Time to give Reserve League a facelift (03/11/1995 - The Malay Mail)

Publication : MM
Date : 03/11/1995
Headline : Time to give Reserve League a facelift


THE FA of Malaysia should seriously consider giving the Reserve League,
which concluded last Friday, a facelift to make it more attractive.
It was indeed sad that the nation's top youth tournament, which paraded
the future stars of Malaysia, did not receive enough publicity and fan
support.
For the first leg final at Tun Razak Stadium where Kuala Lumpur and
Kelantan played to a 1-1 draw, there were less than 1,000 fans.
For the return leg in Kota Baru, where Kelantan wrested the Cup with a
solitary goal win for a 2-1 aggregate, there were less than 3,000 fans.
There was hardly any build-up in the local media for the Cup final.
The fact that FAM deemed it fit to postpone the semifinals for a month
because of a protest by Selangor, who were edged out in the quarterfinals,
probably speaks of the importance placed on the tournament by teams.
Would FAM have done the same if it was a situation in the M-League or
Malaysia Cup competition?
While there will be great hype for the Malaysia Cup final, the Reserve
League did not enjoy these luxuries to create the atmosphere of a Cup
final.
The FAM top brass present for the first leg final were vice-president
Datuk Syed Ahmad Kuning, while KLFA president Tan Sri Elyas Omar, who is
also a FAM vice-president, was the other one there.
It is about time that FAM seriously consider playing the Reserve League
together with the M-League to give it more prominence.
To play a Reserve League match as a curtain-raiser before a M-League
match sounds ideal.
Of course State FAs might protest saying that the pitch might be ruined
before the M-League match.
Well, when two matches could be played on a night for more than a week
during the Merdeka Tournament, surely two matches on a night once a week
is not too demanding!
In any case, if the weather is really bad on a particular match day, the
Reserve League match surely can be played the next morning.
At least playing the Reserve League match together with M-League matches
will give youth players some importance and fan following.
Imagine the Reserve League final being played as a curtain-raiser to the
Malaysia Cup final?
The electrifying atmosphere on the Cup final day itself, will see the
youth players give 120 or 130 per cent effort.
Another area where FAM should look into is Reserve League players'
movement to play in the M-League and M-League players playing in the
Reserve League.
It is agreed that FAM had problems previously when some State FAs,
instead of using the Reserve League as an arena to develop their
youngsters, were more obsessed about winning at all cost that they
manipulated the rules.
But FAM should seriously consider being more flexible about players from
the Reserve League moving up to play in the M-League because the whole
idea is to see these youngsters move up to the League one day.
If some players show enough potential to move up earlier, especially
during the season, why not encourage it.
In order not to allow States to manipulate the rules, probably there
should be one stating that a M-League player can only take part in the
Reserve League if he does not play in the M-League for three consecutive
matches.
The moment a M-League player comes on as a substitute or starts among
the first XI for M-League matches, he will have to sit out three matches
before he is eligible for a Reserve League match.
There are strong speculations that FAM are considering implementing a
new ruling for the new season where 25 players be registered for the M-
League and another set of 25 for the Reserve League and there cannot be
any movement of players from the two squads.

Time to crack the whip, FAM (04/10/1995 - The Malay Mail)

Publication : MM
Date : 04/10/1995
Headline : Time to crack the whip, FAM


THE Premier League will go fully professional next season after seven
years since its birth as a semi-pro competition.
But in tandem with full professionalism, it is high time for the FA of
Malaysia to crack the whip on errant or deadwood FAs.
For a start, FAM should stop pampering the state FAs.
Let them fend for themselves. Stop spoon-feeding them with the yearly
handout of RM500,000, which is only a minimum.
At the beginning when the League was in its infancy, it was fine to help
the States get prepared with financial aid.
The States have learnt to walk, so to speak, and it is about time, they
learn to be independent.
State FAs have often complained about difficulties in securing
additional funds because of the existing circumstances.
The barrier that holds back other sponsors are the advantages being
enjoyed by the major sponsors and co-sponsors of the League and FAM.
The existing sponsors have the rights to prominent advertising space at
stadiums and players' jerseys.
As a result, other sponsors are reluctant to come in because they feel
that they don't get a good deal. They either shy away, have conflicting
interest or come in only for a token sum.
As this is the main complaint, FAM should put the State FAs to a test by
stopping the annual financial contribution and let them get their own
sponsors.
One can look at it this way. The States FAs are not really earnest in
hunting for sponsors because they know the money from FAM is ready for
them annually.
As a result, they make little efforts to raise funds or look into other
avenues.
To be fair, several States do really try to improve themselves. With
proper management, they have ventured into business like sports management
and are doing well.
There are some lucky ones who have their State Governments helping them
financially. This again makes the State FAs sit down comfortably and
forget their tasks.
In some cases, even with the FAM subsidies, the State FAs still have
problems managing their set-ups because of lavish spending because the
money they spend is not through their efforts.
When the very people who were asked to quit their jobs and turn full
professionals got short-changed, the errant State FAs should be hauled up.
This season, there were several States who have had problems paying the
wages of their players, even running into arrears of two months and more.
And last season, many players caught for match-fixing in Malaysia's
biggest soccer scandal, claimed that they had to resort to accepting
bribery because their salaries were often not paid on time.
Of course, that is not an excuse for them to be corrupted, but it was
one factor which State FAs should have recognised and prevented.
Then, we have State FAs offering substantial bonuses to players for
winning matches but can they afford them?
It is all right if the State FAs can make these payouts, but some States
have run into debts because they cannot fulfill their promises to the
players.
But the question is, when the players are professionals and are paid to
do their jobs, why pay them bonuses for wins when it is their duty to do
so.
It should be more rational to reward the players at the end of the
season or when they qualify for the Malaysia Cup or progress further.
But when we get State FAs paying bonuses for winning matches but not
winning any honours at the end of the season, one wonders what the bonuses
were for. For failure, perhaps?
The State FA will have to get their act together for the new season
because there are many unprofessional things occurring in the respective
associations.
The FAM have even spoon-fed the State FAs by supplying office equipment
like computers, television sets, video-players, photo-stating machines, to
name a few, but there were still certain States who could not operate
efficiently.
In some States, the Press covering matches even have difficulties
getting team-lists, let alone decent table and chairs to work on.
Maybe the State FAs have got very comfortable with the handouts from FAM
that they do not want to raise their fingers to get things in order.
The subsidy given by FAM includes money to be spent on youth development
and administration but there are still many State FAs who have neglected
this.
They use the bulk or even all the money for their Premier League team,
which includes tours and expensive foreign signings but have nothing to
show at the end of the season.
There are some State FAs who do not even budget their expenditure for
the season.
They end up either depending on gate collections, which is not a
guaranteed source of income, or running back to the FAM for advances from
their next season's subsidy!
There have been times when FAM had to bail out the State FAs after they
could fulfill their obligations to foreign players, who had sought Fifa's
interference.
If the national body had not bailed out these State FAs, the former
could have ended in hot soup with the international soccer body.
FAM's current contract with the major sponsors end in 1997 and probably,
it is about time they review the current trend of supporting the State FAs
in line with the League going professional.
FAM could still secure the sponsors, but use the funds for the various
national teams, national development of coaches, youth development and
technical areas.
It is also time that only those teams who can manage themselves
independently, which will automatically see them taking a more
professional approach in all aspects because the profit and loss ledger at
the end of the year will determine their very survival, are allowed to
play in the Professional League.
State FAs who cannot manage themselves well or cannot afford to play in
the Professional League should probably take part in the Amateur League
until a time when they are ready to join the higher echelons.
It does not matter if we can only get eight States who are financially
sound to play in the Professional League because we will at least get a
League with the minimum of problems and a high-quality performance where
the competition will be much keener with all teams fighting to come out
tops. And ultimately, this will put more money in their kitty.
Food for thought, FAM.

Time to crack the whip, FAM (The Malay Mail)

THE Premier League will go fully professional next season after seven
years since its birth as a semi-pro competition.
  But in tandem with full professionalism, it is high time for the FA of
Malaysia to crack the whip on errant or deadwood FAs.
  For a start, FAM should stop pampering the state FAs.
  Let them fend for themselves. Stop spoon-feeding them with the yearly
handout of RM500,000, which is only a minimum.
  At the beginning when the League was in its infancy, it was fine to help
the  States get prepared with financial aid.
  The States have learnt to walk, so to speak, and it is about time, they
learn to be independent.
  State FAs have often complained about difficulties in securing
additional funds because of the existing circumstances.
  The barrier that holds back other sponsors are the advantages being
enjoyed by the major sponsors and co-sponsors of the League and FAM.
  The existing sponsors have the rights to prominent advertising space at
stadiums and players' jerseys.
  As a result, other sponsors are reluctant to come in because they feel
that they don't get a good deal. They either shy away, have conflicting
interest or come in only for a token sum.
  As this is the main complaint, FAM should put the State FAs to a test by
stopping the annual financial contribution and let them get their own
sponsors.
  One can look at it this way. The States FAs are not really earnest in
hunting for sponsors because they know the money from FAM is ready for
them annually.
  As a result, they make little efforts to raise funds or look into other
avenues.
  To be fair, several States do really try to improve themselves. With
proper management, they have ventured into business like sports management
and are doing well.
  There are some lucky ones who have their State Governments helping them
financially. This again makes the State FAs sit down comfortably and
forget their tasks.
  In some cases, even with the FAM subsidies, the State FAs still have
problems managing their set-ups because of lavish spending because the
money they spend is not through their efforts.
  When the very people who were asked to quit their jobs and turn full
professionals got short-changed, the errant State FAs should be hauled up.
  This season, there were several States who have had problems paying the
wages of their players, even running into arrears of two months and more.
  And last season, many players caught for match-fixing in Malaysia's
biggest soccer scandal, claimed that they had to resort to accepting
bribery because their salaries were often not paid on time.
  Of course, that is not an excuse for them to be corrupted, but it was
one factor which State FAs should have recognised and prevented.
  Then, we have State FAs offering substantial bonuses to players for
winning matches but can they afford them?
  It is all right if the State FAs can make these payouts, but some States
have run into debts because they cannot fulfil their promises to the
players.
  But the question is, when the players are professionals and are paid to
do their jobs, why pay them bonuses for wins when it is their duty to do
so.
  It should be more rational to reward the players at the end of the
season or when they qualify for the Malaysia Cup or progress further.
  But when we get State FAs paying bonuses for winning matches but not
winning any honours at the end of the season, one wonders what the bonuses
were for. For failure, perhaps?
  The State FA will have to get their act together for the new season
because there are many unprofessional things occurring in the respective
associations.
  The FAM have even spoon-fed the State FAs by supplying office equipment
like computers, television sets, video-players, photo-stating machines, to
name a few, but there were still certain States who could not operate
efficiently.
  In some States, the Press covering matches even have difficulties
getting team-lists, let alone decent table and chairs to work on.
  Maybe the State FAs have got very comfortable with the handouts from FAM
that they do not want to raise their fingers to get things in order.
  The subsidy given by FAM includes money to be spent on youth development
and administration but there are still many State FAs who have neglected
this.
  They use the bulk or even all the money for their Premier League team,
which includes tours and expensive foreign signings but have nothing to
show at the end of the season.
  There are some State FAs who do not even budget their expenditure for
the season.
  They end up either depending on gate collections, which is not a
guaranteed source of income, or running back to the FAM for advances from
their next season's subsidy!
  There have been times when FAM had to bail out the State FAs after they
could fulfill their obligations to foreign players, who had sought Fifa's
interference.
  If the national body had not bailed out these State FAs, the former
could have ended in hot soup with the international soccer body.
  FAM's current contract with the major sponsors end in 1997 and probably,
it is about time they review the current trend of supporting the State FAs
in line with the League going professional.
  FAM could still secure the sponsors, but use the funds for the various
national teams, national development of coaches, youth development and
technical areas.
  It is also time that only those teams who can manage themselves
independently, which will automatically see them taking a more
professional approach in all aspects because the profit and loss ledger at
the end of the year will determine their very survival, are allowed to
play in the Professional League.
  State FAs who cannot manage themselves well or cannot afford to play in
the Professional League should probably take part in the Amateur League
until a time when they are ready to join the higher echelons.
  It does not matter if we can only get eight States who are financially
sound to play in the Professional League because we will at least get a
League with the minimum of problems and a high-quality performance where
the competition will be much keener with all teams fighting to come out
tops. And ultimately, this will put more money in their kitty.
  Food for thought, FAM.

Teong Kim going for L-test (The Malay Mail0

FORMER international Lim Teong Kim is now bent on becoming a successful
football coach after having had an illustrious playing career.
 Teong Kim, 32, last played for Kedah in the Premier League before taking
up a coach-cum-player role with the States FAM League team, Langkasuka,
this season.
 He will leave for Germany next week to attend coaching courses for at
least three years. Teong Kim hopes to obtain a soccer diploma from the
renowned Hennef Football School in Cologne.
 His stay in Germany will be self-financed.
 Only one Malaysian has so far attended and holds a diploma from the
school (in the late 60s) - M. Joseph Mariapillai of Negri Sembilan.
Mariapillai currently coaches the Chempaka Textile team in the FAM League.
 Teong Kim, who was capped 75 times for Malaysia, started his career with
home State Malacca. He subsequently played with Selangor, Kuala Lumpur,
Negri Sembilan and, finally, Kedah.
 He achieved the rare distinction of being the first Malaysian to play in
Europe, for Div 3 German side Hertha Berlin, in 1987 and 1988.
 Teong Kim, whose wife is German Michael Nock, has two children - a son,
Luciano (2 1/2 years) and daughter Lenya (two months).
 Although he speaks German, he will take a refresher language course in
Germany before enrolling at Hennef.
 "All the courses will be in German. And I have to be really fluent in
the language to undergo the diploma course," said Teong Kim, who already
holds an FA of Malaysia advanced coaching certificate.
 He will be seeking the B and A Licence through the Bayerische FA in
Munich, his wife's hometown.
 "I managed to secure a place for these courses through the assistance of
the FA of Malaysia and Olger Obbermann (FAMs goal-keeping coach)."
 What prompted his latest move?
 "I have been in constant touch with Fifa coach Josef Veglos (a former
Kuala Lumpur coach) who suggested that Hennef Football School is the best
for soccer coaches," explained Teong Kim.
Short holiday
 "Besides, my wife wants to return to work with the airline from which
she had taken leave for the last three years."
 "I felt this is the best time for me to take the courses," added Teong
Kim, whose first course begins in November.
 "Prior to that, Ill be having a short holiday in Germany."
 Teong Kim hopes to land a coaching stint in Europe before returning to
Malaysia. When that happends, he wont be first from the sporting Lim
family involved in coaching.
 His elder brothers, Kim Choon and Chuan Chin, are FA of Malaysia coaches
while Hong Guan is coaching at club level.
 Kim Choon, who was assistant to national coach Hateem Souissi for this
years Merdeka tournament, is also a technical officer with FAM while Hong
Guan specialises in coaching goalkeepers for all the national teams.
 These three and another elder brother, Seng Koon, have played at State
level at one time or another - Seng Koon represented Johor and Armed
Forces, Kim Choon for Malacca and KL, Chuan Chin for Malacca, Perak,
Pahang, Selangor and KL and Hong Guan as goalkeeper for Malacca and
Selangor.
 The men from the Lim family of 15 weren't the only ones who made
headlines in the sporting arena. Sister Mary once played hockey for
Malaysia.
 While the famous Sidek family may have dominated the badminton scene,
that honour in soccer must surely belong to the Lims of Malacca.
                               (END)

Teong Kim going for L-test (The Malay Mail)

FORMER international Lim Teong Kim is now bent on becoming a successful
football coach after having had an illustrious playing career.
  Teong Kim, 32, last played for Kedah in the Premier League before taking
up a coach-cum-player role with the States FAM League team, Langkasuka,
this season.
  He will leave for Germany next week to attend coaching courses for at
least three years. Teong Kim hopes to obtain a soccer diploma from the
renowned Hennef Football School in Cologne.
  His stay in Germany will be self-financed.
  Only one Malaysian has so far attended and holds a diploma from the
school (in the late 60s) - M. Joseph Mariapillai of Negri Sembilan.
Mariapillai currently coaches the Chempaka Textile team in the FAM League.
  Teong Kim, who was capped 75 times for Malaysia, started his career with
home State Malacca. He subsequently played with Selangor, Kuala Lumpur,
Negri Sembilan and, finally, Kedah.
  He achieved the rare distinction of being the first Malaysian to play in
Europe, for Div 3 German side Hertha Berlin, in 1987 and 1988.
  Teong Kim, whose wife is German Michael Nock, has two children - a son,
Luciano (2 1/2 years) and daughter Lenya (two months).
  Although he speaks German, he will take a refresher language course in
Germany before enrolling at Hennef.
  "All the courses will be in German. And I have to be really fluent in
the language to undergo the diploma course," said Teong Kim, who already
holds an FA of Malaysia advanced coaching certificate.
  He will be seeking the B and A Licence through the Bayerische FA in
Munich, his wifes hometown.
  "I managed to secure a place for these courses through the assistance of
the FA of Malaysia and Olger Obbermann (FAMs goal-keeping coach)."
  What prompted his latest move?
  "I have been in constant touch with Fifa coach Josef Veglos (a former
Kuala Lumpur coach) who suggested that Hennef Football School is the best
for soccer coaches," explained Teong Kim.
Short holiday
  "Besides, my wife wants to return to work with the airline from which
she had taken leave for the last three years."
  "I felt this is the best time for me to take the courses," added Teong
Kim, whose first course begins in November.
  "Prior to that, Ill be having a short holiday in Germany."
  Teong Kim hopes to land a coaching stint in Europe before returning to
Malaysia. When that happends, he wont be first from the sporting Lim
family involved in coaching.
  His elder brothers, Kim Choon and Chuan Chin, are FA of Malaysia coaches
while Hong Guan is coaching at club level.
  Kim Choon, who was assistant to national coach Hateem Souissi for this
years Merdeka tournament, is also a technical officer with FAM while Hong
Guan specialises in coaching goalkeepers for all the national teams.
  These three and another elder brother, Seng Koon, have played at State
level at one time or another - Seng Koon represented Johor and Armed
Forces, Kim Choon for Malacca and KL, Chuan Chin for Malacca, Perak,
Pahang, Selangor and KL and Hong Guan as goalkeeper for Malacca and
Selangor.
  The men from the Lim family of 15 werent the only ones who made
headlines in the sporting arena. Sister Mary once played hockey for
Malaysia.
  While the famous Sidek family may have dominated the badminton scene,
that honour in soccer must surely belong to the Lims of Malacca.

Leave coaches alone (The Malay Mail)

MALAYSIAN Coaches Association president Chow Kwai Lam is concerned with
the rise in the number of local coaches facing the prospect of being
relieved of their duties lately.
  Kwai Lam was speaking about Sabah's Kelly Tham being suspended
indefinitely, Mahadi Yusof taking temporary leave in the wake of pressure
from fans, Malacca's Rahim Abdullah job at stake earlier and Negri
Sembilan's M. Karathu who was also earlier under pressure before
relinquishing his manager's post to concentrate on coaching.
  "Coaches should be allowed to do their job without people constantly
pressuring them," said Kwai Lam.
  "After all, they have a contract and if they fail they will have to go.
  "But, to react after only a few matches and a spate of poor performance
is unfair to the coach.
  "And, to make matters worse, coaches are suspended indefinitely or
relieved of their job temporarily.
  "We do not see this happening elsewhere. Either the coach is sacked or
is left alone to do his job. There is no such thing as suspensions.
  "If coaches are sacked, their contractual obligations must be fulfilled.
  "But, it is absurd to leave things hanging in the air."
  Kwai Lam said that winning and losing are part and parcel of the game.
  "No coach wants to see his team lose. A coach will do everything
possible to ensure that his team does well. But, sometimes, it is not that
simple and time could be an essential factor.
  "But, if the coach is suspended or relieved of his duties without being
given a chance, then it is not fair."
  Kwai Lam, who coaches the Kuala Lumpur team, said he was grateful to the
KLFA management for being more understanding and giving him all the
support.
  "Our team was having a bad run. But the team management was supportive
and we worked together with the players to turn things around for us.
  "It was also the same for Negri Sembilan who kept faith in Karathu.
  "It is important that coaches are given all the opportunities to rectify
the situation before being taken to task.
  "Taking irrational decision just because the team losses a few matches
is definitely not the answer."
  Kwai Lam also said that team management should not give in to player
power or any other outside influence in the decision of retaining a coach.
  "It is important that the players know who the boss of the team is and
are only answerable to one. The moment the players have one too many
avenues to turn too, they become dominant and that is dangerous."
  Kwai Lam hoped any action taken against local coaches should be done
after much discussions in a rational manner and in the best interest of
the game and the profession of coaching.
                             (END)

Fitting tribute (The Malay Mail)

SABAH'S Kelly Tham must be the longest-serving soccer coach with a State
team, apart from Terengganu's Abdullah Mohamad, and as such, winning the
FA Cup will definitely be a fitting tribute to him.
 Tham, 46, is indeed looking forward to winning the FA Cup on his third
consecutive attempt.
 "It is not so much for me, but for the people of Sabah who have stood
behind me all this while," said Tham, who earned his FAM advanced coaching
certificate in 1978 under Karl Weigang.
 "Steering the team to their third straight final is an achievement by
itself but nothing will be sweeter than winning.
 "Besides, I feel this year is my best chance to win it because we have
improved over the last two years and learnt from our mistakes.
 "We also have a strengthened team with the acquisition of some calibre
players such as goalkeeper Khairul Azman Mohamad and midfielders Ong Kim
Swee and Yap Wai Loon.
 "This squad are much more balanced and have depth."
 Tham started his association with the Sabah team in 1989 as an assistant
coach to Englishman Frank Upton.
 Since then, he has been assistant to another Englishman, Roy Lorrenson,
in 1990 and to Oldrich Sedlacek for two seasons (1991 and 1992)
 It was in 1993 that he took over as chief coach and steered Sabah to
their first FA Cup final - in fact their first ever final in a tournament.
 That year Kuala Lumpur beat them 2-1 and last year, Sabah were again at
Merdeka Stadium for their second final but only to lose 3-1 to KL in
extratime.
 Asked about his formula of success, Tham said it was a joint effort of
everyone in the Sabah FA.
 "It is a team effort. All of us play our roles - from the officials,
coaches, players to the kitman."
 On his team's chances tomorrow, Tham said with due respect to Pahang,
Sabah badly want the Cup this time.
 "We have worked very hard for it and feel we have qualified for the
final this time around playing tougher matches against teams like Kelantan
and Selangor," said Tham.
 "The first year, we qualified for the FA Cup final, we were
inexperienced. The second time, we had the misfortune of playing three
extra matches to break the deadlock and when the final went into
extratime, we were a spent force.
 "But this time around, everything is looking well for us, including
having a full squad.
 "It is a case of now or never for us when we step onto the field on
Saturday."
 Tham added that despite his players glowing with confidence, they are
also all fired up to make up for the disappointment of not being able to
play the final in Kota Kinabalu.
 "The players are quite upset that the final could not be staged in Kota
Kinabalu because we would be playing our third consecutive final.
 "Even more so, they wanted to play a final in front of their home crowd.
 "Unlike other States, except for Sarawak, we cannot get our fans in full
force to Merdeka Stadium because of distance and cost.
 "However, the players are all fired up to win this Cup for the people."
 Another reason for Tham's success is his great relationship with his
players.
 He is like a big brother to all the players and Tham - who hails from
Kota Belud - speaks Kadazan and Bajau (local dialects), Chinese, English
and Bahasa Malaysia.
 Besides his multi-lingual ability, Tham also understands the players
well and this close relationship has certainly played a big role in his
able running of the team.
 Tham fondly remembers his appointment as chief coach of Sabah two years
ago by having 93 as his Proton Saga car registration number.
 Maybe after tomorrow night's final, he might consider changing it to 95!
                              (END)

Fitting tribute

SABAH'S Kelly Tham must be the longest-serving soccer coach with a State
team, apart from Terengganu's Abdullah Mohamad, and as such, winning the
FA Cup will definitely be a fitting tribute to him.
  Tham, 46, is indeed looking forward to winning the FA Cup on his third
consecutive attempt.
  "It is not so much for me, but for the people of Sabah who have stood
behind me all this while," said Tham, who earned his FAM advanced coaching
certificate in 1978 under Karl Weigang.
  "Steering the team to their third straight final is an achievement by
itself but nothing will be sweeter than winning.
  "Besides, I feel this year is my best chance to win it because we have
improved over the last two years and learnt from our mistakes.
  "We also have a strengthened team with the acquisition of some calibre
players such as goalkeeper Khairul Azman Mohamad and midfielders Ong Kim
Swee and Yap Wai Loon.
  "This squad are much more balanced and have depth."
  Tham started his association with the Sabah team in 1989 as an assistant
coach to Englishman Frank Upton.
  Since then, he has been assistant to another Englishman, Roy Lorrenson,
in 1990 and to Oldrich Sedlacek for two seasons (1991 and 1992)
  It was in 1993 that he took over as chief coach and steered Sabah to
their first FA Cup final - in fact their first ever final in a tournament.
  That year Kuala Lumpur beat them 2-1 and last year, Sabah were again at
Merdeka Stadium for their second final but only to lose 3-1 to KL in
extratime.
  Asked about his formula of success, Tham said it was a joint effort of
everyone in the Sabah FA.
  "It is a team effort. All of us play our roles - from the officials,
coaches, players to the kitman."
  On his team's chances tomorrow, Tham said with due respect to Pahang,
Sabah badly want the Cup this time.
  "We have worked very hard for it and feel we have qualified for the
final this time around playing tougher matches against teams like Kelantan
and Selangor," said Tham.
  "The first year, we qualified for the FA Cup final, we were
inexperienced. The second time, we had the misfortune of playing three
extra matches to break the deadlock and when the final went into
extratime, we were a spent force.
  "But this time around, everything is looking well for us, including
having a full squad.
  "It is a case of now or never for us when we step onto the field on
Saturday."
  Tham added that despite his players glowing with confidence, they are
also all fired up to make up for the disappointment of not being able to
play the final in Kota Kinabalu.
  "The players are quite upset that the final could not be staged in Kota
Kinabalu because we would be playing our third consecutive final.
  "Even more so, they wanted to play a final in front of their home crowd.
  "Unlike other States, except for Sarawak, we cannot get our fans in full
force to Merdeka Stadium because of distance and cost.
  "However, the players are all fired up to win this Cup for the people."
  Another reason for Tham's success is his great relationship with his
players.
  He is like a big brother to all the players and Tham - who hails from
Kota Belud - speaks Kadazan and Bajau (local dialects), Chinese, English
and Bahasa Malaysia.
  Besides his multi-lingual ability, Tham also understands the players
well and this close relationship has certainly played a big role in his
able running of the team.
  Tham fondly remembers his appointment as chief coach of Sabah two years
ago by having 93 as his Proton Saga car registration number.
 Maybe after tomorrow night's final, he might consider changing it to 95!

Chow on a chase

HOLDERS Kuala Lumpur can create a record of sorts if they were to win the
FA Cup for a third consecutive season under a third coach.
  The ubiquitous Chow Kwai Lam, who steered KL to the unsuccessful 1992
final, is back at the helm of the team this season after two years in the
cold.
  KL won their first FA Cup trophy under S. Subramaniam in 1993 and
retained it last year under Englishman Ken Shellito.
  Kwai Lam, obviously, intends to prolong KL's monopoly of the trophy.
Moreover, it would make up for the disappointment of seeing KL lose 1-0 to
Sarawak in the 1992 final.
  Already, Kwai Lam is no stranger to statistics, having coached KL to
three consecutive Malaysia Cup victories from 1987 to 1989 as well as the
League and Charity Shield.
  Only the FA Cup has eluded him and it would be the perfect icing to his
cake if KL go on to take the FA Cup again this year.
  But Kwai Lam is a realistic man. He knows the scenario does not always
turn out the way you want it to.
  "It would be great for KL to win the FA Cup for a record third
consecutive year. But it's easier said than done," said Kwai Lam.
  "One factor against KL is that we are a much younger and inexperienced
side compared to the other teams.
  "However, that won't deter us from going all out. If we can reach the
final, it would be a tremendous bonus for the team."
  KL are drawn in Group E with hosts Selangor, Johor and Armed Forces.
They face Johor in their opening match at Shah Alam Stadium tonight.
  Kwai Lam appears to have more respect for Johor than crosstown rivals
Selangor.
  "We intend to give Johor a run for their money. A draw would be a good
start for us," said Kwai Lam.
COACHES OF FA CUP CHAMPIONS
             1990
M. Karathu             (Pk)
             1991
K Worden               (Sgor)
             1992
A Vest                 (Swk)
             1993
S Subramaniam          (KL)
             1994
K Shellito             (KL)
                          

Varathan best bet

KUALA LUMPUR'S youth coach P. Varathan is one of the candidates to assist
coach Chow Kwai Lam for the new season.
  Varathan 47, who has been actively involved at the youth level since
1985, has a string of success behind him.
  Many at KLFA feel it is time Varathan got a break at the senior level.
  The others being considered for the job are former KL players Rashid
Hassan and Mat Zan Mat Aris.
  While Rashid and Mat Zan will be an assest because of their wide
experience as players, they have yet to be actively involved in coaching.
  Kwai Lam has a high opinion of the hardworking Varathan who is a always
willing to learn and gets along well with the players and his peers.
  Indications are Varathan would be Kwai Lam's pick.
  The KLFA management committee on Monday deferred their decision to name
the assistant coach because they felt Kwai Lam should have a say in the
matter.
  Kwai Lam said he will make his recommendation to the management
committee in the next few days.
  Last season's assistant coach, Lim Kim Lian, has officially informed
KLFA he wants to be involved in youth-level coaching again.
  Varathan, when told he is one of the candidates for the assistant
coach's job, said: "If Kwai Lam and the management committee want me, I am
ever willing to serve them. It is an opportunity for me to coach at a
higher level.
  "Besides, Kwai Lam is an experienced coach and there is a great deal I
can learn from him," said Varathan an employee of City Hall's Health
Department.
  Varathan earned an FA of Malaysia advance coaching certificate in 1984.
He attended a one-month coaching course in England in 1990 and attained
the international preliminary coaching certificate.
  He could be the right choice because KL are opting for a team of
youngsters for the new season.
  Varathan coached the KL Razak Cup team to three consecutive victories
from 1990 to 1992.
  He was the assistant coach to Yunus Tasman with the 1993 President's Cup
team.
  Last season, Varathan assisted Rerserve League team coach Kim Lian.
  He also assisted former KL coach S. Subramaniam to three FAM Cup
victories with City Hall FC.
  Varathan is coaching the KL Indians in the Dunhill Bardhan Cup
tournament. KL are unbeaten after two matches.

High hopes for a honest season (25/01/1995 - The Malay Mail)

Publication: MM
Date : 25/01/1995
Headline : High hopes for a honest season


THERE is a good chance soccer will be played honestly in Malaysia in the
new season.
The FA of Malaysia, the State FAs and the Police have gone all out to
clean up the game.
The outcome of investigations, which included the arrest of more than 80
players, will be known by the end of the month.
Most of the players who have admitted to accepting bribes to fix matches
would have seen the last of their playing days.
Some of them will undergo rehabilitation programmes and a handful, who
had helped in investigations but did not take bribes, will return to play
again.
While fans would get a proper deal for their money, the overall standard
of the tournaments could suffer a little as some of the better players
will not be playing.
But it will be a price worth paying because it is only a matter of time
before the youngsters mature and standards rise again.
However, we should not tolerate amateurish State FAs.
It is time the FA of Malaysia ensured State FAs acted professionally.
Surprisingly, some State FAs still have the word `amatuer' in their
association's name.
While players have made soccer their career, we still have many
volunteers or part-time officials running State FAs.
With nothing at stake, many of them take things for granted and just
make up the numbers in the set-up.
Professionals should be running the game at all levels and there should
be accountability from all quarters.
State FAs should start the season right by appointing their coaches as
managers.
Managers, especially those with hardly any knowledge of the game, only
get in the way of progress.
There is no need for a council member to be the team manager as is often
the case.
A fulltime coach will be fully answerable to the FA. If he does not
produce results or provide satisfactory reasons for his team not doing
well, he gets fired.
That brings us to the next step.
Coaches too should be fulltime.
Most local coaches, who have been handling M-League teams, hold other
jobs.
This is a `safe' situation as even if the are fired as coaches they can
return to their normal jobs.
To get the best out of a coach it is only logical to have him on a
fulltime basis.
He must have a full say in the selection of players, training methods,
naming of players for matches and the day to day running of the team.
Sarawak and Negri Sembilan have done so and they should be commended for
it.
If State FAs insist they should have someone on the team, it should be
purely for administration purposes.
State FAs, in signing up players, should keep their end of the bargain.
Some players under Police investigations have cited that one of the
reasons for accepting bribes is because they are not paid on time.
Some State FAs do not work within their budget and sign on expensive
players.
It all boils down to professionalism - or the lack of it. What's the
point in calling it a professional league when everything else about it is
amateurish!

Munich squad duo seek coaching jobs

TWO members of the 1972 Munich Olympics soccer squad - Hamzah Hussein and
Bhawandi Hiralal - are looking for coaching opportunities either at the
State or club level for the new season, writes Tony Mariadass.
  The duo, who were among the squad of 19 players who were a fortnight ago
honoured at the Sportwriters of Malaysia/Glamoir World of Sports Soccer
Awards night for their outstanding performance in 1972, are based in Kuala
Lumpur.
  Hamzah is an officer with Prisons in the city, while Bhawandi is a
police officer.
  Last season, Hamzah was one of the assistant coaches to Milous Kvacek
with the Kelantan team.
  But when Kvacek left for home during the Malaysia Cup competition,
Hamzah was in charge, together with his Munich teammate, Wan Zawawi.
  However, Hamzah has returned to KL because he is unable to obtain leave.
  Hamzah, before going to Kelantan last season, was coaching the KLFA
youth teams. He had also assisted Chow Kwai Lam with the senior team.
  Bhawandi, on the other hand, is currently coaching the Police team in
the KLFA Dunhill League.
  Three seasons ago, he was among the coaches handling the Police team in
the Second Division Semi-Pro League.
  In fact, several players from the Munich squad have tasted coaching at
the State level.
  They include M. Chandran, Rahim Abdullah, Mohamad Bakar, Wan Zazawi and
Soh Chin Aun.
  Chandran and Mohamad have even coached the national team.
  Another player, Khoo Luan Khen, who left to play in Hong Kong in the
1970s, was the Hong Kong national coach for the Hiroshima Asian Games last
year.
  Namat Abdullah, another member of the Munich team, is now linked with
Perak for the new season and is expected to be one of the coaches.