and St Vincent and Grenadines’ Marlon James. However, Marlon has been ruled out from the FA Cup clash as he is nursing a calf injury but their attacking midfielder Bruno Marteletto from Argentina can wreck havoc as well.
“We don’t want to rush Marlon and risk aggravating his injury. But the fact remains we have a tough match. This is the moment everyone is waiting for – to see how our star-studded team perform this season. And being a knock-out match and playing in Ipoh – the home team have the advantage,” said Sathianathan.
The other stars in the Forces side include national players Mohd Aidil Zafuan, Mohd Farizal Harun, Azmi Muslim and K. Reuben. They also have former internationals Rezal Zambery Yahaya, Irwan Fadli Idrus and two exciting flankers in Christie Jayaseelan (PKNS FC) and Mohd Fitri Omar (Muar MC).
A total of 32 teams will be competing in the 23rd edition of the competition with defending champions Terengganu drawn against Police in the first round at the Sultan Ismail Stadium in Kuala Terengganu tomorrow.
The opening two rounds will be played over one-leg with the quarter-finals and semi-finals played over two legs.
Sunday, 12 February 2012
Armed Forces coach not happy despite big win in Premier League
Armed Forces coach B. Sathianathan was furious with his side's lackadaisical performance despite a 4-0 victory over Perlis in a Premier League match in Kangar on Friday.
Sathianathan fielded an all-local side, resting foreign duo, Marlon Alex James and Bruno Sebastian Marteloto, who both have been playing non-stop since the start of the league.
"We came here and expectedly earned three points. But it is not an achievement as I knew we would beat Perlis easily," said Sathianathan.
"My players only performed well in patches. They need to work harder to improve. I did not like our performance today (Friday)."
"They took things lightly and I fear they would become complacent as the league progresses."
Sathianathan has been unhappy with his team's form since the start of the league and his fears were confirmed when they lost 2-1 to Sime Darby FC last month.
Forces, however, did recover from that defeat and presently lead the standings with 15 points from six matches, two points more than second-placed Pahang.
Veteran striker Hairuddin Omar was in his element on Friday, scoring a hat-trick in the 45th, 72nd and 90th minutes.
Zaquan Adha Abd Radzak was also on target in the 32nd minute.
"As we were sure of winning here, I gave James and Marteloto a break as I want them fresh for the tough match against Johor on Monday (tomorrow)," added Sathianathan.
Meanwhile, Patrick Ronaldinho Wleh's brace earned Sime Darby FC a 4-1 win over USM FC in Selayang.
The Liberian striker scored in the fourth and 65th while Mohd Zamri Hassan and Mohd Shoufiq Mohd Kusaini completed the rout in the 30th and 90th minutes. Edrisar Kaye replied for USM in the 56th minute.
In other matches, Pos Malaysia thrashed Johor Bharu City Council 3-0 while Young Tigers B were held 2-2 by MP Muar.
Sathianathan fielded an all-local side, resting foreign duo, Marlon Alex James and Bruno Sebastian Marteloto, who both have been playing non-stop since the start of the league.
"We came here and expectedly earned three points. But it is not an achievement as I knew we would beat Perlis easily," said Sathianathan.
"My players only performed well in patches. They need to work harder to improve. I did not like our performance today (Friday)."
"They took things lightly and I fear they would become complacent as the league progresses."
Sathianathan has been unhappy with his team's form since the start of the league and his fears were confirmed when they lost 2-1 to Sime Darby FC last month.
Forces, however, did recover from that defeat and presently lead the standings with 15 points from six matches, two points more than second-placed Pahang.
Veteran striker Hairuddin Omar was in his element on Friday, scoring a hat-trick in the 45th, 72nd and 90th minutes.
Zaquan Adha Abd Radzak was also on target in the 32nd minute.
"As we were sure of winning here, I gave James and Marteloto a break as I want them fresh for the tough match against Johor on Monday (tomorrow)," added Sathianathan.
Meanwhile, Patrick Ronaldinho Wleh's brace earned Sime Darby FC a 4-1 win over USM FC in Selayang.
The Liberian striker scored in the fourth and 65th while Mohd Zamri Hassan and Mohd Shoufiq Mohd Kusaini completed the rout in the 30th and 90th minutes. Edrisar Kaye replied for USM in the 56th minute.
In other matches, Pos Malaysia thrashed Johor Bharu City Council 3-0 while Young Tigers B were held 2-2 by MP Muar.
Saturday, 11 February 2012
Armed Forces trounce Perlis to regain lead in Premier League
Armed Forces shot to the top of the Premier League after pulverising Perlis 4-0 at Stadium Utama in Kangar Friday night.
The result put the "Soldiers" with 15 points, two points ahead of Pahang, after six rounds of matches.
Mohamad Zaquan Adha Abd Radzak opened the floodgates against the Northern Lions with the first goal in the 32nd minute and Hairuddin Omar capped of the night in style with a hattrick of goals, in the 45th, 72nd and 90th minutes.
In an afternoon match, Sime Darby trounced USM FC 4-1 at the Selayang Stadium.
Sime Darby's goals were netted by Patrick Ronaldinho Wleh in the 4th and 65th minutes, Muhammad Zamri Hassan (30th) and Mohd Shoufiq Mohamad Kusaini (90th) while USM FC's consolation goal was contributed by Edrisar Kaye (56th).
At the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, Muar, Majlis Bandaraya Johor Bharu (MBJB) lost 0-3 to Pos Malaysia.
Pos Malaysia's goals were scored by Mohd Hanifuddin Abd Rahman in the 38th minute, Muhammad Fakhrul Aiman Sidid (42nd) and Mohd Hafizi Amiruddin (75th).
Negeri Sembilan Betaria were tied 1-1 by Police at the Hang Tuah Stadium in Melaka with Mohd Afiq Akmal Zunaidi and Mohd Amri Fazal Mat Nor scoring the goals respectively in the 66th and 70 minutes.
In another match, Harimau Muda B were held to a 2-2 draw by MP Muar at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil here.
The result put the "Soldiers" with 15 points, two points ahead of Pahang, after six rounds of matches.
Mohamad Zaquan Adha Abd Radzak opened the floodgates against the Northern Lions with the first goal in the 32nd minute and Hairuddin Omar capped of the night in style with a hattrick of goals, in the 45th, 72nd and 90th minutes.
In an afternoon match, Sime Darby trounced USM FC 4-1 at the Selayang Stadium.
Sime Darby's goals were netted by Patrick Ronaldinho Wleh in the 4th and 65th minutes, Muhammad Zamri Hassan (30th) and Mohd Shoufiq Mohamad Kusaini (90th) while USM FC's consolation goal was contributed by Edrisar Kaye (56th).
At the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, Muar, Majlis Bandaraya Johor Bharu (MBJB) lost 0-3 to Pos Malaysia.
Pos Malaysia's goals were scored by Mohd Hanifuddin Abd Rahman in the 38th minute, Muhammad Fakhrul Aiman Sidid (42nd) and Mohd Hafizi Amiruddin (75th).
Negeri Sembilan Betaria were tied 1-1 by Police at the Hang Tuah Stadium in Melaka with Mohd Afiq Akmal Zunaidi and Mohd Amri Fazal Mat Nor scoring the goals respectively in the 66th and 70 minutes.
In another match, Harimau Muda B were held to a 2-2 draw by MP Muar at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil here.
Sunday, 5 February 2012
Armed Forces to improve defending after struggling against Pahang in Premier League
Barely deserving of the three points they gained from a 3-2 win over nine-man Pahang on Friday, Armed Forces can ill-afford to repeat the defensive horror show they put on in the first half of the Premier League match at the Petaling Jaya Stadium on Friday.
Pahang, who fell to their first defeat, had Forces in sixes and sevens at the back before the visitors had centre-back Saifulnizam Miswan sent off in the 75th minute and substitute Christie Jayaseelan took full advantage to score the winner nine minutes later.
Twice before Forces led but a shaky display by Amirizwan Taj Tajudin in the centre of defence allowed Pahang to equalise each time before Forces coach B. Sathianathan withdrew the centre-back at half-time and sent on A. Varanthan as Irwan Fadzli Idrus resumed his partnership with Aidil Zafuan Radzak.
"He was not at his best and had not played for some time. I thought I'd mix it up a little in defence but with Pahang coming from all angles, he lost concentration and could not cope.
"But he is still a good player and will improve in time," said Sathianathan of the 25-year-old Amirizwan, who earned a surprise national call up and his first international cap in Malaysia's 1-1 draw with India last year.
The win took Forces back to the top of the standings after suffering their first defeat in a replayed 2-1 defeat to Sime Darby on Jan 21 though Pahang's indiscipline did them a huge favour.
Bruno Martelotto slotted home a ninth-minute penalty after Saifulnizam fouled Marlon Alex James in the box and the Pahang defender was lucky to remain on the field when he appeared to shove and flash an obscene gesture at referee Amirul Izwan Yaacob, who only showed him a yellow card.
Saifulnizam, who also struck the bar in the second half, headed Pahang level in the 15th minute before James, who squandered three great chances in the first half, regained Forces' lead for his seventh goal of the season five minutes later only for Pahang to equalise again on the half-hour mark after Azamuddin Akil easily turned Amirizwan and shot past Farizal Harun.
Christie's winner came after Saifulnizam was given his marching orders for a tackle-from-behind on James and Pahang were reduced to nine men when Shahrizan Salleh blatantly handled in the middle of the field as Forces were breaking forward in the 90th minute.
Pahang, who fell to their first defeat, had Forces in sixes and sevens at the back before the visitors had centre-back Saifulnizam Miswan sent off in the 75th minute and substitute Christie Jayaseelan took full advantage to score the winner nine minutes later.
Twice before Forces led but a shaky display by Amirizwan Taj Tajudin in the centre of defence allowed Pahang to equalise each time before Forces coach B. Sathianathan withdrew the centre-back at half-time and sent on A. Varanthan as Irwan Fadzli Idrus resumed his partnership with Aidil Zafuan Radzak.
"He was not at his best and had not played for some time. I thought I'd mix it up a little in defence but with Pahang coming from all angles, he lost concentration and could not cope.
"But he is still a good player and will improve in time," said Sathianathan of the 25-year-old Amirizwan, who earned a surprise national call up and his first international cap in Malaysia's 1-1 draw with India last year.
The win took Forces back to the top of the standings after suffering their first defeat in a replayed 2-1 defeat to Sime Darby on Jan 21 though Pahang's indiscipline did them a huge favour.
Bruno Martelotto slotted home a ninth-minute penalty after Saifulnizam fouled Marlon Alex James in the box and the Pahang defender was lucky to remain on the field when he appeared to shove and flash an obscene gesture at referee Amirul Izwan Yaacob, who only showed him a yellow card.
Saifulnizam, who also struck the bar in the second half, headed Pahang level in the 15th minute before James, who squandered three great chances in the first half, regained Forces' lead for his seventh goal of the season five minutes later only for Pahang to equalise again on the half-hour mark after Azamuddin Akil easily turned Amirizwan and shot past Farizal Harun.
Christie's winner came after Saifulnizam was given his marching orders for a tackle-from-behind on James and Pahang were reduced to nine men when Shahrizan Salleh blatantly handled in the middle of the field as Forces were breaking forward in the 90th minute.
Saturday, 4 February 2012
Armed Forces move back into top place of Premier League
Armed Forces regained the lead from Police in the Premier League standings when they edged Pahang 3-2 at the Petaling Jaya Stadium Friday night.
The "soldiers" under the "command" of coach B. Sathianathan took the lead in the 9th minute through a penalty taken by Bruno Sebastien Martelotto after Marlon Alex James was brought down in the box.
However, Pahang did not take long to level the score through a glancing header by Mohd Saiful Nizam Miswan in the 14th minute which Armed Forces keeper Mohd Farizal Harun failed to stop.
Five minutes later, Marlon once again put Armed Forces in front before Mohd Azamuddin Akil pulled level for the Elephants in the 30th minute.
Pahang, however, had to play with 10 men when Mohd Saiful Nizam was red carded after a rough tackle on Armed Forces skipper Hairuddin Omar in the 74th minute.
Former Selangor PKNS player, Christie Jayaseelan was the hero for Armed Forces when he netted the winning goal, six minutes before full time.
In the final minute, Pahang suffered another blow when Mohd Shahrizan Salleh was sent off for holding the ball.
The victory enabled Armed Forces to collect 12 points in five matches while Pahang, who earlier were in second place, went down one spot, after collecting 10 points in five matches.
The "soldiers" under the "command" of coach B. Sathianathan took the lead in the 9th minute through a penalty taken by Bruno Sebastien Martelotto after Marlon Alex James was brought down in the box.
However, Pahang did not take long to level the score through a glancing header by Mohd Saiful Nizam Miswan in the 14th minute which Armed Forces keeper Mohd Farizal Harun failed to stop.
Five minutes later, Marlon once again put Armed Forces in front before Mohd Azamuddin Akil pulled level for the Elephants in the 30th minute.
Pahang, however, had to play with 10 men when Mohd Saiful Nizam was red carded after a rough tackle on Armed Forces skipper Hairuddin Omar in the 74th minute.
Former Selangor PKNS player, Christie Jayaseelan was the hero for Armed Forces when he netted the winning goal, six minutes before full time.
In the final minute, Pahang suffered another blow when Mohd Shahrizan Salleh was sent off for holding the ball.
The victory enabled Armed Forces to collect 12 points in five matches while Pahang, who earlier were in second place, went down one spot, after collecting 10 points in five matches.
Sunday, 22 January 2012
Armed Forces upset by Sime Darby in Premier League
Armed Forces blew a chance to move back to the top of the Premier League when Sime Darby upset B. Sathianathan's star-studded side 2-1 in a replayed match at the Selayang Stadium.
Armed Forces took the lead in the ninth minute through Hairuddin Omar, before Sime Darby stunned Forces with the equaliser in the 24th minute through Sengbah Kennedy, whose Liberian compatriot Patrick Wleh then scored the winner in the 40th minute.
On Friday, Armed Forced were leading 2-0 against Sime Darby FC when the game was called off due to heavy rain in the 43rd minute. Marlon James had scored both the goals.
Armed Forces took the lead in the ninth minute through Hairuddin Omar, before Sime Darby stunned Forces with the equaliser in the 24th minute through Sengbah Kennedy, whose Liberian compatriot Patrick Wleh then scored the winner in the 40th minute.
On Friday, Armed Forced were leading 2-0 against Sime Darby FC when the game was called off due to heavy rain in the 43rd minute. Marlon James had scored both the goals.
Saturday, 21 January 2012
Pahang move up to first place after drawing with Perlis in Premier League
Though Pahang recorded a 2-2 draw with Perlis at Stadium Utama in Kangar Friday night, it was good enough for them to take the lead in the Premier League.
Pahang's goals were scored by Mohd Hafiz Mohd Kamal in the 17th minute and Hazwan Mohd Daud (46th minute) while Perlis' import player Muhammad Lamin Conteh saved the homesters the blushes when he netted a brace with his goals coming in the 90th minute and a minute into injury time.
However, at the Selayang Stadium, the tie between Sime Darby and Armed Forces (ATM) had to be aborted towards the tail end of the first half because of a heavy downpour. The match, which stood goalless before being called off, has been postponed to Saturday.
At the Paroi Stadium in Negeri Sembilan, Police were tied 2-2 with Pos Malaysia with their goals supplied by Mohd Norzie Ibrahim (86th) and Khairul Izuan Abdullah (88th) while Pos Malaysia's by Mohd Hafizi Amiruddin (50th) and G. Puaneswaran (54th).
At the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, Muar, debutants Majlis Bandaraya Johor Bahru (MBJB) had to share points with visitors Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) FC after the match ended in a 1-1 draw.
Romhizat Jamian scored for the hosts in the 57th minute while USM FC's goal was netted by S.Veeno (73rd minute).
Meanwhile, Negeri Sembilan Betaria who are also making their Premier League debut this season, lost 1-2 to Majlis Perbandaran (MP) Muar at the Hang Tuah Stadium in Melaka.
R.Puganeswaran put MP Muar ahead in the 10th minute before Mohd Fauzi Abdul Kadar levelled for the opponents in the 58th minute. MP Muar's import player Hilary Odada's goal in the 72nd minute proved to be the winner.
In a Klang Valley derby, Harimau Muda B were tied 1-1 with Johor at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
Pahang's goals were scored by Mohd Hafiz Mohd Kamal in the 17th minute and Hazwan Mohd Daud (46th minute) while Perlis' import player Muhammad Lamin Conteh saved the homesters the blushes when he netted a brace with his goals coming in the 90th minute and a minute into injury time.
However, at the Selayang Stadium, the tie between Sime Darby and Armed Forces (ATM) had to be aborted towards the tail end of the first half because of a heavy downpour. The match, which stood goalless before being called off, has been postponed to Saturday.
At the Paroi Stadium in Negeri Sembilan, Police were tied 2-2 with Pos Malaysia with their goals supplied by Mohd Norzie Ibrahim (86th) and Khairul Izuan Abdullah (88th) while Pos Malaysia's by Mohd Hafizi Amiruddin (50th) and G. Puaneswaran (54th).
At the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, Muar, debutants Majlis Bandaraya Johor Bahru (MBJB) had to share points with visitors Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) FC after the match ended in a 1-1 draw.
Romhizat Jamian scored for the hosts in the 57th minute while USM FC's goal was netted by S.Veeno (73rd minute).
Meanwhile, Negeri Sembilan Betaria who are also making their Premier League debut this season, lost 1-2 to Majlis Perbandaran (MP) Muar at the Hang Tuah Stadium in Melaka.
R.Puganeswaran put MP Muar ahead in the 10th minute before Mohd Fauzi Abdul Kadar levelled for the opponents in the 58th minute. MP Muar's import player Hilary Odada's goal in the 72nd minute proved to be the winner.
In a Klang Valley derby, Harimau Muda B were tied 1-1 with Johor at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
Saturday, 7 January 2012
Big-spending Armed Forces looking to make waves in Premier League
The buzz in the second–tier Premier League this season is all about the heavy artillery the Armed Forces team have brought into play.
The soldiers have rarely made a name for themselves in the M-League … but all that is set to change under coach B. Sathianathan’s regime.
The former national coach has been given a free hand by his employers to sign up big names in their bid to win promotion to the top flight.
“The objective is clear – the team need to win promotion to the Super League. We are prepared for it but that does not mean it will be a walk in the park. There is hard work ahead and the players have got to live up to their reputations because we are going to be the team to beat this season,” said Sathianathan.
Forces made heads turn when they went on a massive buying spree during the pre-season. Among those hired include national players Mohd Aidil Zafuan, Mohd Zaquan Adha Abdul Razak, Mohd Farizal Harun, Azmi Muslim and K. Reuben.
There are also a handful of former internationals led by Rezal Zambery Yahaya and Negri Sembilan’s Malaysia Cup hero Hairuddin Omar.
To top it off, Armed Forces also roped in influential foreign signings – St Vincent and Grenadines’ Marlon Alex James and Argentinian Bruno Martelotto. Both players have had successful stints in the M-League.
Marlon played with MK Land and Kedah, with whom he won the ‘double treble’ in 2007-08, while Bruno featured for the former MPPJ team which won the Malaysia Cup in 2003.
Besides the Premier League, Forces should also make waves in the FA Cup and Malaysia Cup. It won’t be a surprise to see them give the big boys from the Super League a run for their money in these two competitions.
Sime Darby are the other team with high ambitions. They have signed Liberians Patrick Ronaldinho Wleh and Sengbah Kennedy and also snapped up Perak’s Razali Umar Kandasamy.
In their maiden season last year, Sime Darby finished fifth out of the 12 teams.
The competition in the Premier League will be stiff with state teams Johor, Perlis and Pahang in the fray.
The other sides in the 12–team league are Police, Harimau Muda B, USM FC, Pos Malaysia, Muar MC, Johor MBJP and newcomers NS Betaria FC.
The soldiers have rarely made a name for themselves in the M-League … but all that is set to change under coach B. Sathianathan’s regime.
The former national coach has been given a free hand by his employers to sign up big names in their bid to win promotion to the top flight.
“The objective is clear – the team need to win promotion to the Super League. We are prepared for it but that does not mean it will be a walk in the park. There is hard work ahead and the players have got to live up to their reputations because we are going to be the team to beat this season,” said Sathianathan.
Forces made heads turn when they went on a massive buying spree during the pre-season. Among those hired include national players Mohd Aidil Zafuan, Mohd Zaquan Adha Abdul Razak, Mohd Farizal Harun, Azmi Muslim and K. Reuben.
There are also a handful of former internationals led by Rezal Zambery Yahaya and Negri Sembilan’s Malaysia Cup hero Hairuddin Omar.
To top it off, Armed Forces also roped in influential foreign signings – St Vincent and Grenadines’ Marlon Alex James and Argentinian Bruno Martelotto. Both players have had successful stints in the M-League.
Marlon played with MK Land and Kedah, with whom he won the ‘double treble’ in 2007-08, while Bruno featured for the former MPPJ team which won the Malaysia Cup in 2003.
Besides the Premier League, Forces should also make waves in the FA Cup and Malaysia Cup. It won’t be a surprise to see them give the big boys from the Super League a run for their money in these two competitions.
Sime Darby are the other team with high ambitions. They have signed Liberians Patrick Ronaldinho Wleh and Sengbah Kennedy and also snapped up Perak’s Razali Umar Kandasamy.
In their maiden season last year, Sime Darby finished fifth out of the 12 teams.
The competition in the Premier League will be stiff with state teams Johor, Perlis and Pahang in the fray.
The other sides in the 12–team league are Police, Harimau Muda B, USM FC, Pos Malaysia, Muar MC, Johor MBJP and newcomers NS Betaria FC.
Tuesday, 13 December 2011
Defence Minister wants Armed Forces to win a trophy next season
The Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) soccer team fortified with several leading players from the Super League, target to win at least one title in the next season of the M-League which starts next month.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the firepower from these big names would brighten up ATM's chances of collecting one of the titles at stake.
"I hope the new players will not disappoint the team management after the squad returned empty handed for two seasons," he told reporters after launching the team's logo and official website at www.atmfa.my, here Monday.
Among the players brought into ATM were 2011 golden boot winner Hairuddin Omar and the twin terrors of Mohd Aidil Zafuan Abdul Radzak and Mohd Zaquan Adha.
The team has been further strengthened with two imported players, namely Bruno Sebastian Martelotto, a former player with MPPC FC of Argentina and former Kedah striker from St Vincent, Marlon Alex James.
Team list:
Mohd Farizal Harun, Mohd Alif Mohd Daud, Mohd Hafizuddin Azuhar, Muhd Aizuddin Ismail, Mohd Aidil Zafuan Abdul Radzak, Irwan Fadzli Idrus, A. Varathan, Suhhaimi Ishak, Mohd Azmi Muslim, Abdul Rashid Mahmud, Amirizdwan Taj Tajudin, Hardy Charles Parsi, Mohd Fitri Omar, K. Reuben, Rezal Zambery Yahya, Danial Fadzly Abdullah, D. Christee Jayaseelan, Yusaini Hafiz Chee Saad, Mohd Nazri Akui, Rosaiful Nizam Omar, Hairuddin Omar, Venice Elphi a/k Danny Kaya, Mohd Zaquan Adha Abdul Radzak, Marlon Alex James, Bruno Sebastian Martelotto, Mohd Rahmad Ahmad.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the firepower from these big names would brighten up ATM's chances of collecting one of the titles at stake.
"I hope the new players will not disappoint the team management after the squad returned empty handed for two seasons," he told reporters after launching the team's logo and official website at www.atmfa.my, here Monday.
Among the players brought into ATM were 2011 golden boot winner Hairuddin Omar and the twin terrors of Mohd Aidil Zafuan Abdul Radzak and Mohd Zaquan Adha.
The team has been further strengthened with two imported players, namely Bruno Sebastian Martelotto, a former player with MPPC FC of Argentina and former Kedah striker from St Vincent, Marlon Alex James.
Team list:
Mohd Farizal Harun, Mohd Alif Mohd Daud, Mohd Hafizuddin Azuhar, Muhd Aizuddin Ismail, Mohd Aidil Zafuan Abdul Radzak, Irwan Fadzli Idrus, A. Varathan, Suhhaimi Ishak, Mohd Azmi Muslim, Abdul Rashid Mahmud, Amirizdwan Taj Tajudin, Hardy Charles Parsi, Mohd Fitri Omar, K. Reuben, Rezal Zambery Yahya, Danial Fadzly Abdullah, D. Christee Jayaseelan, Yusaini Hafiz Chee Saad, Mohd Nazri Akui, Rosaiful Nizam Omar, Hairuddin Omar, Venice Elphi a/k Danny Kaya, Mohd Zaquan Adha Abdul Radzak, Marlon Alex James, Bruno Sebastian Martelotto, Mohd Rahmad Ahmad.
Armed Forces to play friendlies to prepare for new season
Armed Forces (ATM) will be playing four international friendlies in tuning up for next season's M-League.
The team leaves for Myanmar tomorrow for friendly matches with three clubs in the country on Dec 15, 18 and 21 before returning home on Dec 28.
Following that, they will be playing a friendly match with Singapore's Under-23 team Lions XII at a venue yet to be determined which could either be in Malaysia or the city-state.
ATM coach B. Sathianathan told reporters here today that the friendlies would serve as a good platform in preparing the team for the M-League.
However, he said he would only be using imported foreign players Marlon Alex James and Bruno Martelotto in the third friendly match as they had only arrived in the country three days ago.
He added that the squad, which finished in seventh place in the Premier league last season, aimed to lift at least one trophy the coming season.
The team leaves for Myanmar tomorrow for friendly matches with three clubs in the country on Dec 15, 18 and 21 before returning home on Dec 28.
Following that, they will be playing a friendly match with Singapore's Under-23 team Lions XII at a venue yet to be determined which could either be in Malaysia or the city-state.
ATM coach B. Sathianathan told reporters here today that the friendlies would serve as a good platform in preparing the team for the M-League.
However, he said he would only be using imported foreign players Marlon Alex James and Bruno Martelotto in the third friendly match as they had only arrived in the country three days ago.
He added that the squad, which finished in seventh place in the Premier league last season, aimed to lift at least one trophy the coming season.
Armed Forces targetting promotion to Super League
The Malaysian Armed Forces football team are ready to throw in their challenge in the Premier League and win promotion when the M-League season gets underway next month.
Armed Forces have drawn up massive plans to launch their assault and possibly spring surprises in the FA Cup and Malaysia Cup.
They have "rebranded" themselves with a massive recruitment drive which has created a lot of interest. In fact, Armed Forces are the talk of the opposition.
The Malaysian Armed Forces FA started the ball rolling by hiring former national team and national Under-23 coach B. Sathianathan as the new head coach.
The Negri Sembilan-born Sathianathan, who is also team manager, has been given a free hand to sign players and handpick the team.
"It does not matter where you play in the league. What you need is quality and I have got the players who can bring depth to the team to achieve our first target ... to gain promotion," said Sathianathan.
The coach also confirmed the team will go on a three-match playing tour of Myanmar.
And in the Malaysian Armed Forces stable are some of the big names of local football. They have landed five from newly crowned Malaysia Cup champions Negri Sembilan, Radzak twins -- internationals Mohd Aidil Zafuan and Mohd Zaquan Adha, striker Hairuddin Omar, defender Irwan Fadzli Idrus and goalkeeper Farizal Harun.
Rezal Zambery Yahya from Johor FC, who played for Negri from 2005 to 2010, has also joined the team.
It does not stop there. Fitri Omar from Muar Municipality, who was the Premier League's top scorer last season, Christie Jayaseelan (from PKNS), A. Varathan (Sime Darby) plus two players who represented the country in the World University Games 2011 in Shenzen -- K. Reuben (UKM) and Amiridzwan Taj Tajudin (UiTM) -- will also don Armed Forces colours.
The team are further strengthened with two foreigners, who are not new to the M-League.
St Vincent striker Marlon Alex James, 35, helped Kedah clinch a treble in 2007 and 2008 while midfielder Bruno Sebastian Martelotto, 29 was the ace in the pack when MPPJ FC became the first club to win the Malaysia Cup in 2003.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, the man behind the "rebranding" which in fact began in 2010, never gave up hope of seeing a strong Armed Forces team that could challenge the best in the country.
"With eight players from Super League teams and two foreign players who established themselves as players of calibre, I am confident Armed Forces will be able to achieve the target of a top two finish in the Premier League," said Zahid at the introduction of the players and the launching of the team's website at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
For Armed Forces chief, General Tan Sri Zulkifeli Mohd Zin, who is also president of the Armed Forces FA, the signing of Sathianathan and his two assistants, Kamaruddin Mohd Noor and Shahrin Majid plus goalkeepers coach Abdul Hamid Ramli, has given creditability in building a strong team.
Armed Forces have picked Petaling Jaya Stadium as their home ground for the new season -- replacing Selayang Stadium.
Armed Forces have drawn up massive plans to launch their assault and possibly spring surprises in the FA Cup and Malaysia Cup.
They have "rebranded" themselves with a massive recruitment drive which has created a lot of interest. In fact, Armed Forces are the talk of the opposition.
The Malaysian Armed Forces FA started the ball rolling by hiring former national team and national Under-23 coach B. Sathianathan as the new head coach.
The Negri Sembilan-born Sathianathan, who is also team manager, has been given a free hand to sign players and handpick the team.
"It does not matter where you play in the league. What you need is quality and I have got the players who can bring depth to the team to achieve our first target ... to gain promotion," said Sathianathan.
The coach also confirmed the team will go on a three-match playing tour of Myanmar.
And in the Malaysian Armed Forces stable are some of the big names of local football. They have landed five from newly crowned Malaysia Cup champions Negri Sembilan, Radzak twins -- internationals Mohd Aidil Zafuan and Mohd Zaquan Adha, striker Hairuddin Omar, defender Irwan Fadzli Idrus and goalkeeper Farizal Harun.
Rezal Zambery Yahya from Johor FC, who played for Negri from 2005 to 2010, has also joined the team.
It does not stop there. Fitri Omar from Muar Municipality, who was the Premier League's top scorer last season, Christie Jayaseelan (from PKNS), A. Varathan (Sime Darby) plus two players who represented the country in the World University Games 2011 in Shenzen -- K. Reuben (UKM) and Amiridzwan Taj Tajudin (UiTM) -- will also don Armed Forces colours.
The team are further strengthened with two foreigners, who are not new to the M-League.
St Vincent striker Marlon Alex James, 35, helped Kedah clinch a treble in 2007 and 2008 while midfielder Bruno Sebastian Martelotto, 29 was the ace in the pack when MPPJ FC became the first club to win the Malaysia Cup in 2003.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, the man behind the "rebranding" which in fact began in 2010, never gave up hope of seeing a strong Armed Forces team that could challenge the best in the country.
"With eight players from Super League teams and two foreign players who established themselves as players of calibre, I am confident Armed Forces will be able to achieve the target of a top two finish in the Premier League," said Zahid at the introduction of the players and the launching of the team's website at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
For Armed Forces chief, General Tan Sri Zulkifeli Mohd Zin, who is also president of the Armed Forces FA, the signing of Sathianathan and his two assistants, Kamaruddin Mohd Noor and Shahrin Majid plus goalkeepers coach Abdul Hamid Ramli, has given creditability in building a strong team.
Armed Forces have picked Petaling Jaya Stadium as their home ground for the new season -- replacing Selayang Stadium.
Ambitious Armed Forces ready for new season
Armed Forces will be coming out with their guns blazing when the M-League kicks off on Jan 15.
The Premier League outfit, strengthened by several big name signings, have also put the Malaysia Cup and FA Cup in their sights.
The team’s massive re-branding exercise saw them securing the services of former national coach B. Sathianathan to chart their fortunes.
Sathianathan roped in five players from Negri Sembilan’s Malaysia Cup winning squad. They are the Razak twins – internationals Mohd Aidil Zafuan and Mohd Zaquan Adha – striker Hairuddin Omar, defender Irwan Fadzli Idrus and goalkeeper Farizal Harun.
Armed Forces will be coming out with their guns blazing when the M-League kicks off on Jan 15.
Former Kedah striker Marlon Alex James and former MPPJ FC midfielder Bruno Sebastian Martelotto have also signed up. Promising youngsters K. Reuben (from UKM), Amiridzwan Taj Tajudin (UiTM), Fitri Omar (Muar Municipality), Christie Jayaseelan (PKNS) and A. Varathan (Sime Darby) will add depth to the squad. Negri Sembilan-born Sathianathan, who is also the team manager, said they are ready for the new season.
“What you need is quality to light up the league and we have the players who can help us gain promotion to the Super League,” Sathianathan said at the introduction of the players and the launching of the team’s website in Putra Jaya yesterday.
“I was given a free hand in picking the team and have got the material that I wanted. We have been training since the beginning of the month and will play a number of friendly matches to jell as a team.
The team will be going on a three-match playing tour of Myanmar as a part of their preparations.
“I’m confident that we have the quality to bring the fans back to the stadium even if we are playing in the lower tier,” said Sathianathan, who will be assisted by Kamaruddin Mohd Noor and Shahrin Majid. Abdul Hamid Ramli is the goalkeeping coach.
The Petaling Jaya Stadium will be the Armed Forces’ new home ground, replacing the Selayang Stadium.
The Premier League outfit, strengthened by several big name signings, have also put the Malaysia Cup and FA Cup in their sights.
The team’s massive re-branding exercise saw them securing the services of former national coach B. Sathianathan to chart their fortunes.
Sathianathan roped in five players from Negri Sembilan’s Malaysia Cup winning squad. They are the Razak twins – internationals Mohd Aidil Zafuan and Mohd Zaquan Adha – striker Hairuddin Omar, defender Irwan Fadzli Idrus and goalkeeper Farizal Harun.
Armed Forces will be coming out with their guns blazing when the M-League kicks off on Jan 15.
Former Kedah striker Marlon Alex James and former MPPJ FC midfielder Bruno Sebastian Martelotto have also signed up. Promising youngsters K. Reuben (from UKM), Amiridzwan Taj Tajudin (UiTM), Fitri Omar (Muar Municipality), Christie Jayaseelan (PKNS) and A. Varathan (Sime Darby) will add depth to the squad. Negri Sembilan-born Sathianathan, who is also the team manager, said they are ready for the new season.
“What you need is quality to light up the league and we have the players who can help us gain promotion to the Super League,” Sathianathan said at the introduction of the players and the launching of the team’s website in Putra Jaya yesterday.
“I was given a free hand in picking the team and have got the material that I wanted. We have been training since the beginning of the month and will play a number of friendly matches to jell as a team.
The team will be going on a three-match playing tour of Myanmar as a part of their preparations.
“I’m confident that we have the quality to bring the fans back to the stadium even if we are playing in the lower tier,” said Sathianathan, who will be assisted by Kamaruddin Mohd Noor and Shahrin Majid. Abdul Hamid Ramli is the goalkeeping coach.
The Petaling Jaya Stadium will be the Armed Forces’ new home ground, replacing the Selayang Stadium.
Thursday, 8 December 2011
Malaysian league teams struggling to sign foreign players before deadline
Kuala Lumpur find themselves in a quandary as a Ghanaian midfielder the Super League side are keen to sign has overstayed his visa with today being the deadline for registration of players for the 2012.
Jacob Anderson, who last played for Planet FC in Ghana, is technically an illegal alien and cannot play in the domestic league until he resolves his status.
This is has left KL in a pickle and general secretary Nokman Mustaffa admitted Anderson's situation has caught them by surprise.
"We are very keen on signing Anderson but his visa has lapsed and he needs to sort it out with the Immigration Department. We've told him that if this is not resolved, there is no way we can sign him.
"We already have one foreign player and we have another on standby if we can't sign Anderson," said Nokman yesterday.
KL plan to sign Nigerian centre-back Raimi Hassan today and should the Anderson deal fall through, French-Tunisian midfielder Mehdi Tagawa may be drafted in after impressing in a 2-0 friendly defeat to Armed Forces at the KLFA Academy in Taman Melati on Tuesday.
The city team are by no means the only team in the Super League scrambling to sign players ahead of the deadline.
Selangor are desperate to find a replacement for Congolese striker Blaise Lelo Mbele, who turned out to be injured just as he was about to put pen to paper.
Perak have settled on Lazar Popovic from Serbia and Michal Kubala from Slovakia while Kedah and Johor FC are assessing their options and may go for Brazilian signings.
Premier League side Armed Forces, the nouveau riche of Malaysian football, is not in such a rush however after coach B. Sathianathan went for the tried and tested in bringing back former Kedah hitman Marlon Alex James and ex-MPPJ playmaker Bruno Martelotto.
Sathianathan did not want to risk hiring unproven foreigners given that there is little time to test the players.
"I know these players, I have already seen them and I was at MPPJ when Bruno was playing there. When you want to hire a foreign player, you need a series of games to assess them.
"Just watching them in two or three friendly matches is not enough. Marlon and Bruno already know what it is like to play here, they know the climate and Malaysian football.
"I am confident they can fit in easily with the local players. Bruno is the fetch-and-carry player I need and have been looking for and with his vision and scoring ability, he will be a good addition to the team," said Sathianathan after overseeing his side's 2-0 friendly win over KL.
The 35-year-old James from St Vincent and the Grenadines has a proven track record after his goals fired Kedah to the treble in 2007 and 2008 before the ban on foreign players saw him join Vancouver Whitecaps in the US Major League Soccer before taking 2011 off.
Argentine Martelotto, who joins from Chilean side Santiago Morning, won the Malaysia Cup in 2003 and the Premier League in 2004 in a three-year stint with MPPJ which ended in 2005.
Jacob Anderson, who last played for Planet FC in Ghana, is technically an illegal alien and cannot play in the domestic league until he resolves his status.
This is has left KL in a pickle and general secretary Nokman Mustaffa admitted Anderson's situation has caught them by surprise.
"We are very keen on signing Anderson but his visa has lapsed and he needs to sort it out with the Immigration Department. We've told him that if this is not resolved, there is no way we can sign him.
"We already have one foreign player and we have another on standby if we can't sign Anderson," said Nokman yesterday.
KL plan to sign Nigerian centre-back Raimi Hassan today and should the Anderson deal fall through, French-Tunisian midfielder Mehdi Tagawa may be drafted in after impressing in a 2-0 friendly defeat to Armed Forces at the KLFA Academy in Taman Melati on Tuesday.
The city team are by no means the only team in the Super League scrambling to sign players ahead of the deadline.
Selangor are desperate to find a replacement for Congolese striker Blaise Lelo Mbele, who turned out to be injured just as he was about to put pen to paper.
Perak have settled on Lazar Popovic from Serbia and Michal Kubala from Slovakia while Kedah and Johor FC are assessing their options and may go for Brazilian signings.
Premier League side Armed Forces, the nouveau riche of Malaysian football, is not in such a rush however after coach B. Sathianathan went for the tried and tested in bringing back former Kedah hitman Marlon Alex James and ex-MPPJ playmaker Bruno Martelotto.
Sathianathan did not want to risk hiring unproven foreigners given that there is little time to test the players.
"I know these players, I have already seen them and I was at MPPJ when Bruno was playing there. When you want to hire a foreign player, you need a series of games to assess them.
"Just watching them in two or three friendly matches is not enough. Marlon and Bruno already know what it is like to play here, they know the climate and Malaysian football.
"I am confident they can fit in easily with the local players. Bruno is the fetch-and-carry player I need and have been looking for and with his vision and scoring ability, he will be a good addition to the team," said Sathianathan after overseeing his side's 2-0 friendly win over KL.
The 35-year-old James from St Vincent and the Grenadines has a proven track record after his goals fired Kedah to the treble in 2007 and 2008 before the ban on foreign players saw him join Vancouver Whitecaps in the US Major League Soccer before taking 2011 off.
Argentine Martelotto, who joins from Chilean side Santiago Morning, won the Malaysia Cup in 2003 and the Premier League in 2004 in a three-year stint with MPPJ which ended in 2005.
Friday, 2 December 2011
Big spending Armed Forces lures players from Negeri Sembilan
Apparently even being Malaysia Cup champions is not enough for Negri Sembilan to hang on to their big name players with Premier League big spenders Armed Forces the main culprits in luring five of their stars away.
Negri's Malaysia Cup hero Hairuddin Omar is the latest to be seduced by cash-rich Forces, who after decades of under-achievement have serious ambitions this time around following their hiring of former national coach B. Sathianathan.
Hairuddin joins Radzak twins Aidil Zafuan and Zaquan Adha, full-back Irwan Fadzli Idrus and goalkeeper Farizal Harun in dumping Azraai Khor Abdullah's Negri to join Forces, whose only claim to fame is making the 1966 Malaya Cup final and winning the FAM Cup in 1997, while Ahmad Fakri Saarani is reportedly going to Felda United.
Armed Forces FA has apparently been promised a RM10 million budget with a target to win the Premier League title and gain promotion to the Super League.
Flush with new-found cash, Forces have gone on a recruitment drive and besides the Negri five, they have also roped in playmaker Rezal Zambery Yahya from Johor FC and former Police and Selangor President's Cup defender Reuben Kathiripillai, who famously tackled the referee in the national team's 5-0 defeat to Australia recently.
Additional signings can be expected ahead of the Tuesday deadline for registration of players while all the newcomers could be on display tonight when Forces play Perak in a friendly while Negri have shown that the departed players will not be missed after beating Super League champions Kelantan 3-1 in a friendly in Paroi on Wednesday.
Indeed, skipper Shukor Adan believes Negri have capable replacements after signing 28-year-old Cameroon striker Jean-Emmanuel Effa Owona from Hatta Club Dubai and Brazilian striker Marquen Goncalves Ferreira in addition to locals Norismaidham Ismail and Nazrin Nawi from Kuala Lumpur and the promotion of several promising President's Cup players.
Owona scored against Kelantan while Ferreira, 28, impressed Azraai with his defensive ability despite his signing being a risk after the Brazilian emerged from eight years of retirement following a serious injury during a 2003 spell with Japanese club Vegalta Sendai.
"Obviously, when a team lose that number of senior players it will be felt. But in football, players coming and going is nothing new and we have to accept the fact that they have left.
"I'm not too concerned about it because we still have good players in the team and with the two new foreign players, two more from KL coming in and with new talent emerging from our President's Cup team, I think we have capable replacements," said Shukor, 32, after joining a clinic for the Soccergurus Football Academy in Bandar Kinrara yesterday.
Shukor, a grizzled veteran with four Malaysia Cup winners medals including two in the last three seasons with Negri, said Azraai will be able to get the best out of the current Negri side in their push for a title next season.
"I don't see the coming and going of players changing our intention to fight for honours. We might have more younger players this time but if we play as a team and follow the coach's instructions, we'll be fine.
"As for myself, for as long as these legs can still carry me, I will continue playing. Whether I finish my career with Negri, I don't know. If they still want me, then I'm thankful.
"I think I've got another three more years in me and then I'll call it quits," said Shukor, who has a year remaining on his contract with Negri, the team he began his career with in 2000 before seven seasons with Selangor from 2002 to 2008.
Negri's Malaysia Cup hero Hairuddin Omar is the latest to be seduced by cash-rich Forces, who after decades of under-achievement have serious ambitions this time around following their hiring of former national coach B. Sathianathan.
Hairuddin joins Radzak twins Aidil Zafuan and Zaquan Adha, full-back Irwan Fadzli Idrus and goalkeeper Farizal Harun in dumping Azraai Khor Abdullah's Negri to join Forces, whose only claim to fame is making the 1966 Malaya Cup final and winning the FAM Cup in 1997, while Ahmad Fakri Saarani is reportedly going to Felda United.
Armed Forces FA has apparently been promised a RM10 million budget with a target to win the Premier League title and gain promotion to the Super League.
Flush with new-found cash, Forces have gone on a recruitment drive and besides the Negri five, they have also roped in playmaker Rezal Zambery Yahya from Johor FC and former Police and Selangor President's Cup defender Reuben Kathiripillai, who famously tackled the referee in the national team's 5-0 defeat to Australia recently.
Additional signings can be expected ahead of the Tuesday deadline for registration of players while all the newcomers could be on display tonight when Forces play Perak in a friendly while Negri have shown that the departed players will not be missed after beating Super League champions Kelantan 3-1 in a friendly in Paroi on Wednesday.
Indeed, skipper Shukor Adan believes Negri have capable replacements after signing 28-year-old Cameroon striker Jean-Emmanuel Effa Owona from Hatta Club Dubai and Brazilian striker Marquen Goncalves Ferreira in addition to locals Norismaidham Ismail and Nazrin Nawi from Kuala Lumpur and the promotion of several promising President's Cup players.
Owona scored against Kelantan while Ferreira, 28, impressed Azraai with his defensive ability despite his signing being a risk after the Brazilian emerged from eight years of retirement following a serious injury during a 2003 spell with Japanese club Vegalta Sendai.
"Obviously, when a team lose that number of senior players it will be felt. But in football, players coming and going is nothing new and we have to accept the fact that they have left.
"I'm not too concerned about it because we still have good players in the team and with the two new foreign players, two more from KL coming in and with new talent emerging from our President's Cup team, I think we have capable replacements," said Shukor, 32, after joining a clinic for the Soccergurus Football Academy in Bandar Kinrara yesterday.
Shukor, a grizzled veteran with four Malaysia Cup winners medals including two in the last three seasons with Negri, said Azraai will be able to get the best out of the current Negri side in their push for a title next season.
"I don't see the coming and going of players changing our intention to fight for honours. We might have more younger players this time but if we play as a team and follow the coach's instructions, we'll be fine.
"As for myself, for as long as these legs can still carry me, I will continue playing. Whether I finish my career with Negri, I don't know. If they still want me, then I'm thankful.
"I think I've got another three more years in me and then I'll call it quits," said Shukor, who has a year remaining on his contract with Negri, the team he began his career with in 2000 before seven seasons with Selangor from 2002 to 2008.
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