Indra's day

At one time, Indra Putra Mahayuddin was considered the shining star of Malaysian football.

Blessed with a pair of clean heels, mazy dribbling skills allied with a mean streak, Indra was picked by Englishman Allan Harris as the individual most suited to withstand the rigours of the English league.

In 2000, Indra was one of the brightest sparks in Harris' national Under-19 squad. Harris' assistant then was B. Sathianathan, who is looking forward to his first Malaysia Cup final on Saturday.

While the microscope fell on France-based Akmal Rizal Ahmad Rakhli, Indra proved to be a genuine matchwinner, with his two goals against Singapore in the AFF Cup in Singapore in 2002 remaining etched in our minds.

His move from Perak to Pahang did little to enhance his reputation. Dropped by Bertalan Bicskei and later embroiled in allegations of drug abuse, Indra seemed to have pushed the self-destruct button.

This season, the 28-year old made the bold decision to move to Kelantan. He is set to captain Kelantan to the Malaysia Cup final, proud to set foot on the National Stadium as the Most Valuable Player of the 2009 season.

PRESS RELEASE INDRA PUTRA GRABS A DOUBLE AT 100PLUS-FAM NATIONAL FOOTBALL AWARDS PETALING JAYA (4 November, 2009): International striker Indra Putra Mahayuddin took both the award for the Best Striker and also the Most Valuable Player of the season in the 100PLUS-FAM National Football Awards 2009 which was held at the PJ Hilton Hotel this afternoon. The 28-year-old, who led Kelantan to the FA Cup final earlier this year and who will also be captaining the side to the Malaysia Cup final this Saturday night, took home two crystal trophies and the prize of RM3,000. “It is an honour to win and certainly it has given me a boost for the Malaysia Cup final this Saturday,” said Indra, from the team training base in Kota Bahru. “I would like to thank the 100LUS and the FAM for coming up with the awards ceremony as this will push players to better themselves not only on the field but off it.” Indra was selected as the best player of the year by a judging panel which comprised of representatives from the Malaysian Coaches Association, the media and the FA of Malaysia (FAM). And Negeri Sembilan, who will be playing against Kelantan in the final of the Malaysia Cup, also have a winner of their own when Aidil Zafuan Abdul Razak was selected as the Best Defender. “The awards ceremony is our way of supporting excellence on the field,” said Datuk Kamal Harun, National Corporate Affairs Manager F&N Coca-Cola (M) Sdn Bhd. “And with the change in selecting winners through a judging panel, I believe that this year’s winners are truly deserving of the accolade.” Added Datuk Azzuddin Ahmad, the general secretary of the FA of Malaysia: “We have always been of the view that players need to be recognised for their effort. And we would like to thank 100PLUS for our strong collaboration in making this event an annual calendar.” Selangor, who won the treble this year with their win of the season opening Charity Shield, the FA Cup and the Malaysian Super League crown, saw head coach K. Devan taking the prize as the Best Coach while Mohd Amri Yahyah emerged as the Best Midfielder. The Klang Valley side was also chosen as the Best Football Association. Farizal Marlias, who have been a pillar of strength not only with Perlis but also for Malaysia at the international level, was chosen as the Best Goalkeeper while Mohd Muslim Ahmad from Harimau Muda was selected as the Most Promising Player. And following the absence of the award for Best Foreign Player, the introduction of a new award which is for Best Club went to Johor FC as had been expected. The award for the Best Club was decided by the FAM as was for Best Football Association with the Best Fan Club award going to KL PLUS FC. The 100PLUS-FAM National Football Awards is among several football programmes and competitions supported by 100PLUS, Malaysia's leading isotonic beverage. The others include the 100PLUS Super Cup Champions School and the Ministry of Education League Cup (MELC). 100PLUS is recommended by the National Sports Council. 100PLUS-FAM NATIONAL FOOTBALL AWARDS 2009 - Winners BEST GOALKEEPER - Farizal Marlias (PERLIS) BEST DEFENDER - Aidil Zafuan Abdul Radzak (NEGERI SEMBILAN) BEST MIDFIELDER - Mohd Amri Yahyah (SELANGOR) BEST STRIKER - Indra Putra Mahayuddin (KELANTAN) BEST COACH - K. Devan (SELANGOR) MOST PROMISING PLAYER - Mohd Muslim Ahmad (HARIMAU MUDA) MOST VALUABLE PLAYER - Indra Putra Mahayuddin (KELANTAN) BEST FAN CLUB - KL PLUS FC BEST FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION - Selangor BEST CLUB - Johor FC