Heat on Shabery

The Sports Minister, Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek, has come under fire of late following his return from the visit to Everton FC.

Read Satwant Singh Dhaliwal's Come Clean Minister here and Jaiho's Can You Tell Us the Truth, Minister here.

My concerns are:

1. Is Shabery dealing directly with Everton FC or there's a middleman somewhere?

2. Does the discussion centre on the training stint for the Under-23 squad or a comprehensive development programme that is grassroots upwards?

3. Will the technical experts in FAM be involved in the discussion?

4. Is the staggering 1.3 million pound for the programme true?

My take:

1. I remember very well when Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said launched the Everton community project in 2005, it was conducted by a local event management company. So if Shabery deals directly with Everton, then its good.

2. I sincerely hope the plan is for a comprehensive development programme with the stint for the Under-23 team thrown into it as part of the deal.

3. I know Lim Kim Chon, FAM director of coaching, has been tasked to discuss the details with Everton. Since he's the technical expert, let him do his job.

4. Since nothing is decided, we shall wait for the official announcement.

Jaiho highlighted this:

So many other programs are held all over the country, they are starving or dying for the lack of money and funding, and find it hard to continue. Just like the Ken Barnes grassroots programme that was developing players from ages 12-17. NSC was supporting it for a few years, but has stopped now. And this programme had links with the top EPL clubs, having sent some 15 players for attachments in clubs like Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal, Birmingham, and Wigan.

So how many of the players are actually in the various national teams?

The ultimate travel experience

A giant version of Jabulani placed at the Jakarta Convention Centre

The chartered McDonell Douglas MD-80 criss-crosses the globe with an entourage of less than 20 people to give football fans over 200 countries the chance to catch a glimpse and pose alongside the FIFA World Cup trophy...it landed safely at the KLIA at 1.0pm from Jakarta

The cabin is bigger than loose cannon's living room...talk about ample leg room. Truly the province of the privileged...

The much anticipated FIFA World Cup trophy that is on a global tour has finally landed in the country earlier today and it is available for a public viewing at the Mid Valley Convention Centre on Thursday and Friday.

More than 10,000 people thronged the Jakarta Convention Centre to experience what the tour organisers describe as the football fan experience culminating with a personal picture alongside the trophy and the tour organisers are expecting a similar reception in Kuala Lumpur.

“We are expecting a rousing response from fans in Malaysia," said FIFA media officer, Liu Lingling, the official spokesperson for the Asian leg of the tour.

Coca-Cola General Manager for Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei, Antonio del Rosario, said the event promises to be a real football celebration.

"There'll be plenty of activities lined-up designed to appeal to the football fans."

The tour is a joint effort by FIFA and Coca-Cola.

“Fans can obtain tickets with purchase of McDonald’s Prosperity Burger Meal in restaurants in the Klang Valley from now while stocks last and alternatively fans can also visit the Coke booth set up at Mid Valley,” he said.

The trophy which started its journey from the FIFA headquarters in Zurich on Sept 21, 2009, will travel across 83 cities, covering a distance of 134,017km or more than three times the circumference of the earth before reaching South Africa on May 4, 2010.

In 2006, the trophy had only visited 31 cities from 29 countries and covered a distance of 102,570km. Kuala Lumpur was one of the stops as well.

Next stop - New Caledonia.

A rare glimpse

Long queue for the rare opportunity to take a glimpse of the trophy

The waiting...outside the Jakarta Convention Centre

Very few individuals have held this trophy aloft. Franz Beckenbauer, Daniel Passarella, Dino Zoff, Diego Maradona, Lothar Matthaus, Dunga, Didier Deschamps, Cafu and Fabio Cannavaro are the elite few. Who would be the special one to join them in 2010?

Loose cannon looking stiff...

The FIFA World Cup, the authentic one, is in Jakarta. It was unveiled for public viewing at the Jakarta Convention Centre (JCC) earlier today. Loose cannon was privileged to be part of the celebration.

Next stop is of course Kuala Lumpur. On Friday, the FIFA 2010 World Cup trophy tour by Coca Cola makes the much anticipated stop at Mid Valley Convention centre.

Passes for the event can be obtained with the purchase of a McDonald’s Prosperity Burger Meal at restaurants in the Klang Valley, as long as stocks last.

Alternatively, fans can visit the Coke booth at the east atrium of Mid Valley Megamall Kuala Lumpur, on Jan 28 and 29 to purchase 2x1.5L bottles and get a chance to spin a wheel to win the tickets or Coke premiums.

A conservative estimate by the organisers in Jakarta - 10,000 people thronged the JCC. Now let's see if loose cannon's fellow Malaysians are as passionate.

Planting the seeds of success

Talk about great timing! The speed merchants in the Malaysian track cycling team featuring the pocketrocketman Azizulhasni Awang have obtained a much coveted sponsorship from the government linked giant Sime Darby, through its foundation Yayasan Sime Darby, days after taking the Beijing meet by storm. The plantation giant's media invite came about a few days before Azizulhasni bagged the keirin gold at the World Cup classic in Beijing on Saturday.

Keirin Title A Pre-Wedding Gift For Fiancee, Says Mohd Azizulhasni

SEPANG, Jan 25 (Bernama) -- National track cyclist Mohd Azizulhasni Awang's gold in the keirin event at the World Cup Classic in Beijing, China, last Saturday, was a wedding gift for his fiancee, Athiah Ilyana Abdul Samat.

The wedding will be this Saturday.

Azizulhasni said Athiah had been asking for him to win a gold as her wedding gift.

"I promised to win the gold as a wedding gift for her and am glad that I did and also be able to wear the white jersey," he told reporters on arrival at the KL International Airport on Monday.

The Terengganu lad said the victory had made him more determined to win the keirin event at the World Track championship in Denmark in March.

"I will give my best and will not disappoint the Malaysian people and others who are hoping to see me succeed," he added.

He regarded the win in Beijing as his biggest victory after failing to win two previous titles at the Track Cycling World Cup circuits in Manchester and Melbourne recently.

--BERNAMA

For Immediate Release
Tuesday, 26 January 2010

Yayasan Sime Darby To Help Malaysian Cyclists Win A Medal At The 2012 London Olympics


Kuala Lumpur, 26 January 2010: Winning a medal at the Olympics has long been the dream of the country and her sportsmen and sportswomen.

This dream could be achieved again in 2012 when the Malaysian cycling team, which has world class riders in Mohd Azizulhasni Awang and Josiah Ng, competes in the London Olympics.

To help Mohd Azizulhasni, Josiah Ng and other cyclists realise this goal, Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD) has come forward to help them participate in several world cycling events prior to the 2012 London Olympics.

These world class events, to be held in 2010 and 2011, include the World Cup Classics, Continental Championships, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and the World Championship.

YSD, in partnership with the Malaysian National Cycling Federation (MNCF), will allocate RM2 million over the next 34 months to help, among others, defray travelling costs, competition and directors’ fees, allowances, accommodation and apparels.

Besides Mohd Azizulhasni and Josiah Ng, other cyclists to benefit from this sponsorship include Mohd Rizal Tisin, Muhammad Edrus Md Yunos, Junaidi Nasir, Mohamad Hafiz Mohamed Sufian and Fatehah Mustapa.

Today, YSD and MNCF signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on the initiative to produce Malaysia’s first medal winners in cycling at the London Olympics. A mock cheque presentation was also held in conjunction with the signing of the MOU.

YSD was represented at the signing ceremony by its Chairman, YABhg Tun Musa Hitam, while MNCF by its Deputy President and Chairman of the Track Cycling Committee, Datuk Naim Mohamad. Also present were YSD Council Members; Director General of National Sports Council, Dato’ Zolkples Embong; and Head Coach of the Malaysian Cycling Team, John Beasley.

Tun Musa, in his speech, said YSD supports the initiative to help Malaysian cyclists develop their full potential to be world beaters as well as to help them realise their dream of winning their first Olympics medal in cycling.

“We believe Malaysian cyclists have a very real opportunity to win their first Olympics medal for the country based on their fine performance in several world cycling events. We hope our sponsorship will spur them to achieve greater heights in world cycling.”

Tun Musa added that YSD, as part of its Youth Sports and Recreation Pillar, has already been involved in raising the standards of lawn bowls and cricket in the country.

“YSD, in line with Sime Darby’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, will always support sporting events that benefit the country and society. It will make available the resources at its disposal to promote and raise the quality of sports in Malaysia,” he noted.

Datuk Naim thanked YSD for the sponsorship which will prove beneficial in preparing national cyclists for the 2012 London Olympics.

“We would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to YSD for this timely contribution. We are honoured that MNCF was chosen by YSD to be one of its partners in sports, and our association with the Sime Darby Group will only spur us to achieve greater success.”

At the signing ceremony, seven Malaysian cyclists were presented with tracksuits to be used during international cycling events.

The world icon

This iconic trophy...

is criss-crossing the globe...

via this aircraft.

Merafak takziah

Merafak takziah kepada presiden Persatuan Bola Sepak Malaysia (FAM), DYMM Sultan Pahang, Sultan Ahmad Shah, dan anakandanya yang juga Presiden Persekutuan Hoki Malaysia (PHM), Tengku Mahkota Pahang, Tengku Abdullah atas kemangkatan besan dan ayahanda mertua masing-masing. Juga takziah kepada bekas Timbalan Presiden PHM, Tengku Bendahara Tunku Abdul Majid Idris atas kemangkatan ayahanda. Al-Fatihah buat Almarhum Sultan Iskandar Almarhum Sultan Ismail. Keluarga sukan tempatan juga berkabung atas pemergian Tun Mohd Ghazali Shafie, yang menjadi nakhoda Kesatuan Olahraga Amatur Malaysia (KOAM) ketika zaman kemuncak olahraga - dari 1962 hingga 1988.

Tigers in limbo

The class of 2001-2002. Standing from left Perak-born former hockey player Khalid Jamlus, a striker with a natural predatory instinct but lacks pace, Indra Putra Mahayuddin who tore Singapore and Thailand to shreds in 2002 and once described by Allan Harris as the only one who could survive the English game, Alor Star chap Kaironnisam Sahabuddin Hussain who was a late inclusion but made the first eleven in the 2001 SEA Games, Jitra lad Akmal Rizal Ahmad Rakhli, once attached to Bayern Munich, later pitched his tent in Strasbourg, Kuala Lumpur product Azmin Azram Aziz who made his debut against FC Aarau in 1995 at the age of 19 and former Perak skipper, Ahmad Shahrul Azhar Sofian who was a regular in the national set-up between 1996 and 2002. Squatting from left Kelantan-born Tengku Hazman Raja Hassan, the most impressive player in the Malaysian team in the 1997 World Youth Cup, according to the FIFA technical report, Terengganu's Subri Sulong whose mazy dribbling skills were not fully utilised, Rosdi Talib whom loose cannon featured in Jaguh Berita Harian in Sukma 1992 and fondly called Giggs by Harris, Malaccan-born but nurtured by Negeri Sembilan, Norhafiz Zamani Misbah who greatly impressed Soh Chin Aun in 2001 and Perak lad Liew Kit Kong whose double strike a day after the tsunami in Acheh ended Malaysia's 25-year wait for a win at Gelora Senayan. These tigers roared on a few occasions...

The team that won the SEA Games gold in Laos, standing from left Sharbinee Alawi, Muslim Ahmad whose aerial ability should be utilised during set-pieces, midfield dynamo K. Gurusamy, versatile Nasriq Baharom, Baddrol Bakhtiar (trained briefly in Chelsea in 2008), Safiq Rahim (included in the 2006 Asian Games by coach Norizan Bakar). Squatting from left the trio of Mohd Aidil Zafuan Abdul Radzak, S. Kunanlan and Sabre Mat Abu are versatile, Terengganu's Abdul Manaf Mamat and Kelantan's Norshahrul Idlan Talaha. These tigers roared the loudest in Laos!

these tigers are in the Premier League...

Some of these tigers, such as Terengganu defender Mohd Muslim Ahmad who shone in the SEA Games (standing, second from right) and Shakir Ali (standing, third from right), like coach Azraai Khor Abdullah, are in limbo. Azraai and his assistant Azman Eusoff have suggested that FA of Malaysia allow them to play in the FA Cup...

Read luahan bola kempis and the report in the Star.

Perginya Nazudeen

Gambar Utusan Malaysia

Tidak pernah lokek senyuman dan kata-kata berunsur gurauan, Nazudeen Mahmud seorang jurugambar yang ceria dan periang. Kehadirannya di mana-mana acara atau sidang akhbar meriuhkan suasana. Selaku "ice-breaker", Nazudeen memanggil sama ada yang dikenali atau tidak dikenali dengan gelaran Yeop.

Semalam, dia dipanggil mengadap Ilahi. Jenazahnya selamat disemadikan di perkuburan Rapat Setia, tidak jauh dari tempat aku membesar pada 70-an.

Berikut laporan Utusan online semalam

KUALA LUMPUR 21 Jan. - Jurugambar Utusan Malaysia, Mohd. Nazudeen Mahmud meninggal dunia di Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (HUKM) kira-kira pukul 12.45 tengah hari ini.

Allahyarham dikejarkan ke hospital tersebut pada kira-kira pukul 10.30 pagi tadi selepas mengadu sesak nafas ketika di pejabat.

Selepas dimandi dan dikafankan, jenazah Allahyarham dibawa pulang ke rumah keluarganya di Desa Perwira, Ipoh untuk dikebumikan selepas solat asar di tanah Perkuburan Islam, Tambun. - Utusan

Selain bertukar kutukan ketika Nazudeen membuat liputan the Showdown of Champions 2009, Asia versus Russia Disember lalu, aku terserempak dengan arwah di pondok guard Utusan Melayu beberapa minggu kemudian.

"Ai, apa park kereta jauh-jauh, tak boleh lagi jauh ke," arwah menyapa aku. Kami berbincang mengenai sukan dan kerja masing-masing dalam lima minit rasanya. Rupa-rupanya itu detik terakhir aku bergurau dengan Nazudeen.

Selamat jalan Yeop. Moga roh engkau dicucuri rahmat. Al-Fatihah.

The TV war

2010 is an interesting year. It is the World Cup year. RTM bought the broadcasting rights for terrestial tv in Malaysia two years ago. So it is for the eighth time since 1974 that world's biggest sporting extravaganza would be televised over the national station. Expect Astro to feed Malaysians with the matches as well, on high definition. But naughty thoughts ran through loose cannon's minds upon reading this Bernama report below:

RTM and Media Prima to work together

2010/01/21

KUALA LUMPUR: Radio Televisyen Malaysia and private media broadcasting group Media Prima Bhd will sign a memorandum of understanding early next month to work on several areas, including news exchanges, film exchanges, joint production, sports programme acquisition, exchange of personnel and joint marketing and promotions, said Information, Communications and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim yesterday

Speaking at an inaugural meeting between the two organisations at Angkasapuri here, he said the move would enable RTM and Media Prima to pool their resources and undertake seamless cooperation.

He said both RTM and Media Prima would look for practical solutions and work towards the improvement of the broadcasting industry.

Rais said there were many areas where the two parties could work together, especially in further promoting the concept of 1Malaysia and other national programmes.

He said the collaboration between RTM and Media Prima should not primarily be on television programmes alone but radio broadcasting as well.

Datuk Seri Farid Ridzuan, chief executive officer of Media Prima International as well as group CEO of TV3, 8TV, ntv7 and TV9, said the joint collaboration would also result in further developing human capital in the country's broadcasting industry. -- Bernama

Could TV3, driven on most occasions by commercial interests, beam the World Cup matches live and pay much-criticised RTM peanuts for the rights?

Interestingly, TV3 sports buletin quoted blogger Satwant Singh's blog that FA of Malaysia (FAM) had pulled the plug on Astro Arena from showing the Malaysian Super League matches! What's the motive?

Al-Fatihah buat Haji Bakar

Aku menghabiskan dua hari ini mencari gambar Haji Abu Bakar Ismail untuk dijadikan tatapan dalam blog ini. Sampai sudah aku tak jumpa. Yang aku tahu, memang aku tidak pernah ambil gambar dengan Allahyarham. Tapi manalah tahu dalam album-album lama yang memuatkan gambar yang dirakam sepanjang kerjaya aku di Balai Berita, ada sekeping dua gambar Arwah. Bekas pengarang berita Berita Harian itu menghembuskan nafas akhirnya pada Selasa, 19 Januari lalu.

Berikut laporan Berita Harian online

KUALA LUMPUR: Bekas Pengarang Berita, Berita Harian, Abu Bakar Ismail, 67, meninggal dunia di Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL) kira-kira jam 11.30 malam tadi akibat serangan jantung.

Allahyarham dimasukkan ke wad jantung HKL kira-kira jam 10 malam tadi selepas menjalani pemeriksaan kesihatan Isnin lalu dan didapati mengalami serangan jantung dan perlu mendapatkan rawatan susulan dengan kadar segera.

Anak Allahyarham, Syahrul Azman, 32, berkata ayahnya sepatutnya menjalani rawatan selama tiga hari dan selepas dimasukkan ke HKL dan doktor yang merawatnya mengesahkan keadaan ayahnya serius tetapi stabil.

“Bagaimanapun selepas mendapatkan rawatan selama kira-kira satu setengah jam, doktor yang merawat memanggil kami sekeluarga dan memberitahu ayah sudah meninggal dunia,” katanya yang ditemui di kediaman Allahyarham di Taman Melawati di sini hari ini.

Antara yang mengiringi jenazah ke perkuburan Klang Gate ialah Dhalan Zainuddin (duduk, tiga dari kanan)

Empat bekas bos aku...dari kiri Haji Ali Mansor Aman, bekas penolong pengarang sukan BH, bekas penolong Pengarang Harian Metro, Mohd Zian Johari, bekas pengarang sukan BH, bekas Pengarang Harian Metro, Haji Shaharudin Latif, bekas pengarang berita Berita Harian dan kini Pengarang Urusan Kumpulan, Jabatan Berita Media Prima Bhd dan Datuk Manja Ismail, dulu Pengarang Kumpulan Berita Harian dan kini hos Soal Jawab TV3.

Pegawai Persatuan Badminton Malaysia (BAM), Haji Ahmad Idris (kanan) yang memaklumkan aku pemergian Arwah

"Rizal, dah tahu Haji Bakar dah meninggal," pesanan ringkas daripada Zurina Waji pagi semalam.

Beberapa minit kemudian, aku menerima panggilan daripada Haji Ahmad Idris. "Jenazah on the way dari hospital...nak solat jenazah di masjid Taman Melawati fasa lima."

Intan kebetulan MC dan ada di rumah untuk menjaga si kecil. Setibanya aku di masjid, Imam sedang memberi penerangan ringkas. Mujur aku sempat memberi penghormatan terakhir buat Arwah, detik hatiku.

Sesudah solat jenazah, aku perhatikan antara yang hadir Datuk A Kadir Jasin, Datu, A Nazri Abdullah dan Yunus Said, nama-nama besar di BH dan NST satu ketika dahulu. Turut hadir Abdul Rahim Zain, Mohd Razali Yahya, Haji Sharom Suboh, Azli Yob, Haji Shukor dan Saleh Siden.

Mengiringi jenazah ke kubur antaranya orang kuat Media Prima, Datuk Manja Ismail, Haji Shaharudin Latif, Zian Johari, Ali Mansor Aman dan Dhalan Zainuddin.

Bagi aku sendiri, arwah Haji Bakar cool and composed. Arwah juga mengenali arwah ayah aku, entah bagaimana aku pun tidak tahu. Yang aku tahu arwah orang Johor. Arwah antara yang menziarah kami apabila Mak pulang ke rahmatullah pada 1994.

Tapi aku dapat rasakan Arwah Haji Bakar selalu tengok-tengokkan aku. Sentiasa bergurau dengan aku dan cordial. Lagipun claim dan advance aku biasanya tidak dipersoalkan...selalu juga kalau ada rezeki ke luar negara atas nama tugasan, aku belikan cenderahati buat semua kakitangan jabatan pengurusan editorial Berita Harian...ambil hati konon...

Zian yang bekerjasama erat dengan arwah Haji Bakar berhubung kes penjara Saniboey Mohd Ismail dan Yusaini Ali kerana melanggar Akta Rahsia Rasmi pada 1995, mengimbas:

"Arwah seorang yang berhemah, tenang dan tidak cemas dalam membantu Harian Metro berdepan dengan penahanan dua wartawan ketika itu, Saniboey dan Yusaini. Haji Bakar terlalu tinggi budi hemahnya. Beliaulah abang dan beliau juga bapa ketika meniti bersama liku-liku perjuangan di BH dan HM.

"U tau arwah bermula di Utusan Malaysia," kata Zian.

Sambil keluarga arwah menangisi pemergiannya, sekelompok bekas wartawan Berita Harian membawa haluan masing-masing...mengenang mereka yang telah pergi, rakan taulan yang sama bergelak ketawa, bergurau senda dan barangkali berkecil hati.

Al-Fatihah buat Haji Abu Bakar Ismail dan semua kakitangan Berita Harian yang sudah pulang ke Rahmatullah.

Swing by at the KLCC this weekend

Golf Membership for Grabs from Sime Darby Property at International Golf Festival Exhibition

Visitors who swing over to the Sime Darby Property booth at the International Golf Festival at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre this weekend stand a chance to make their golfing dreams come true if their skills are up to par.

The Sime Darby Property exhibition booth will feature a golf simulator and there will be a “nearest to pin” competition, which offers the Grand Prize of an Impian Golf & Country Club membership worth RM35,000.

The Impian Golf & Country Club in Nilai offers golfers 142 acres of lush greenery and excellent putting surfaces amidst 5,000 trees of various species, just minutes from the Kuala Lumpur city centre.

Sime Darby Property is also offering three daily prizes of complimentary green fee vouchers at the prestigious Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club to lucky visitors to its booth, which will also showcase some of its high-end projects in Bukit Jelutong and Planters’ Haven.

The Sime Darby Property booth will be located at stall No. 1038 at Hall 5 of the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, where Sales Consultants will be ready to welcome and assist visitors to the booth.

The International Golf Festival, which is supported by Tourism Malaysia, is open to the general public on Friday 22nd & Saturday 23rd of January 2010 from 12.30 pm- 8.00 pm and Sunday 24th January 2010 from 10.00am- 6.00pm.

Up, close and personal with the Fifa World Cup trophy

The Coca-Cola Company CEO Muhtar Kent & FIFA President Joseph Blatter at the launch of the Trophy Tour last year

Football fans can kick-off their 2010 FIFA World Cup™ experience early when Coca-Cola brings the authentic FIFA World Cup™ Trophy to Kuala Lumpur for a public display on January 29.

The FIFA World Cup™ Trophy Tour sponsored by Coca-Cola is set to bring the excitement closer to thousands of fans across the globe ahead of the games in South Africa through an unprecedented 9-months (225 days) long journey to 89 cities across 86 nations including Malaysia.

For one day only, the authentic gold FIFA World Cup Trophy will be on display to the public at Mid Valley Convention Centre on January 29th from 10.00 a.m.- 10.00 p.m. During this fan experience, avid football fans and loyal Coca-Cola consumers will be able to view the Trophy and have their photographs taken along-side the global icon and enjoy a full football extravaganza which includes a special commemorative 3D movie by FIFA.

Passes to the FIFA World Cup™ Trophy Tour can be obtained with the purchase of the McDonald’s Prosperity Burger™ Meal in restaurants in the Klang Valley from now while stocks last. Alternatively fans can visit the Coke Booth in the East Atrium of Mid Valley Mall on January 28 & 29 during the mall’s opening hours to purchase 2 x 1.5L for a chance to spin the refreshment wheel to win either WCTT tickets or Coke premiums.

“The FIFA World Cup Trophy is rarely been seen by the public and the tour is a tribute to this popular sport that breaks down social, cultural and national barriers. Without doubt there is a universal passion for football and Coca-Cola is proud to be able to unite Malaysians in the spirit of 1Malaysia,” said Mr. Antonio Del Rosario, Region Manager of Coca-Cola Malaysia, Singapore & Brunei, adding that Coca-Cola has a long history with football and FIFA, "so we’re thrilled to be able to create this golden opportunity for fans to get up close to this global icon".

Awarded to the winning nation at each tournament, the FIFA World Cup™ measures 36.8cm high, weighs 6.175kg and is made of solid, 18-carat gold with a base made from two layers of semi-precious malachite. The winner retains it until the next tournament and is then given a replica that is gold-plated, rather than solid gold. The bottom side of the Trophy bears the engraved year and name of each FIFA World Cup winner since 1974.

The Trophy Tour was developed through an exclusive partnership between FIFA and Coca-Cola, one of the organization’s longest-standing corporate partners. Beginning its journey from the FIFA Headquarters on September 21, 2009, it will travel around the world before arriving in the host country of South Africa on May 4, 2010. The total distance the tour will travel is 134,017 kilometers (83,274 miles) or more than three times the circumference of Earth.

Banking on banks

The National Banks Sports Council (NBSC) was once helmed by Dom Amy Hussain, husband of Datuk Paduka Dr Mumtaz Begum Abdul Jaffar, chairman of Yakeb, the national athletes welfare foundation.

A regular fixture in the domestic calendar was the inter-bank athletics meet, where the cream of the crop cross swords with each other. Those days watching Nur Herman Majid, Hamdi Jaafar and Hanapiah Nasir dashing towards the finish line after 10 hurdles was, really, one of the top stories of the year.

Media coverage on the inter-bank meet was tremendous due to the fact the top athletes were competing against each other, usually ahead of a major event.

These days, the NBSC is still active. Its office-bearers in fact continue to organise events such as the inter financial institutions futsal tournament.

With their financial muscle, the nation's financial institutions are potentially the biggest players in the sports industry.

Public Bank was a major player in football's Super League, while Maybank remains the major sponsor of the Malaysian Open golf tournament. CIMB continues to support Nicol Ann David. Can we expect more, perhaps?

Syed Anuar Syed Ali, Director, Group Public Affairs, AmBank Group (in the centre with black rimmed specs and red shirt) posing with the winning team - CIMB

Press release

AmBank Group finishes third in the 6th AmBank Group Inter Financial Institutions Futsal Tournament 2009/2010.

AmBank Group, main sponsors of the tournament, saw its ‘A’ team lost 1-2 in the semis in extra time to eventual champions, CIMB.

Mohamad Fadzil Karim was CIMB’s hero when he scored the winner in extra time to deny AmBank ‘A’ a place in the final at the Sports Planet, Subang Jaya. Employees’ Provident Fund (KWSP) finished joint third.

CIMB went on to clinch their second AmBank Group Inter Financial Institutions futsal title with a 4-0 win over Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) in the final on Sunday. For their efforts, CIMB won RM2,000 in prize money and the AmBank Group Inter Financial Challenge trophy. Fadzil was also named the Man of the Match.

In the Veteran category final, Agro Bank denied CIMB a double by defeating them 2-1 to clinch the prize money of RM1,000. Last year’s champion Public Bank and HSBC finished in joint third position.

The women’s final saw Maybank (MBB ‘A’) edge KWSP 1-0 with Nor Faizah Othman scoring the winner and also picking up the Women of the match title. MBB ‘A’ collected RM1,000 for their efforts.

The prizes were given away by Syed Anuar Syed Ali, Director, Group Public Affairs, AmBank Group.

“The quality of play has gone up this year and we hope to see more teams from the financial and insurance institutions participate in next year’s edition. On AmBank Group’s performance, we hope to perform better for next year’s tournament,” said Syed Anuar.

AmBank Group’s contribution for this year’s tournament was RM25,000 and the new teams who participated this year are Uni.Asia Life Assurance, Jerneh Insurance and Exim Bank.

A total of 72 teams competed in the 6th AmBank Group Inter Financial Institutions futsal tournament.

Takziah kepada Khalid Saad dan keluarga

Aku ingin menghulurkan salam takziah kepada bekas pengarang sukan Utusan Malaysia dan bekas naib presiden Persatuan Penulis-penulis Sukan Malaysia (SAM), Khalid Saad, atas pemergian isteri tersayang, Faridah Hashim, awal pagi tadi. Faridah yang juga penolong pengarang berita Utusan online, dilaporkan terjatuh dalam bilik air di kediamannya di Bangi. Alamat Khalid, 37, Jalan 4/11E, Bandar Baru Bangi.

This song should accompany the national team everywhere

Courtesy of the passionate guys at harimaumalaya.com

EPLx Kosmo! 9 Jan

National Sports Institute (NSI) director-general Datuk Dr Ramlan Abdul Aziz is a Spurs fan...

Banking on futsal

Mokhlis Maizan, president of the National Banks Sports Council (NBSC) and Syed Anuar Syed Ali, director, group Public Affairs, AmBank Group (fifth from right), holding the mock cheque together with AmBank group staff and NSBC officials

PRESS RELEASE

For the sixth year running, AmBank Group will be the official title sponsor for the 6th edition of the AmBank Group-Inter Financial Institutions Futsal Tournament 2009/2010. This was announced at a cheque presentation ceremony held at Bangunan AmBank Group, Kuala Lumpur recently.

At the presentation ceremony, Syed Anuar Syed Ali, Director, Group Public Affairs, AmBank Group presented a mock cheque to Mokhlis Maizan, President of the National Banks Sports Council.

“Futsal is a sport that is close to our hearts and we are pleased to continue as the main sponsor for the 6th AmBank Group-Inter Financial Institutions Futsal Tournament 2009/2010. Futsal is a popular sports amongst the public and also staff of financial institution, hence we are delighted to lend our support to a healthy sporting activity that is enjoyed by the masses,” said Syed Anuar.

This year, a record of 72 teams from Financial Institutions have signed up to vie for the AmBank Group Futsal Cup.

AmBank Group’s sponsorship for this edition is worth RM25,000 and the tournament proper will be held on 16-17 January 2010 at Sports Planet, Subang Jaya.

The 6th AmBank Group Inter Financial Institutions Futsal Tournament 2009 is organised by the National Banks Sports Council and sanctioned by the Kuala Lumpur Football Association (KLFA).

There will be three categories in the tournament, comprising of Open, Ladies and Veteran (over 40 & above).
_____________________________________________________________
For further information, please contact Syed Anuar Syed Ali, Director, Group Public Affairs Department, AmBank Group at Tel: 03-2036 1703 or email at sasa@ambankgroup.com

RM10 million for football

The sports family was greeted with news that the National Incentive scheme (Shakam) will be reviewed. Also the national football fund was kicked off by the Prime Minister with a grant of RM10 million, a short while ago!

Edisi kedua EPLx Kosmo! Football Fever

PENGUMUMAN PENTING

EPLx KOSMO! FOOTBALL FEVER EDISI KE-2

31 Januari 2010, 10.00 PAGI

Sport Planet Subang Grand, Selangor Darul Ehsan

(Lot 604, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Taman Perindustrian Subang, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan)

DEMAM BOLA KINI KEMBALI LAGI! Sempena keluaran Sisipan EPLx KOSMO! Sertai pertandingan Futsal, Pertandingan PES (Pro Evolution Soccer 2010) PS3, Perlawanan ARSENAL vs MANCHESTER UNITED (Live) di “Big Screen”, Warung-warung makan berkonsepkan KOPITIAM, Perlawanan Futsal Artis, Persembahan Freestyle Bola Sepak dan bermacam-macam lagi aktiviti keluarga seperti Penalty Shoot-Out dan bermacam-macam lagi aktiviti menarik menanti anda.

DAFTAR AWAL MULAI 28 NOVEMBER hingga 20 DISEMBER 2009 untuk mendapatkan diskaun pendaftaran sebanyak 10%! (Futsal Sahaja)

FUTSAL TERBUKA (KATEGORI LELAKI)

Yuran Penyertaan RM250

HADIAH FUTSAL KATEGORI LELAKI

Pertama: RM4,500 + Cenderahati

Kedua: RM2,500 + Cenderahati

Ketiga : RM1,500 + Cenderahati

Keempat : RM800 + Cenderahati

Kelima : RM400 + Cenderahati

Keenam - Kelapan : Saguhati

Kasut Emas: RM500 + Cenderahati

FUTSAL TERBUKA (KATEGORI WANITA)

Yuran Penyertaan RM250

HADIAH FUTSAL KATEGORI WANITA

Pertama: RM2,000 + Cenderahati

Kedua: RM1,200 + Cenderahati

Ketiga : RM600 + Cenderahati

Keempat : RM400 + Cenderahati

Kelima : Cenderahati

PERTANDINGAN PS3 (KALAH MATI)

Yuran Penyertaan RM20

HADIAH

Pertama: RM1000 + PS3

Kedua: RM500+ Cenderahati

Ketiga: RM300 + Cenderahati

Untuk Pendaftaran futsal & PS3 sila layari laman web

www.eplx.my/daftarfutsal

Untuk pertanyaan lanjut sila hubungi Fauzi Manan/Sharida Idora di talian 013-6660468/03-22875881

JANGAN KETINGGALAN!

OCM conference

One of our biggest drawbacks is our inability to accept criticism in good spirits. This applies not only to the sporting fraternity but Malaysians in general. Detractors are seen as being up to no good. Probing questions are usually discouraged. Intellectual discourse is few and far between. Anyway, loose cannon hopes the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) Conference on January 23 can offer something different.

Excerpts taken from OCM's blog here


The 2010 OCM Conference will be held on 23rd January 2010 at the OCM Indoor Sports Arena, Level 3, OCM Indoor Sports Complex, Wisma OCM, Kuala Lumpur.

The Conference will commence at 9.00 a.m. and will end at 4.30 p.m. Lunch will be served from 1.00 to 2.00 p.m. No registration fee will be charged.The objective of the Conference is to receive inputs from affiliates of OCM, and other stake-holders to assist OCM to formulate a strategic Plan for the OCM for the five year period 2011 to 2016. The theme of the Conference is – “From ‘good’ to ‘great’—taking OCM to new heights”

Agenda of the Conference:
0830 hr to 0930 hr – Registration of Participants
0930 hr to 1015 hr – Keynote Address by President OCM
1015 hr to 1030 hr – Briefing on Process by Deputy President of OCM
1030 hr to 1100 hr – Tea Break
1100 hr to 1130 hr – Thoughts of the Honorary Secretary
1130 hr to 1300 hr – First Panel – situational analysis of OCM – achievements, strengths and weaknesses. Moderator: Y.Bhg. Prof. Dato’ Dr. Zakaria Ahmad.
1300 hr to1400 hr – Lunch
1400 hr to 1530 hr – Panel 2 –where do we want to go and how to get there? Moderator: Y.Bhg. Dato’ Roy Rajasingham
1530 hr to 1630 hr – Concluding session – Key recommendations. Moderator – YAM Tunku Tan Sri Imran ibni Almarhum Tuanku Ja’afar.
There will be 3 to 4 speakers for each of the above two Panel Sessions.
Each speaker will speak for 5 minutes only. Some of the speakers identified (subject to confirmation) are:
Y.Bhg. Prof. Dato’ Arch. W. Y. Chin, VP of OCM.
Cik Low Beng Choo, VP of OCM
Y.Bhg. Dato’ A. Sani Karim, VP of OCM
Y.Bhg. Dato’ Seri Kee Yong Wee, Hon. Treasurer, OCM.
Y.Bhg. Datuk Naim Mohamad, Deputy President of Malaysian National Cycling Federation.
Y.Bhg. Dato’ Dr. P. S. Nathan, President, Malaysian Tenpin Bowling Congress.
Y.Bhg. Dato’ Peter Velappan, retired General Secretary of AFC.
Encik Khawari Mohd Isa – President of SAM

Other speakers could be identified later. All participants from the floor, in particular, those from the NSAs, are encouraged to speak and contribute their views and ideas for the betterment of sport and the OCM. The time allotted to each speak shall again be 5 minutes only.

This is a very important conference for OCM as it will assist OCM to formulate a strategic Plan for the OCM for the five year period 2011 to 2016. Since the Conference will be held at the OCM Indoor Sports Arena, Level 3, OCM Indoor Sports Complex, Wisma OCM, Kuala Lumpur, there will be sufficient room for over 500 participants. As such, all are welcomed. All those interested to attend the Conference are requested to email their names and contacts (email, mobile phone, etc.) to OCM at nocmas@tm.net.my by 20th January 2010. Individuals and participants may also submit their views in writing on the following three questions, via email to nocmas@tm.net.my. · Where are we now and how well have we done?

Inaugural SAM-KBS media award

Taken from sammalaysia.blogspot.com - A total of RM40,000 in prize money is being offered to winners of the inaugural SAM-KBS Media Awards this year.

SAM Executive Committee are pleased to announce that the Media Awards would be held together with the annual SAM-100Plus Sports Excellence Award ceremony. The date and venue are being finalised and would be confirmed soon.

The tentative dates are February 20 or 21 (Saturday / Sunday). For the first time ever, the event would be organised during lunch time, to ensure a bigger turnout of members.

There are a total of seven (7) categories for SAM-KBS Media Awards - Best Overall (open), Best News Report (print media), Best News Report (electronic media), Focus and Issues (print and electronic media), Special Report & Commentary (print media), Special Report & Commentary (electronic media) and photography.

The main prize - for Best Overall - offers winner a sum of RM7,000, a trophy and a certificate.

Winners of six categories will each receive RM3,000, a trophy and certificates. All five shortlisted nominees in each six categories will receive consolation prizes - RM500 each, a souvenir and certificates.

Independent body, Malaysian Press Institute (MPI) will be engaged to handle all matters related to SAM-KBS Media Awards, to ensure fair play at all times.

For the SAM-100Plus Sports Excellence Award, chosen athlete will win RM10,000. All SAM members will play a major role in determining the winner this time around. SAM exco will shortlist the names of deserving athletes with the assistance from Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) and National Sports Council (NSC).

SAM members would then be asked to select the Best Athlete in a voting system. The athlete with highest number of votes would be declared the winner. Please look out for entry form to cast your pick for SAM-100Plus Sports Excellence Awards and also notices and details for the SAM-KBS Media Awards soon.

ALAMAK, no category for bloggers ah?

Bye bye Asian Cup, from Dubai

Pics from Dubai, courtesy of Zaimi "Miere" Ridzwan, loose cannon's former team mate and a decent footballer currently earning his living as an architect in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

A midfielder throughout his career, Miere believes K. Rajagobal's team can go far. They lost to a 90th minute goal.

Malaysia: Farizal Marlias, Nasriq Baharom, Aidil Zafuan Abdul Radzak, Muslim Ahmad, Azmi Muslim, Norhafiz Zamani Misbah (Amar Rohidan), Norshahrul Idlan Talaha, Safiq Rahim, S. Kunanlan, Zaquan Adha Abdul Radzak, Ahmad Fakri Saarani (Amirulhadi Zainal)

Aidil Zafuan Abdul Radzak (left) commands the defence, alongside Amirulhadi Zainal, Zaquan Adha Abdul Radzak, Amar Rohidan and Muslim Ahmad

Rajagobal's boys on the attack through Zaquan

Malaysian supporters at Al-Shabab, Dubai

No pussyfooting

Negeri Sembilan-born Pistol Pete or Peter Velappan once coached Malaysia, became an assistant secretary of the FA of Malaysia, was an official with the Sports Ministry and assistant team manager for the 1972 Munich Olympic squad, a driving force of Asian football. His points are highlighted by the New Straits Times here.

Kedah-born Windsor John, former assistant coach of Selangor, research and development head at FAM, FIFA Goal development officer and the man who had the audacity to say no to Maradona in 2006, is spot on here

Kuala Lumpur-born and bred Tony Mariadass played for school, managed the Malay Mail team, kept a close watch on Kevin Keegan's Malaysian Tigers in the 80s, was sports editor of Malay Mail and later joined Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said's think tank. He has cast doubts over the true agenda of the plan to send the Under-23 team for overseas stint. Read here. TonyM also expresses his disappointment on the cancellation of the MSSM Under-15 tourney here.

Ahmad Khawari Isa, Sportswriters Association of Malaysia (SAM) president, former media officer of FAM and once groomed to lead the FAM secretariat, takes potshots at the powers-that-be here

Satwant Singh Dhaliwal, once part of the FAM inner circle as the corporate communications and marketing head, suggests that we go Welsh here.

Roll out the red carpet for...Roelant

Hush hush...a Dutchman is already here probably to chart our hockey fortunes...he's no stranger to hockey fans. For updates on hockey in Malaysia, please drop by at Satwant Singh's hockey blog here

Bola lagi...

Laporan Harian Metro hari ini memetik ketua pengarah Majlis Sukan Negara (MSN) Datuk Zolkples Embong yang mempertahankan cadangan Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek untuk mengirim pasukan Bawah 23 tahun kebangsaan ke Eropah.

Oleh Nor Hairulnizam Wahid
hairulnizam@hmetro.com.my

"ITU hak mereka untuk tidak berpuas hati, tetapi kita lakukan semua ini demi kepentingan negara dan bukannya negeri," kata Ketua Pengarah Majlis Sukan Negara, Datuk Zolkples Embong apabila cadangan Menteri Belia dan Sukan, Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek untuk mengasingkan skuad kebangsaan untuk program sepenuh masa di England tampak kurang disenangi beberapa pasukan dan jurulatih negeri.

Teguh menyokong pendirian ‘bosnya’, Zolkples yakin jika "kita tidak lakukan sekarang, saya yakin bola sepak akan kembali macam dulu." KITA KENA LIHAT GAMBARAN LEBIH BESAR, JANGAN FOKUS KEPADA ELIT, ITU AKU JELASKAN KEPADA SUKAN AWANI SEMALAM. JANGAN GHAIRAH DENGAN KEMENANGAN SUKAN SEA!

Beliau menafikan kenyataan jurulatih terbabit ada kaitan dengan usaha menggagalkan perancangan Kementerian Belia dan Sukan, MSN dan Persatuan Bola Sepak Malaysia (FAM) selepas berjaya mengakhiri kemarau 20 tahun pingat emas Sukan Sea di Vientiane.

Jelas beliau apa yang dibimbangi pihak terbabit tidak akan memberi kesan terhadap perancangan yang diputuskan apatah lagi mereka perlu melihat kejayaan di Sukan Sea adalah landasan terbaik untuk melonjakkan prestasi pasukan bola sepak kebangsaan.

Zolkples ternyata lebih bimbang sekiranya pemain terus bersama negeri, mereka akan kehilangan kecergasan yang dilihat menjadi faktor utama kemenangan skuad bawah 23 tahun itu, yang terbukti sewaktu menentang Thailand yang kelihatan ‘lesu’ dan sebelum itu turut cergas dalam perlawanan sebelumnya menentang Kemboja.

"Tanpa latihan di bawah kendalian jurulatih kebangsaan di bawah pemerhatian secara khusus, mustahil mereka akan mencapai tahap antarabangsa dan prestasi mereka jauh lebih baik dalam Liga M," katanya. JADI JANGAN AMBIL JALAN SINGKAT. KITA KENA FIKIR MACAM MANA NAK TINGKATKAN MUTU LIGA. DEVELOP EN MASSE!

Jelasnya, perkara ini sudah diputuskan hasil perbincangan ketiga-tiga pihak terutama dengan FAM yang menaungi persatuan negeri dan sebagai mewakili persatuan negeri, mereka sudah bersetuju dengan pendekatan itu meskipun tidak berpuas hati dengan reaksi persatuan negeri terhadap perkara itu. HABIS TU MACAM MANA FAM KATA TAK SETUJU DUA HARI LEPAS TAPI SETUJU PULAK HARI INI?

"Kita perlu lakukan yang terbaik untuk kebaikan negara dan dalam hal itu pasukan negeri terpaksa berkorban dan mereka tidak perlu bimbang mengenainya," katanya yang menjelaskan Tabung Pembangunan Bola Sepak akan digunakan untuk membiayai pemain terbabit sekiranya diperlukan. BENAR, AKU ANTARA YANG BANYAK MEMBELASAH PASUKAN NEGERI YANG DILIHAT LEBIH MEMENTINGKAN DIRI SENDIRI TAPI DALAM HAL INI, AKU FIKIR LEBIH WAJAR KALAU YANG TERBAIK SAJA DIHANTAR SECARA BERKELOMPOK. YANG PENTING PEMAIN HARUS DIPILIH BERMAIN SECARA MERIT, BUKAN ATTACHMENT. KITA SENTIASA DALAM DILEMA, BAGAIMANA HENDAK MEMAJUKAN PASUKAN KEBANGSAAN SAMBIL MEMASTIKAN LIGA M KEKAL RELEVAN!

Kelmarin, Ahmad Shabery selepas perjumpaan antara KBS, MSN dan FAM membayangkan pemain skuad kebangsaan akan menjalani latihan bersama kelab terkemuka Eropah, mengambil contoh kejayaan pemain Afrika yang menyertai kelab Perancis sebelum cemerlang dalam Liga Perdana Inggeris. SEBENARNYA, DI AFRIKA ADA SATU SISTEM TALENT SCOUTING YANG MENYELURUH. PAT VIEIRA UMPAMANYA ADA SEKOLAH BOLA SEPAKNYA SENDIRI DI SENEGAL. DI CAMEROON ADA TRADISI MELAHIRKAN PEMAIN HEBAT. KELAB GERGASI SEPERTI BARCELONA, INTER MILAN DAN PARIS ST GERMAIN ADA RANGKAIAN TALENT SCOUT DAN PROGRAM BERKEMBAR DI KEBANYAKAN NEGARA AFRIKA. SIAPA YANG ADA BAKAT DIBAWA KE EROPAH PADA USIA BELASAN TAHUN. ADA JUGA KELOMPOK YANG BERKELANA KE EROPAH AS A MATTER OF SURVIVAL DAN BUKAN DIHANTAR OLEH PERSATUAN MEREKA! MISALNYA DIDIER DROGBA. DIA BUKAN DIHANTAR OLEH IVORY COAST LAH!


Malah beliau sendiri akan ke England untuk berbincang dengan kelab terbabit bagi menempatkan pemain terbaik negara untuk tempoh tertentu, selain ke Slovakia, Korea Selatan dan Turki. SLOVAKIA MUNGKIN BOLEH KERANA ADANYA JOSEF VENGLOS. KITA JUGA HARUS LIHAT DIVISYEN DUA JEPUN. KITA JUGA HARUS ADA PROGRAM BERKEMBAR, MAKNANYA PEMAIN KITA BOLEH KE SANA DAN PEMAIN SERTA JURULATIH MEREKA JUGA KE SINI UNTUK BUAT KLINIK KEJURULATIHAN!

That Malaysian malaise

Loose cannon was recently alerted to this article here written by Idlan Rabihah Zakaria, a former writer at Youthquake, New Straits Times. Read the comments as well.

May I suggest...

1. that instead of sending K. Rajagobal's team for overseas attachment, find ways to place our 15-16 year olds to neighbouring countries. The cream of the crop be identified and dispatched to Europe, not necessarily England lah. The average age of Rajagobal's team is 21, where the tactical and technical behaviour of a player is already formed.

2. that we send qualified coaches to oversee the academies

3. that we employ qualified coaches for schools as basic training on technique and skills is crucial during the formative years

4. that we make sure the sports-science support system is in place at schools so that we do not lose good talent as a result of negligence

5. that we make sure every team have a training ground to call their own, like Persada Plus owned by KL PLUS (but they are rich, eh)

6. that we develop our coaches, send them to be members of technical study groups and ask them to submit their analytical report

7. coaching curriculum must include - passing, shooting, trapping or control, crossing, finishing, running with the ball, turning, running off the ball, creating space, transitional play, set plays. So where from? Europe, especially France and Holland.

8. that we have year-long leagues for Under-12s, Under-15s and Under-18s

9. that the FA of Malaysia be tasked with the Road Map (where's Robert Alberts' Road Map), provide technical expertise for all levels, organise national level league for various age groups

10. that the Education Ministry introduce sports and football as major activity all year long at primary level and introduce a unversity league that serves as the third tier after the Super League and Premier League

11. that the Sports Ministry help run the junior leagues through community services via Jabatan Belia

12. that the Sports Minister take the trouble to seek the opinion of France Football Federation technical director, Gerard Houllier, who is coming to Kuala Lumpur to conduct a coaching course on Jan 27-29. We don't have to spend so much gallivanting in Europe with a big entourage tagging along and pretend as if they are taking notes while thinking about what to buy at Harrods or Hamleys.

13. that we send our footballers to England only to watch the EPL matches, nothing more. After all, read Trevor Brooking's concerns here.

14. that we ponder this comments from Steve Coppell

"English football is not set up to reproduce 1966; we are set up to produce European champions at club football. The big teams in the Premier League are looking after themselves. If you were starting football again, you wouldn't have an FA and a Premier League - it would be one body.

I am concerned about England. We have not got a great history, so why should we expect to be elite? Perhaps the success of the Premier League has given us false expectations, because our teams, based almost entirely on foreigners, are doing well in Europe."

Then probably the Minister can justify the RM60 million development fund allocated for football!

Anyway, read the Bernama report, English lessons in the Malay Mail, the RM60 million fund and golden team for attachment.

Lagi lagi England...

UPDATED 11.57am.

Sportwriters Association of Malaysia (SAM) president Ahmad Khawari Isa is in the opinion that we should give the Sports Minister the benefit of the doubt. Read his rebuttal on loose cannon's posting here.


ORIGINAL POSTING

Granted the English Premier League is one of the most exciting competitions in the footballing world but do we have to make our former colonial masters a destination to hone the skills of our Tigers?

Loose cannon finds it disturbing that the Government thinks England can provide answers to our woes. The last time loose cannon checked, England's only victory on a global scale was the World Cup in 1966, the year best remembered for the birth of Eric Cantona.

What we can learn from the English is how to market our products - the league. To discover how best to ensure a never-ending supply of QUALITY footballers, go to France and Holland lah!

KUALA LUMPUR - Kementerian Belia dan Sukan (KBS) dan Persatuan Bola Sepak Malaysia (FAM) bersetuju untuk menghantar 30 pemain skuad Bawah 23 tahun negara beraksi dengan kelab-kelab terkemuka Eropah. DULU ANAK BUAH HATEM SOUISSI MERATA PERGI KE EROPAH, MENEWASKAN PASUKAN SIMPANAN ARSENAL ANTARANYA YANG ADA PATRICK VIEIRA!


Menteri Belia dan Sukan, Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek berkata, pendedahan di luar negara itu merupakan jalan terbaik untuk mengekalkan kecemerlangan skuad yang memenangi pingat emas pada Sukan SEA XXV di Laos, baru-baru ini. TIDAK SEMESTINYA.

Untuk itu, katanya, beliau akan ke England minggu depan sebagai destinasi pertama dalam mencari kelab yang sesuai dan berminat untuk berlatih dengan skuad negara. BALIK-BALIK ENGLAND.

Sambil merahsiakan nama-nama kelab terbabit, Shabery berkata, beliau juga akan ke beberapa negara Eropah, selain dari England. APA NAK RAHSIA

''Apabila pulang nanti dari sana nanti, barulah saya akan umumkan bentuk kerjasama yang kita boleh jalinkan dengan kelab-kelab berkenaan.''

''Mungkin kita akan bahagikan para pemain ini kepada beberapa kelab, tidak semestinya mereka akan tertumpu dengan satu kelab sahaja.

''Saya akan membawa perancangan ini ke Kabinet. Usaha ini amat penting demi pembangunan jangka panjang bola sepak negara,'' katanya.

Sebelum ini, cadangan Ahmad Shabery supaya pemain skuad bola sepak Bawah 23 tidak mewakli pasukan negeri atau kelab sukar, didakwa sukar untuk dilaksanakan. ITULAH, LAIN KALI KENA CHECK DULU DENGAN FAM!

Ia disebabkan faktor kewangan yang dihadapi oleh FAM serta masalah teknikal yang bakal berlaku jika cadangan tersebut dilaksanakan.

Ahmad Shabery berkata, beliau menyedari kekangan yang akan dihadapi oleh FAM dalam memenuhi komitmen itu, kerana kebanyakan pemain terikat dengan kontrak bersama pasukan negeri masing-masing, di samping masalah kewangan untuk menghantar pemain ke luar negara.

''Saya akan berbincang dengan FAM serta pasukan negeri yang terlibat untuk melepaskan pemain mereka sepanjang tempoh pemain yang terpilih untuk ke luar negara, juga membantu daripada segi kewangan,'' katanya. INI BUKAN JAWAPANNYA!

Beliau berkata demikian semasa sidang media mengenai skuad Bawah 23 negara selepas mengadakan perbincangan dengan FAM mengenai hala tuju bola sepak negara di Majlis Sukan Negara (MSN), semalam.

Turut hadir Timbalan Presiden FAM, Datuk Redzuan Sheikh Ahmad, Ketua Pengarah Majlis Sukan Negara (MSN), Datuk Zolkples Embong dan Setiuasaha Agung FAM, Datuk Azzuddin Ahmad. KENAPA PAKAR-PAKAR INI TIDAK MENASIHAT PAK MENTERI?


Ditanya jika ada pasukan negeri enggan melepaskan pemain mereka kepada skuad kebangsaan, Shabery menegaskan, mereka tiada pilihan lain, selain mengutamakan kepentingan negara. BETUL TAPI PEMAIN PERLUKAN PERLAWANAN KOMPETITIF, BUKAN PERSAHABATAN!

''Namun, ruang untuk perbincangan tentang masalah itu tetap ada, kita bersedia berunding dalam memenuhi tuntutan mereka terutamanya pembabitan kontrak,'' jelasnya.

Beliau optimis sambutan orang ramai terhadap Liga Super 2010 tidak terjejas teruk hanya kerana tiada penyertaan beberapa pemain kebangsaan dalam skuad negeri.

''Kita hanya mengambil dalam satu atau dua sahaja pemain, paling maksimum mungkin empat pemain dari satu pasukan, saya tidak fikir ia akan memberi kesan teruk kepada semua pasukan negeri,'' katanya. JUARA PIALA MALAYSIA NEGERI SEMBILAN MUNGKIN KEHILANGAN ZAQUAN ADHA DAN AIDIL ZAFUAN ABDUL RADZAK SERTA S. KUNANLAN. TIGA TONGGAK TU!

Selain itu, Shabery juga berkata merancang mewujudkan program pendedahan kepada jurulatih untuk ke luar negara pada masa akan datang. YA INI PENTING! BETUL!

''Kita tidak mahu sekadar jurulatih kita hanya tahu sekadar melatih, namun turut dibimbing dengan ilmu membaca serta menganalisis permainan bola sepak,'' katanya. BETUL! DAH BERIBU KALI AKU TULIS DULU! SIAP AKU SUGGEST HANTAR JURULATIH KE PIALA DUNIA, BUKAN AHLI MAJLIS FAM!

Condolences for Kuhan

Fellow blogger and hockey specialist Satwant Singh has posted the sad news on the passing of S. Kuhan's brother here. To Kuhan and family, please accept our deepest condolences.