Mail order (The Malay Mail)

IT has taken Mohamad Imran Ahmad a long time to realise his dream of
playing in the M-League. But it has been worth the wait as he has gained
first choice status in his debut season with Kuala Lumpur.
 The 24-year-old Imran has played in both KL's matches and, judging from
his performance, is expected to make the leftback slot his own.
 But it took all of six years and much heartbreak before Imran made the
grade. Each season he tried, but each time he was turned away by the M-
League teams he had trials with.
 Negri Sembilan, Malacca, Penang and even KL were not interested in the
eager youngster.
 It was left to the Malay Mail FC to provide him with the platform to
hone his skills and improve his game until he finally got his long-awaited
break.
 The Malay Mail first picked Imran when he was 16 years old for their
Under-18 team.
 Imran progressed to the senior team a year later and played for them
until 1998.
 Indeed, he had tremendous exposure with the newspaper team and would
have easily notched 500 matches in the six years with them.
 Besides the Dunhill League and national level FAM Cup, he played for
Malay Mail in several international matches in the Philippines, Thailand
and Singapore.
 Sabah coach Ken Shellito had been impressed enough to want to sign Imran
after seeing him in action against the Rhinos in a friendly match in Kota
Kinabalu last year.
 But KL beat him to it.
 Luck had a hand in Imran, nicknamed Along, making the first XI in his
very first match with KL.
 Ahmad Faisal Abdul Aziz, who was the regular leftback, left suddenly to
join Premier Two side Malacca Telekom, and KL coach Mat Zan Mat Aris threw
Imran into the fray.
 Earlier, Imran was supposed to have been the backup for Faisal or left
midfielder Amir Nor Hakim Burhan.
 Imran convinced Mat Zan of his worth in the very first match against
Brunei which KL won 4-3 away.
 "He has done well. And if he keeps up his performance, the position
certainly belongs to him," said Mat Zan.
 But Imran is keeping his feet firmly on the ground, knowing only too
well how difficult it was for him to break into the M-League ranks.
 The last thing he wants to do now is jeopardise all that he has worked
so hard to earn by getting complacent or big-headed.
 "I still have a long way to go," said the Cheras lad. "I am enjoying
every minute of it and intend to improve with each passing match."
 KL's gain has been the Malay Mail FC's loss as they did not receive any
compensation for grooming him all these years.
 Besides Imran, Malay Mail also lost S. Saravanan and K. Hemadass to KL
and N. Suresh to Malacca Telekom.
 KL are riding high after two matches despite having many newcomers in
the side. But their real test comes tomorrow when they play League
champions Penang at KLFA Stadium.
 A good outing against Penang will definitely confirm that Imran has
finally arrived.
                                 (END)

Mail order (The Malay Mail)

IT has taken Mohamad Imran Ahmad a long time to realise his dream of
playing in the M-League. But it has been worth the wait as he has gained
first choice status in his debut season with Kuala Lumpur.
 The 24-year-old Imran has played in both KL's matches and, judging from
his performance, is expected to make the leftback slot his own.
 But it took all of six years and much heartbreak before Imran made the
grade. Each season he tried, but each time he was turned away by the M-
League teams he had trials with.
 Negri Sembilan, Malacca, Penang and even KL were not interested in the
eager youngster.
 It was left to the Malay Mail FC to provide him with the platform to
hone his skills and improve his game until he finally got his long-awaited
break.
 The Malay Mail first picked Imran when he was 16 years old for their
Under-18 team.
 Imran progressed to the senior team a year later and played for them
until 1998.
 Indeed, he had tremendous exposure with the newspaper team and would
have easily notched 500 matches in the six years with them.
 Besides the Dunhill League and national level FAM Cup, he played for
Malay Mail in several international matches in the Philippines, Thailand
and Singapore.
 Sabah coach Ken Shellito had been impressed enough to want to sign Imran
after seeing him in action against the Rhinos in a friendly match in Kota
Kinabalu last year.
 But KL beat him to it.
 Luck had a hand in Imran, nicknamed Along, making the first XI in his
very first match with KL.
 Ahmad Faisal Abdul Aziz, who was the regular leftback, left suddenly to
join Premier Two side Malacca Telekom, and KL coach Mat Zan Mat Aris threw
Imran into the fray.
 Earlier, Imran was supposed to have been the backup for Faisal or left
midfielder Amir Nor Hakim Burhan.
 Imran convinced Mat Zan of his worth in the very first match against
Brunei which KL won 4-3 away.
 "He has done well. And if he keeps up his performance, the position
certainly belongs to him," said Mat Zan.
 But Imran is keeping his feet firmly on the ground, knowing only too
well how difficult it was for him to break into the M-League ranks.
 The last thing he wants to do now is jeopardise all that he has worked
so hard to earn by getting complacent or big-headed.
 "I still have a long way to go," said the Cheras lad. "I am enjoying
every minute of it and intend to improve with each passing match."
 KL's gain has been the Malay Mail FC's loss as they did not receive any
compensation for grooming him all these years.
 Besides Imran, Malay Mail also lost S. Saravanan and K. Hemadass to KL
and N. Suresh to Malacca Telekom.
 KL are riding high after two matches despite having many newcomers in
the side. But their real test comes tomorrow when they play League
champions Penang at KLFA Stadium.
 A good outing against Penang will definitely confirm that Imran has
finally arrived.

High price to pay for neglecting development (The Malay Mail)

WE reap what we sow.
 In football, the seeds are sown at school and district soccer
tournaments. And right now, we are not exactly getting fertile soil.
 Football fields are badly maintained. There are unqualified people
running these matches, much less teaching the young ones how to do it
right.
 If we are not going to spend at this level to develop players for the
future, we cannot expect the standards of soccer to rise in Malaysia for
years to come.
 If we cannot teach the schoolchildren the basics of the game and apply
its rules, how in the world do we expect to produce players for the
future?
 Only after the FA of Malaysia Council meeting on March 14, its deputy
president, Tengku Mahkota of Pahang, Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah,
had said that they had a good working relationship with the schools with
the representation of the Director-General of Education, Datuk Dr Abdul
Shukor Abdullah in the council.
 But this goes beyond council representation. Work has to be done at the
grassroots, like having proper playing fields, coaches, match officials
and a year-round programme.
 Having a couple of Sports Excellence Schools alone is not enough.
 Just as Tengku Abdullah had called for M-League coaches to produce at
least one national player from their teams, the call should be for each
school in the country to produce one potential national player for the
youth team.
 The State FAs should also work with schools in their respective States
like providing coaching assistance, organising clinics, making match
officials available at nominal fees and even doing their part in adopting
several school fields and upgrading them to make them playable.
 But then again, when the State FAs are neglecting development at the
youth level, to expect them to be involved at school level may be asking
too much.
 Or we may find some State FAs asking for more grants from FA of Malaysia
to be involved in schools soccer!
 It is all fine having national age-group tournaments and all, but basic
work has to be done directly with every school in the country, if we are
to unearth talents or have a bigger base.
 Right now, most players coming through to the youth team are more by
chance than design.
 That is why it is important that the better coaches should be involved
at school and youth levels where players are learning.
 Now, coaches at school and youth levels are regarded as second-class or
insignificant and are more often than not paid a pittance.
 Until and unless we change our concept towards youth development, a
vital link in upgrading the standard of the game, we can go on holding
seminars and not head anywhere.
                               (END)

Pitch-ure this! & Appalling state of affairs! (The Malay Mail)

MUDDY pitches fit for water buffaloes, fields with knee-high grass,
clueless referees ...
 Welcome to the world of district school soccer - the nursery of
Malaysian football.
 Just take a look at the state of grassroot football in the city. The
recent Bangsar District Tournament is an eye-opener for those seeking a
cure for the ills of the nation's football - and possibly sports in
general.
 Here are some of our observations:
 * One match was actually played in free-for-all `kick-football' style in
soggy overgrown padang.
 * At an under-12 game, not only was the field in bad shape and the lines
almost invisible, there was not even a Class 3 referee officiating but a
teacher.
 * The teacher-referees were mostly hazy about the rules. Every other
throw-in was a foul, there were kicking and dangerous tackles from behind,
all these without the whistle being blown. The `men-in-black' were only
there to kick off the match, blow for a goal (which was sometimes
questionable when it was offside) and end the game.
 * One teacher did away with the usual togs by officiating in slippers,
rolled up track bottom and designer T-shirt while parking himself at the
half-line!
 * Pupils recruited as assistant referees or linesmen were often ignorant
of the rules.
 It's no surprise that M-league coaches are saying they need more time
for corrections and teach players to play proper football at the highest
level!
 So what do those in position to make a change have to say? Is there hope
for a football in Malaysia?

Read next story titled:Appalling state of affairs!

SPORTS activities in schools are suffering because the facilities are
deteriorating, teachers are unqualified or uninterested and qualified
match officials under-utilised.
 This is the opinion of veteran schools sports official and retired
teacher, Yap Yew Kim.
 Yap, who taught for 26 years in Kuala Lumpur and was a sports co-
ordinator for soccer with the Federal Territory Schools Sports Council for
six years before retiring, said conditions are now appalling.
 "If we are to produce better quality sports boys and girls in any
sports, we have to make drastic improvements in the facilities available.
 "Even then, many schools have lost their playing fields in the name of
development and conditions were beginning to deteriorate," said the 60-
year-old who is still deeply involved with the FA of Malaysia's "First
Touch" coaching programme for schoolchildren.
 He said the situation has worsened as he has seen schools matches played
under deplorable conditions.
 "Under the circumstances, how are we going to develop these young
players?"
 Yap said another reason for the drastic drop in the quality of young
players coming through the schools is because unqualified teachers are
involved in coaching at this grassroots level.
 "Some of the teachers in charge of certain sports don't have the
faintest clue about sports," he said.
 "Then we have teachers who are not interested in sports but are in
charge because they have been directed to do so."
 He said they used to have dedicated teachers who would go out of their
way to coach in the various sports even during school holidays and
weekends.
 "Now we have teachers who are just waiting to get over with the
responsiblities."
 Yap said he understands that there is only so much the schools can do
and for this reason, they must seek the expertise and funds from State or
national sports associations.
 "Schools should also work closely with local authorities like City Hall
in helping them to maintain playing fields," he said.
 "Help will not come until we seek it. For that, we need dynamic sports
officials in schools."
 He said during his tenure, there were many soccer clinics and
competitions for various age groups through collaborations with the State
FAs.
 "This meant that there were more matches played by the children, besides
the Sports Council programme," he said.
 "How can we expect to produce talent when these schoolchildren are
involved in any particular sports for just a month or two in a year?"
 He said they need year-round programmes and since the schools cannot
provide this due to the many sports they have to handle, those involved in
soccer have to work with the various sports organisations in their
respective States.
 Since funds are hard to come by, he said schools can benefit from their
close relationship with various sports bodies which can source the money
for them.
 "Schools cannot carry out development work on their own. They have to be
closely associated with the national and State sports organisations."
 Yap warned that unless something is done quickly, the future of
Malaysian sports is bleak.
 He added that having a few schools of excellence in each State or around
the country is not enough.
 "Schools are the factory of the future for both leaders, sportsmen and
women. Unless they are tapped to the maximum, we will end up looking for
talent by chance.
 "The schools are the base and we have to get our act right if we are to
hope for a brighter future in sports."
                                 (END)

Speak out (The Sunday Mail)

FOREIGN coaches are of no help to Malaysian soccer if they choose to play
Mr Nice Guy to the State FAs.
 If their sole purpose in coming here is just to make money and nothing
else, it defeats the FA of Malaysia's purpose of throwing open the M-
League doors to them.
 After all, despite having had several foreign coaches plying their trade
in the League, Malaysia's football standards have only got from bad to
worse.
 So trying to be diplomatic when the situation calls for honesty will not
help matters. The truth may be painful, even ugly, but how else are we
learn what the problems are if the very people engaged to improve things
don't speak out.
 We don't need coaches who are too afraid to give the true picture. They
must be brave enough to call it as it is.
 The simple fact is that the disease-ridden Malaysian soccer needs the
right diagnosis so that proper medication can be prescribed.
 Nothing else will do, least of all pretending that everything is hunky
dory.
 Alan Davidson suddenly quit as Pahang coach days, before the new season
kicked off, citing personal problems back home in Melbourne.
 But it is no secret that the Australian could not get along with
assistant coach Fuzzemi Ibrahim and team manager Talib Sulaiman. That
their interference, more than anything else, could have prompted his
decision.
 Probably not wanting to upset the Pahang FA or encounter problems with
his contract, Davidson chose to say that he was opting out on personal
grounds.
 While Davidson refused to compromise on his principles as a coach, he
could have done  Malaysia soccer a big favour by revealing the real
reasons.
 It would have gone a long way towards exposing the weaknesses in our
system as interfering officials are a bane of the game.
 Perak's Karl Weigang has lots to say about the state of  Malaysian
soccer. But he too chooses to be "diplomatic" where it concerns his
employers - Perak.
 There are a whole lot of things wrong with the manner in which the FA is
run, from administrative snafus to thefailure to keep proper accounts.
 Of course how the FA is run is not Weigang's concern, but there are
football issues which need to be addressed as well.
 Weigang says his relationship with Perak was based on the "trust,
confidence and respect" he had for FA deputy president Datuk Raja Ahmad
Zainuddin Omar.
 But surely, football is more than just friendship between two men.
 While one admires his loyalty, it would be a bigger help if coaches like
Weigang and Davidson spoke their minds when the need arises.
 It would have opened the eyes of the soccer fraternity, and FA, to what
is really happening.
 Training a team is one thing. We need these coaches to help raise the
standards of the game with their ideas and expertise. That means voicing
their discontent and complaints when, and if, necessary.
 The least the foreign coaches can do is act like the professionals they
claim to be and make their presence felt.
 An increasing number of foreign coaches are finding it difficult to work
in Malaysia because of interference and politicking from local officials.
 When they first arrive here, they claim to be true professionals and
will tolerate no nonsense from others. But it is only a matter of time
before they get engrossed in the good life and play to the tune of their
employers until their contracts end.
 Until and unless these foreign coaches disclose or expose the ills of
the FAs, and any other matters concerning the League, the progress of
Malaysian soccer will continue to be be stymied.
 Isn't it ironic that we pay good money for foreign coaches to come here
and teach us and yet our officials are telling them what to do?
 We want foreign coaches who leave behind foundations and legacies, and
not just have their names associated with Malaysia Cup or League title
success.
 It is all about setting up good development programmes and
infrastructure for State FAs; producing players of the future and grooming
local coaches to take over; teaching proper and professional management
and other areas related to the improvement of the game.
 Over the years, we have had foreign coaches who contributed much to the
development of the game. Among them are Dr Josef Venglos (KL), Fred Binney
(Pahang), Milous Kvacek (Kedah), Mike Brown (Pahang), Marco Bilic
(Terengganu), Ken Shellito (Selangor/Sabah), Ron Smith (Sabah) and Jorgen
Larsen (Pahang).
 But their good work was soon undone, overwhelmed by the ills which
continue to plague the game. For the sake of Malaysian soccer, please be
honest, please call it as it is.
                              (END)

Davidson quits! (The Malay Mail)

resignation of Australian coach Alan Davidson.
 Davidson disclosed to Mailsport last night that he could no longer
continue with the East Coast giants due to personal problems back home in
Melbourne.
 With four days to go before their Premier One opener against Sarawak in
Kuching, Davidson's departure has left the Elephants in the lurch as they
have been following his training programme for the past two months.
 Despite reports of unhappiness among the players with his strict regime,
there had been no indication whatsoever that Davidson would quit.
 Davidson, 39 in June, had even travelled to Ipoh on Monday to attend the
M-League coaches and managers' seminar chaired by FAM deputy president,
the Tengku Mahkota of Pahang.
 Davidson, who served Pahang well as a player from 1995-96, said parting
company with the Elephants had been one of the most difficult decisions of
his life.
 "But I have no choice as the problems back home are really pressing and
need my urgent attention. It's all very personal and I can't really talk
about it," said Davidson without wanting to go into details.
 "I have already informed Pahang FA secretary Ahmad Fuad Daud of my
decision.
 "He wanted to help me work something out which would enable me to stay
on but I had to turn him down.
 "This is something I have to attend to personally. No one can help me
with it.
 "I'm very disappointed as I was looking forward to the M-League
challenge. It is even more upsetting when I have to leave just before the
season opens."
 Davidson said he had tried to reach Pahang FA president Tengku Abdullah
Sultan Ahmad Shah but had been unable to do so.
 "But I will definitely be meeting the Tengku Mahkota soon to explain my
predicament."
 Asked if there was any possibility of him returning to Pahang later in
the season, Davidson said: "It is very unlikely. I am leaving the team
when the season is about to start and it will not be fair to return
later."
 Davidson arrived in Kuantan in late January and his family were to have
joined him later.
 Fuzzemi Ibrahim, who has been assisting Davidson, is expected to be
appointed caretaker coach or even take full charge.
 While Davidson cited personal problems for leaving Pahang, one wonders
if there is more to it, like interference from officials or that he could
not stomach the amateurish acts of team management that is common in
Malaysian soccer.
 Davidson is known to be very professional in his ways and brooks no
nonsense. It would come as no surprise if he was disillusioned with what
he has had to deal with in Kuantan.
                               (END)

Smith to get cracking (The Malay Mail)

RONALD SMITH, Malaysia's new director of coaching, is looking forward to a
working arrangement that will benefit Malaysian soccer.
 Smith, contacted in Ipoh after the Charity Shield match between Johor
and Perak, said: "The next step for me is to meet FAM officials to discuss
my terms of employment.
 "We had initial discussions recently and generally decided on several
things if I were to be hired. We will have to work out the details now."
 FAM deputy-president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah, who chaired the
FAM Council meeting yesterday at Wisma FAM, said they will meet soon to
work out the specifics with Smith.
 "We have met Smith and his present employers (Johor FA). He is keen to
take up the job while Johor FA have agreed to release him to FAM."
 Smith, who first came to Malaysia in 1996 coached Sabah until 1997,
before joining Johor FC last year. He was also appointed the director of
coaching by the Johor FA.
 Smith, who turns 50 on May 5th, is excited by the challenge ahead of
him.
 "Having worked in youth development for a long time in Australia, I am
on familiar ground," said Smith, who was the head coach of the Australian
Institute of Sports from 1986-1996.
 "I am looking forward to establishing more coaches to work at the youth
level which is the foundation for the future."
 "I must have very specific duties and not be involved in too many things
as I may not be able to make an impact."
 "But I am sure we can come up with a good arrangement to benefit
Malaysian soccer," said Smith.
 Smith has a Bachelor of Education degree from the Canberra College of
Advanced Education in 1985 and a Certificate in Education majoring in
physical education attained in England in 1971.
 His coaching qualifications include the English FA Full Award (1973),
Australian Soccer Federation Staff Coach (1975), English FA Coaching
Licence (1875), Fifa Instructor for Oceania (1980) and Australian Coaching
Council Level 3 (1988).
 His vast experience with youth teams at the Australian Institute of
Sports makes him perfect for the job.
 Smith played for the Tottenham Hotspur youth team in 1966 and several
league clubs in Australia from 1971-1974.
 He has organised coaching courses and seminars while with AIS.
 He was the Director of Coaching in Queensland (1980-1982) and Victoria
(1975-1978).
 Smith has also assisted former Australian national coach Eddie Thomson
on numerous occasions.
 On the duration of Smith's tenure, Tengku Abdullah said: "We will offer
him a one-year contract with an option for another year."
 Although the tenure seems short, especially as it involves development
work, Tengku Abdullah said it was just an initial move.
 "With Smith's track record and his involvement with youth development, I
am confident he will do a good job and we can look forward to a longer
stint."
 Tengku Abdullah said Smith will basically be involved in the development
of coaches, youth teams (Under-19, Under-17 and Under-15) and keep tabs on
the Academy coaches under Lim Teong Kim.
 Tengku Abdullah said Smith will be required to come up with a blueprint
of the programmes and work he intends to do.
                               (END)

NSC unwilling to change (The Malay Mail)

THE National Sports Council (NSC) are sticking to their cash incentive
scheme despite calls for a review.
 Though times have changed, NSC will still want to throw money around for
sporting excellence where RM80,000 is given for a Commonwealth Games or
Asiad gold.
 The proposal to reduce cash rewards and to go for a veritable pension
scheme has been shot down by the NSC Board two years ago.
 This was disclosed by NSC Director-General Datuk Mazlan Ahmad when asked
if was any move to change the current system.
 The Board, in rejecting proposals for a review, are of the opinion that
the athletes should be able to manage their own money and that paying
small amounts of reward is insufficient to motivate them.
 Mailsport had suggested during the Bangkok Asian Games last year that
NSC should not lavish too much money on the athletes in order to keep them
hungry and competitive.
 The NSC were urged to study the South Korean incentive system where
bringing honours for the country earns an athlete merit points. The total
points accumulated on retirement translate into monthly pension for life.
 For the Bangkok Asiad, South Korea only rewarded their athletes who won
golds with token sums whereas those who earned silver and bronze medals
were not given any cash.
 The concern is that our present system can be a double-edged sword that
can kill initiative.
 It can lead to `short selling' by the athletes who, after getting
substantial rewards, have little drive left for excellence. And some may
even retire prematurely, which means the years of effort and money spent
in developing them comes to naught.
 Mazlan agreed that the present system is not the best in terms of
getting the best out of the athletes in the long run and it also does not
provide for their future.
 "However, our proposal to review the incentive scheme was not accepted
by our Board.
 "But since last year, it was decided that we pay out 70 per cent of the
rewards and hold back 30 per cent that is to be invested and fully
returned to the athletes when they retire."
 Mazlan agreed a merit points scheme like that of the Korean system would
lead to athletes prolonging their careers.
 National bowling coach Sid Allen, who is vocal about huge rewards, said
although he has nothing against rewarding athletes, flooding them with big
sums of money can be counter productive.
 Allen, who is all for retirement funds to be set up for athletes, said
they  would be inclined to look for short term success and it would be
difficult to motivate those already well rewarded.
 For Malaysia to have enduring and committed athletes, its incentive
system has to be revamped.
                              (END)

Dole mentality must go (The Malay Mail)

STATE FAs had better get into the habit of being self-reliant because
centralised sponsorship and hefty grants will be a thing of the past with
the corporatisation of the M-League.
 And State FAs cannot say they have not been forewarned because it is in
the M-League report prepared by FA of Malaysia secretary-general Datuk
Paul Mony and distributed to all associations.
 FA of Malaysia adopted centralised sponsorship when the Semi-pro league
was inaugurated in 1989 mainly because of the uneven distribution of
economic wealth amongst the States, which make up the Football
Associations.
 The centralised system covers 65 per cent of the States' budget which
includes title sponsor, advertising boards and advertisement of the
jersey.
 The teams are allowed to secure secondary sponsors for logos at the back
of jerseys and the left hand sleeve. They also have the right of sale to
about 35 per cent of the advertising boards.
 The grant from a mere RM150,000 in 1989 has over the years been
increased to RM750,000 (1996 and 1997) and last year each State received a
minium of RM1 million, which included RM250,000 for development.
 There has been a further increase this year and it could well come close
to RM1.5 million.
 One of the reasons for the extra grant to the State FAs is because, FA
of Malaysia in 1998 saw the end of sponsorship rights as the national body
secured a very lucrative sponorship package with more than 100 per cent
increase from the previous year with a single main sponsor.
 The centralised system covers 80 per cent since last year where the main
sponsor dominates the advertising scene.
 But the concept of centralised sponsorship may slowly be decentralised
with the corporatisation plan of the M-league, allowing the fittest teams
to survive.
 And it is indeed surprising to see State FAs still clamouring for more
subsidies from FAM when they should be preparing to stand on their own
feet.
 The State FAs are indeed lucky as FAM have a unique system in the
distribution of gate receipts.
 Since matches are played on a home and away basis, the home team retain
80 per cent of the gate receipts, whilst 20 per cent is paid as levy to
FAM.
 Since there was a drop in gate receipts last season, FAM have reduced
their levy to just 10 per cent this season.
 The levy is used for common expenses like payment for match officals,
travelling for particpating teams and a trust fund for professional
players.
 FAM provide further subsidy as they have secured 50 per cent discount
for internal travel through Malaysia Airlines.
 State FAs even get office equipment worth about RM12,000 each year
through another sponsor which FAM have secured.
 Even with all the funding, we find State FAs running into financial
problems mainly because of poor management or lavish spending.
 The end of FAM's funding could well see true professional teams and
associations emerge to lift the standard of Malaysia soccer.
                              (END)

Malay Mail out to bury playoff setback (NST)

THE FA Cup may not be as glamorous as the Malaysia Cup and Premier League
but for Kuala Lumpur Malay Mail, the tournament offers them a chance to
erase a bitter disappointment.
 Denied a place in Premier Two this season by a single goal, Malay Mail
will want to prove they would have been worthy contenders had they
qualified for Premier Two.
 They host Malacca in tonight's first round first leg match, which
unofficially kicks off the new soccer season.
 Beating Malacca would mean a second round match against `big brothers'
Kuala Lumpur and coach Lucas Kallang, formerly part of Alan Vest's Sarawak
team, is hoping his players will rise above the disappointment of the
qualifiers.
 "We were very disappointed with our failure but we have no one but
ourselves to blame. But that is in the past. The important thing is for us
to focus on the FA Cup," said Lucas yesterday.
 While Malacca are not exactly a Goliath in Malaysian soccer, their
status as a State side makes them favourites against Malay Mail.
 "We have to aim for a win as it will, to a certain extent, redeem our
failure in the qualifiers," said Lucas.
 The qualifiers involved Police, Armed Forces, Kelantan TNB and Malay
Mail.
 The newspaper team had one foot in Premier Two and only needed a draw
going into their final match against Forces.
 Unfortunately, Forces were equally determined to qualify and won 2-0 as
Malay Mail were left to rue what it could have been.
 "Advancing to the second round will prove that we would have been able
to stand against the best in Premier Two," said Lucas.
 Another interesting tie tonight will be the Perlis-Forces clash in
Kangar.
 Perlis, although a Premier Two side, are only playing in the first round
after the FA of Malaysia's council decided that defending champions Johor
should be seeded for the tournament.
 Perlis were ranked above Johor at the end of last season but sportingly
agreed to play in the first round.
 Johor FC, who stunned eventual Premier Two champions and Malaysia Cup
finalists Terengganu last season, will be looking to a second round spot
when they play Malacca Telekom at the Pasir Gudang Stadium.
 Police, demoted to the FAM League, will be aiming to upset Kelantan
while NS Chempaka take on Kelantan TNB in an all-club affair at the Paroi
Stadium.
                              (END)