WAWASAN 2020 AND DESTINY FDC STOLE THE SHOW

4^TH TAN SRI HAMIDIN MOHD AMIN CHALLENGE TROPHY XMAIL FC VETERAN / 2^ND UNDER 16, 9S FOOTBALL TOURNAMENTS

WAWASAN 2020 AND DESTINY FDC SHINE

DEBUTANTS Wawasan 2020 and Destiny Football Development Centre  won the 4^th Tan Sri Hamidin Mohd Amin Challenge Trophy Xmail FC Veteran / 2^nd Under 16, 9s Football Tournaments respectively at the Melwood Arena, Sungei Buluh on Saturday.

It was also the first for the new named tournament, as it changed name from the Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin / X Mail FC Veterans 9s football tournament to Tan Sri Hamidin Mohd Amin Challenge Trophy tournament.

The change came about when on Sept 7, Datuk Hamidin, the FA of Malaysia president, was conferred the title of Darjah Panglima Setia Mahkota ((P.S.M) which carries the title of Tan Sri, by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, in conjunction with his official birthday.

This year, the tournament was held at the Melwood Arena in Sungei Buluh, following the inaugural tournament in Kuala Kubu Bharu in 2021, followed by in Taiping and last year in Ipoh.

The Tan Sri Hamidin Challenge trophies donated by the FA of Malaysia president, also saw the introduction of a Under-16 tournament with another Challenge Trophy last year.

Last year saw the participation of a foreign team for the first time in the Veteran’s category - Bacolod United - from the Philippines,  but unfortunately they could not come this year.

Organised by the Kuala Lumpur XMail Veterans FC, the tournament saw eight invited teams in each category, compete in the one-day tournament, at the beautiful and scenic Melwood Arena surrounded by hills and forest.

The tournament kicked off with a march past of participating teams with each team carrying the 14 state flags and Malaysian flag to commemorate the Malaysia Day tomorrow (Sept 16) and sang the national anthem and Selangor state anthem to honour the tournament was held in Selangor.

ASP Rajendran Kanhiah from Shah Alam Police, who is the Malaysian Indian Football Association deputy president and president of victorious team Wawasan 2020 club president, was the guest of honour for the opening ceremony.

On Friday night, Tan Sri Hamidin was present for the welcome dinner at Royal Selangor Club Sports Annex at Bukit Kiara.

In his address he had said: “I am glad to see small clubs organise tournaments like this, especially age-group tournaments to unearth our young talent and give them competition exposure.

“As for the veterans, it is good to still see them in the game, which helps them keep fit and healthy, while still active in the game,” said Tan Sri Hamidin.

“As this tournament also incorporates the U16 tournament, the veteran players should serve as example for the youngsters with their discipline in the game, fair play play, besides displaying their vintage skills,” said Tan Hamidin with a cheeky laugh.

Tan Sri Hamidin handing over the Veteran's Challenge trophy to Christopher Raj

The teams who competed on Sunday in the veteran category for players 45 years and above category, were host XMail FC Veterans, Melwood Boys FC, Club Aman, UM Legends, Wawasan 2020, Rain FC, MCFA and Sportwriters Association of Malaysia (SAM)

While in the Under-16 teams the teams who competed were My World Hunters FA Academy (Penang), Black Leopard FA (KL), CIMB YFA (KL), DTFT (Selangor), KR7 FC (Malacca), Destiny FDC (Selangor) ,Wira MAS Ipoh (Perak) and PD U Rangers FC (Port Dickson, NS). 

Tan Sri Hamidin officially handing over the u16 Challenge trophy to ex-international V. Kalimutu at the official dinner

The teams were divided into two Groups in each category at the draw on Friday namely for veterans - Group A: UM Legends, XMail FC, Wawasan 2020 an Rain FC and in Group B:Club Aman, Melwood FC, Malaysian Chinese Football Association (MCFA) and Sportwriters Association of Malaysia (SAM).

VETERAN SEMIFINALS - CLUB AMAN AND WAWASAN 2020

SAM

In the Under-16 category in Group A were PD U Rangers, KR&, My World, Destiny FDC and Group B were DTFT CIMB YFA, Wira Emas and Black Leopards.

After the Group preliminary league round in their respective Groups, the top two teams qualified for the Championship semifinals, while the third placed and fourth team played in the Plate semifinals.

In the Veteran final, both the teams - Wawasan 2020 and Rain FC - were from Group A.

In the Group match both teams played to 0-0 draw and in final after the game was tied again at 1-1, it had to be decided by penalty kicks and Wawasan 2020 won 3-2

In the semifinals, it was close encounters as Wawasan 2020 beat Club Aman 1-0 and Rain FC also won by a similar score (1-0) beating Melwood Boys.

In the Plate Final, hosts Xmail beat UM Legends 3-1 and in their earlier meeting in the Group match had defeated UM Legends 4-1.

Individual prizes for the veterans were as follows:

Best Goalkeeper: Mohamed Redzuan (Rain FC)

Top Scorer of the Tournament: K. Nanthakumar - 5 goals (XMail FC KL)

Man-of-the match in the Final: Murugarajoo Muniandy

 (Wawasan 2020)

Fair Play Trophy: UM Legends

The top scorer for both the veteran and Under-16 category received a return air-ticket each courtesy of  Trans Nusa, besides a trophy.

The man-of-the match (final) received Puma goods besides the trophy.

In the Under-16 category, the final although keenly contested by Destiny FDC and CIMB YFA, it was marred with some  rough play which certainly did not angur well for youth level development

The final witnessed by Christopher Raj, representing Tan Sri Hamidin, who is the FAM Exco member and also was the national Under-16 team manager,  was certainly not pleased with what he saw, although he was impressed with the talent.

CIMB YFA’s coach Gobi was red carded for entering the field when their goalkeeper was injured and floor without referee’s call and uttered some unpleasanteries to the referee, while Destiny’s Micha Foo was red carded for rough play- it was the tournament’s only red to a player.

Destiny wrested the title with a 2-0 win ( Adam Danish and Zafran Rasfan) and went on to win several individual awards - Top Scorer - Ahmad Zaref Kamabarin (4 goals); Best Goalkeeper (Ashraf Rashid) and Man-of-the match in final (Adam Danish).

Destiny, based in Shah Alam, is a well established club under leadership of founder and managing director Aylwin Henry Skelchy, whose clubs have close ties with German clubs.

Four of their players in the team, had just returned from a playing tour of Germany.

The Fairplay Trophy was awarded to Black Leopard.

The champions for the Veterans category took home RM2,500.00, runners-up RM1,500.00, the third placed RM750.00 and fourth placed RM400.00 and medals.

The champions of both veteran and U16 categories were also given a take-away champion trophy.

For the Losers Pool final, the winner received RM400.00 and the loser RM300.00 and medals.

For the Under 16 category, prize money was offered this year.

The the champion received RM800.00, runners-up RM500.00, the third placed RM300.00 and fourth placed RM200.00 and medals.

For the Losers Pool final, the winner received RM200.00 and the loser RM100.00 and medals.

The inaugural champions of the veteran tournament was Huaren FC, followed by XMail FC and last year Navashini Ipoh.

The inaugural Under-16 champion was Ipoh City Council.

The tournament was made possible with personal contribution of supporters and well wishers of the XMail team and several regular sponsors who are friends of XMail FC.

Among the sponsors include ShekhinahPR who was largely instrumental in the tournament being organised this year , Ampersand Advisory, 100 Plus/ Borneo Springs, Milo, TransNusa, Flash Sukan, HA Megah Technology Sdn Bhd, BNT Recycle Sdn Bhd and KR Travels.

FAM deputy president Datuk Siva Sundaram presenting at souvenir to Kerwin Lim (Nestles)

It was indeed and exciting edition with interesting battles are on card in both categories, as teams have submitted formidable teams.

The veteran category see several ex-state, ex-national juniors and ex-international competing.

Among them include K. Nathankumar, Paidiya Rao, S. Saravanan, Lee Ban Tat, A. Muralitharan, S. Jayaprakash, M. Chandran, Ismail Ibrahim and Asmawi  Bakiri to name a few.  

The tournament moves every year to a new venue to bring the game to all States including Sabah and Sarawak in the near future.

SELANGOR REGAINS GLORY IN MCFA CUP

SELANGOR EDGE NEGRI SEMBILAN IN CLOSE BATTLE

Selangor regained their top team status in the Malaysian Chinese Football Association (MCFA) Cup, when beat Negri Sembilan 4-2 in penalty kicks after regulation 1-1 draw, at the UTAR Mini Stadium in Kampar on Sunday evening.

Selangor going into their firth final had qualified for the last four finals since 2018 (except when no competition was held in 2020 and 2021 because of the Covid pandemic) and had won it thrice - only losing last year to Kedah last year.

Selangor for the record too have appeared in the most number finals in the history of the MCFA Cup - 30 times - and now won it 14 times.

Selangor coach  Ng Thean Loo being hoisted by his players and team officials after he steered his team to glory

Penang who holds the record of having the Cup the most number of times - 15 times in their 26 final appearances, had to contend finishing third when they defeated Perak also in penalty kicks 4-3 after regulation time 2-2 draw.

Selangor who started as favourites in the final against Negri Sembilan after having emerged champions in their Southerners Group with an unbeaten record with four wins, although only three states were in the Group, Johor being the other.

Selangor also had defeated Negri Sembilan twice (2-0 and 1-0) in the Group League matches.

But Negri were bent on turning the tables on Selangor with their never say die attitude and determination and even forced the game to be decided by penalty kicks with a last minute equaliser  by Chun Keng Hong in the 89th minute after Selangor's Nickolas had score in the 67th minute.

However, for Selangor’s player Nicholas Wee Shen Ming, 32, it was probably a perfect farewell for his involvement in the tournament since he was 15 years ago.

The former Harimau Muda player, a product the Royal Selangor Club, Junior Soccer Development Programme (JSDP) owes it to his father, Hock Kee, who took a keen interest in his development of the game and even his career.

Both father and son have accountancy background.

Nicholas is now the CEO of DBC group of Physiotherapy Centres which was founded by his father 22 years ago.

Nicholas has the proud record of having lifted the MCFA Cup six times.

And Nicholas said it maybe time for him to hang his boots.

Nursing a knee injury but coach  Ng Thean Loo wanted him to play. He no longer plays competitive football. His professional football days are over. Career is his main focus now but still  plays social football regularly. 

“He started playing in MCFA at the age of 15 and this annual tournament is close to his heart,” said senior Wee Hock Kee.

“Yes at 32 he still has  the drive and energy to play. Coach had switched him  from center back to defensive midfielder.

“Chinese families emphasise a lot on education. But you can achieve both as Nicholas has proven,” said Wee who was in Kampar to support his son.

Nicolas himself just wanted to savour the moment and said whether he plays in the 72^nd  edition of the MCFA Cup, he will let time and his condition be the judge.

“I just want to enjoy this moment, This is very special to me,” said Nicholas.

Indeed a proud moment for father and son.

The tournament itself was very well organised under the leadership of newly elected president Datuk Jeffery Low and his team of Edwin tan Chee Hong (Hon Secretary), Melvin Tan Ching Yang (Competition Chairman), Ridzuan Sim Abdullah (Corporate Marketing of MCFA Football Development) and their team.

A big thank you to local resident Hew Fen Yee who was a major sponsor of the tournament and University of Tuanku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) in Kampar who gave their full support for the excellent venue and medical assistance.

Fairplay trophy to Negeri Sembilan

The tournament used the two (2) league system, Carnival ( Northern & Southern ) starting on June 21.

After the League rounds, Penang emerged champions of the Northern Zone, while Perak emerged runners-up to qualify the semifinals, with Selangor emerging champions and Negri Sembilan runners-up, in the Southern zone, to reach the semifinals too.

The tournament rules requires a minimum of three Under-21 players to be in 1st XI for the full duration of the match and teams are allowed to field players of other ethnic groups, besides Chinese players.

The prize money for the champion was RM 7,000.00, runner-up RM4,000.00, 3rd & 4th RM2,000.00 each.

The following awards were given Fairplay team (Negri Sembilan);

Top Scorer (Mak Weng Keng - Perak -9 goals);  

Best Goalkeeper (Lim Wei Peng - Negri Sembilan)

and Man of the match (Final) - Low Chun Keong (Selangor).

Indeed, there was an abundance of talent, but sadly no talent scout from the FA of Malaysia were present to spot, where there is a complain that these days it is hard to find footballers from other ethnic group.

But Kudos to MCFA for doing their part to promote and develop the game from grassroots among their ethnic group.

MCFA is no longer a racial tournament as it is open to all races and it was a delight to see a truly Malaysian tournament and emphasising that there must be 3 Under-21 players in the starting XI for the full duration of the game.

 

 

 

SOUTHERNERS RULE IN MCFA CUP SEMIFINALS CLASH

SELANGOR V NEGRI SEMBILAN FINAL

 

Northern teams champions Penang and runners-up Perak, were shown the exit in the semifinals clash of the 71^st edition of the Malaysian Chinese Football Association (MCFA) Cup on Friday in Kampar, where Southerners, Negri Sembilan, runners up in their zone and champions, Selangor defeated their opponents respectively.

Perak’s hope of making the final and try to win the MCFA Cup they last won 22 years ago in 2002, when they defeated Penang by a solitary goal,  was dashed by  Selangor’s solitary 56^th minute goal by Mohamad Syafiq Khor Mohd Kamal Khor.

The Selangor players getting some tips from their coaching staff in the semifinal match against Perak

Selangor who have qualified for the last four finals since 2018 (except when no competition was held in 2020 and 2021 because of the Covid pandemic) and won it thrice - only losing last year to Kedah, is now in line to regain their glory when they play Negri Sembilan tomorrow evening (Sunday) at the University TAR in Kampar.

Negri Sembilan team

Selangor for the record too have appeared in the most number finals in the history of the MCFA Cup - 29 times - and won it 13 times, but Penang holds the record of having the Cup the most number of times - 15 times in their 26 final appearances.

Selangor will certainly start at favourites in the final,  having emerged champions in their Southerners Group with an unbeaten record with four wins, although only three states were in the Group, Johor being the other.

Besides, Selangor had also defeated Negri Sembilan twice (2-0 and 1-0) in the Group League matches. It was a close battle and another one can be expected tomorrow but will Negri Sembilan be able to turn the tables on Selangor this time around, is the question on everyone’s lips.

Repeat Final... Selangor and Negri Sembilan in their Southern Group League match

In the Northern Group, were four States - Penang, Perak, Kedah and Kuala Lumpur, where Penang won four matches, drew one and lost one, while Perak as runners up, won four and lost two.

But Selangor certainly cannot take Negri Sembilan lightly or for granted despite their earlier wins, after the latter’s convincing 4-1 win over Penang.

Penang led with an early 7th minute goal by Eng Tian Hom, but Negri Sembilan equalised in the 21^st minute through Derrick Chua, their leading scorer to bring his tally to six, for halftime score.

Then, Negri Sembilan went on an all-out assault in the second half to score through Dermon Yong Chiang Min (57^th minute,) Keenan Goh Qing Wei (73^rd) and Adam How Eng Hua (83^rd) to seal the game.

Perak will now play for the third placing spot at 2.30pm tomorrow, while the final at 4.15pm, is going to be an exciting show down.

Negri Sembilan has only won the trophy four times in their 13 final appearances.

Can Negri Sembilan wrest the Cup against the well oiled Selangor, they last won 13 years ago, when they defeated Penang by a solitary goal?

Indeed a question which will be eagerly waited tomorrow evening.

The MCFA Cup is among one of the the oldest tournaments in the nation (inaugurated in 1948) which is hosting it’s 71^st edition this year.

The tournament used the two (2) league system, Carnival ( Northern & Southern ) started on June 21 culminating with the final tomorrow.

The tournament rules requires a minimum of three Under-21 players to be in 1st XI for the full duration of the match and teams are allowed to field players of other ethnic groups, besides Chinese players.

Players still registered/participating in the M-League 2024 (AFL – M3 [A1], Super League U23, President Cup and Belia Cup 2024 are not be allowed to play in this competition but with Official Letter from the Club/State they are allowed to play in this tournament.

The prize money for champion is RM 7,000.00, runner-up RM4,000.00, 3rd & 4th RM2,000.00 each.

The defending champion is Kedah who had defeated Selangor in the final last year, but failed to qualify for the semifinal this year.

There will also be special awards for the following:

Fairplay team
Top Scorer
Best Goalkeeper
Man of the match (Final)

MCFA in collaboration with FA of Malaysia organsed a football seminar this morning (Saturday) at Grand Kampar Hotel.

MCFA president, Datuk Jefrey Low said: “In this tournament we witnessed the power of unity, as players from different backgrounds, cultures and states come together with a shared passion, ready to showcase their extraordinary abilities.

“Since the tournament began in June, we have witnessed unforgettable  moments, breath taking goals, and display of sheer brilliance that has etched memories.

“I strongly believe the final will see a fitting display by both teams to showcase a high level performance fitting for a grand finale.”

MCFA CUP MOVES TO FINAL STAGES IN KAMPAR

MCFA CUP ACTION IN KAMPAR

THE Malaysian Chinese Football Association (MCFA) proudly host their 71^st edition - one of the oldest tournaments in the nation (inaugural in 1948) - this weekend (Aug 9 -11) in Kampar, Perak.

 The tournament using the two (2) league system, Carnival ( Northern & Southern ) started on June 21.

After the League rounds, Penang emerged champions of the Northern Zone, while Perak emerged runners-up to qualify the semifinals, with Selangor emerging champions and Negri Sembilan runners-up, in the Southern zone, to reach the semifinals too.

Penang will take on Negri Sembilan in the first semifinals, while Selangor will play Perak in the second semifinals.

71st MCFA CUP 2024 (NORTHERN ZONE) by Deputy President FAM Dato S. Sivasundaram, MCFA Hon. Secretary Edwin Tang and MCFA Director of Corporate Marketing & Football Development MCFA, Ridzuan Sim Abdullah. 

The tournament rules requires a minimum of three Under-21 players to be in 1st XI for the full duration of the match and teams are allowed to field players of other ethnic groups, besides Chinese players.

The prize money for champion is RM 7,000.00, runner-up RM4,000.00, 3rd & 4th RM2,000.00 each.

71st MCFA Cup ( 2nd League Northern zone) Kedah vs Penang 

The defending champion is Kedah who had defeated Selangor in the finals last year, but failed to qualify for the semifinal this year.

Penang holds the record of winning the tournament the most number of times -15 - and last won it in 2013. Selangor has won it 13 times and last won it in 2022.

Perak has won the championship 9 times, after Singapore (10 times). Negri has only won it four times.

1st League 71st MCFA CUP 2024 ( Southern zone ) Selangor vs Negeri Sembilan 

There will also be special awards for the following:

Fairplay team
Top Scorer
Best Goalkeeper
Man of the match (Final)

MCFA in collaboration with FA of Malaysia are organsing a football seminar on Saturday (Aug 10) at Grand Kampar Hotel, where it is compulsory for all state secretaries, team managers and coaches to attend the seminar.

71st MCFA Cup opening ceremony ( Southern zone) by Dato Ng Chong Boon, Deputy President MCFA. Competition Chairman Melvin Tan 

MCFA president, Datuk Jefrey Low said: “In this tournament we witness the power of unity, as players from different backgrounds, cultures and states come together with a shared passion, ready to showcase their extraordinary abilities.

“Here, the game transcends language, race, and borders, uniting us in common language understood by all a language of rentless effort, camaraderie and determination.

“Since the tournament began in June, we have witnessed unforgettable  moments, breath taking goals, and display of sheer brilliance that has etched memories.

“I strongly believe as the tournament moves to its final stages, we are going to witness even more exciting days in Kampar.”

 Venues:

Semi Final 1 & 2 - 09.08.2024
SF1 - Sport Complex UTAR
SF2 - Majlis Perbandaran Kampar(MPK) Field
3rd & 4th Placing, Final - 11.08.2024
Sport Complex UTAR