'Holiday' away from home (The Malay Mail)

MIKE BROWN, even in his free time, somehow can't get his mind off soccer.
"I don't know what free time is ... if there is such a thing, then I
haven't found it yet," said the 53-year-old Englishman, who was born in
Hull but, after having spent most of his time there, considers Manchester
his home.
Brown actually breathes soccer 24 hours a day, 365 days a year - for the
past 38 years!
However, he admitted he has had extra time on his hands since coming to
Malaysia to coach Pahang.
"Somehow, everything I do back in England revolves around soccer.
"Even when I play a round of golf, it's with my soccer buddies and,
naturally, we would usually end up talking about soccer," said Brown, a
14-handicapper.
"But since coming to Kuantan and staying on my own, I have managed to
get some spare time. And if I were to tell people back home what I have
been doing, they'd be amused.
"I have never been known to be a letter writer even when I was in the
army during my younger days.
"But in Kuantan, I think I have written more letters than in my whole
lifetime.
"My friends were surprised to receive letters from me, but they have
obliged by replying and keeping me informed of what is happening back
home.
"I must admit it's a sheer joy to find a letter from home in the
mailbox. I have never experienced this feeling before."
Apart from writing letters, Brown has been occasionally playing golf,
but spends most of his free time at Kuantan's Merlin Hotel.
"I have made some good friends at the hotel ... it's like a second home
to me.
"I'd normally go to the hotel for a swim in the morning and spend some
time on the beach.
"It's seafront has a lovely setting, which is where I write most of my
letters before a swim.
"Its also during this period that I figure out my plans before each
match.
"Sometimes, I get players who are injured to join me and undergo
remedial workouts in the pool and on the beach."
Brown said in England, he used to do much of his planning on the
motorway.
"I used to spend a lot of time on my own on the motorways, travelling to
matches. Being alone enabled me to think aloud.
"But since I am staying here alone, I do get a lot of time by myself,
and I find the seaside a refreshing place for contemplation."
Brown would normally have his meal at the hotel before returning home in
the afternoon.
"Many of my friends have sent me tapes of classical music and whenever I
get the opportunity to relax, I listen to it for about an hour.
"Of course, I perform some household chores, something which I have
never done before in my life," he chuckled.
"If friends back home were to find out about this, my ego would suffer a
dent.
"I was pampered before coming to Malaysia. Everything was done for me. I
have never ironed a shirt before I came to Kuantan.
"Although a maid comes to the house once a week - and she does a
marvellous job, including washing and ironing my clothes - I still do some
on my own."
Another chore which Brown had never done before is shopping.
"I am a hit at the local supermarket. I cannot believe I am doing this."
In the evenings, Brown can be found training the Pahang team. His
nightlife is either dinner with friends, the players or on his own.
Then he heads for the local pub for a pint or two.
"In England, my social life revolved around the pubs. I certainly miss
that scene where soccer talk rules.
"I do enjoy my moments at the pubs here. I have met all sorts of
characters, which has been quite an experience.
"But I don't stay up late. I would head for home after a couple of
pints."
Brown said at times, he missed his family, who are not with him here
because he took up the Pahang appointment at short notice following the
departure of his predecessor, Len Ashurst.
"Besides, my two boys - Gary (23) and Steven (20) - are just starting
out after completing their education and need to be looked after. It was
best that my wife Pamela remained with them."
Gary has been to Malaysia to visit Brown for a couple of weeks while
Pamela also flew down for a month in September.
"But I did not spend much time with them because I was involved with the
team.
"In fact, Pamela hardly saw much of Malaysia, except to travel to away
matches where Pahang played during that period.
"As for me, I hardly have time to visit any place of interest."
Brown said he has enjoyed his stay in Malaysia and, if given an
opportunity, would not hesitate to return.
One thing he missed is watching the other soccer matches, something
which he used to do in England.
"Here, the fixtures do not allow that. I have only watched one match
this season - between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur at the National Stadium -
when Pahang had a rest day.
"Whether I return for another stint in Malaysia or not, I'd always have
fond memories of this country, especially its friendly and warm people.
"It has indeed been a pleasant experience for me," said Brown, whose
contract with Pahang FA expires on Nov 30.
On his future, Brown said: "Once a footballer, always a footballer. Have
boots will travel and that sums up my options.
"I'd not hesitate to go anywhere as long as it involves soccer."

Soccer could go up in smoke

THE call by the FA of Malaysia president, the Sultan of Pahang, to rethink
any ban on sponsorship from cigarette companies should be given a serious
thought in the interest of soccer and other sports.
At a time when sports in the country is heading towards excellence and
organising international events like the Commonwealth Games, World Youth
Soccer tournament, international badminton tournanments and other
international events, a ban on sponsorship from cigarette companies will
be a crippling blow.
It will definitely put soccer in dire straits as FAM have made long term
plans especially in youth development with the aid of these sponsorship.
The funds are from Dunhill - for 10 years from 1989 to a tune of $6.25
million annually.
State FAs are funded by FAM and taking away these grants will kill
soccer in most States.
The Semi-pro League gets 40 per cent of the sponsorship money from
Dunhill while 60 per cent goes to youth development, coaching seminars,
referees courses, Centres of Excellence, inter-district and age-group
tournaments.
State FAs take up $2.4 million for adminstration and youth development
from FAM.
Not many companies will be willing to put in big money without insisting
on mileage worth the amount.
OF course FAM have other sponsors like Malaysia Airlines who give
discounts on tickets, Sharp who give 70 per cent of their sponorship in
equipment and $300,000 cash while Adidas supply equipment.
Others like TV3, Toto, Genting Highlands and Public Bank give about
$500,000 each while give EON $1.5 million.
But without Dunhills sponsorship, FA of Malaysia will be crippled
because the other sponsorships go towards the Semi-pro League.
There has been suggestions that sponsors besides cigarette companies
should be sought. This is easier said than done because we are talking
megabucks here.
Certainly soccer development programmes will not interest companies as
they hardly get any mileage for their money.
It must be understood that FAM, while receiving sponsorship from a
cigarette company, are in no way condoning smoking.
They have merely agreed to the sponorship because it is the best
available source of funds at the moment.

Having a fun time (The Sunday Mail)

MARKO BILIC, as Terengganu's Director of Development, may not be enjoying
the limelight than when he was handling Semi-Pro League teams, but he is
nevertheless enjoying his job to the fullest.
The 52-year-old Bilic, who lost his job after only three months as coach
of Div Two Malacca this season, has been with Terengganu since June.
"I am enjoying every minute of my job here because I personally get more
satisfaction working with the young," said Bilic, who had coached Johor
and Perak prior to his move to Malacca.
"Of course at times, I miss the League action, but I must admit that
working with the young is more relaxing and rewarding in the long run.
"Besides, I have been actively involved in youth development when I was
with Sarajevo, a Div One club in the Yugoslav League, before becoming
their coach."
Bilic said his work involves going to the eight districts in Terengganu
not only to scout for young talent, but also to impart the coaching
syllabus he has prepared so that the youths will be properly coached.
"I have already gone to a few districts and I must say that there is an
abundance of talent.
"In fact, some of the talents I have seen are equivalent to European
youth players, if not better.
"But it is important that these raw talents are coached properly to
reach the highest level."
Bilic believed that in the past, not only in Terengganu but all over
Malaysia as well, many talented players have been lost because they were
either not spotted or coached properly.
"I have prepared a coaching programme which I am imparting to the local
coaches in the district and I hope they will carry it out.
"If the coaching programme is carried out, I see no reason for
Terengganu to depend on foreign players in the near future, because their
home-bred players will be comparable if not better."
Bilic, however, expressed concern that his work might be temporarily
halted because of the monsoon season, which is expected to begin soon and
last for three months.
"I am trying to work something out for some indoor programme and I hope
this will be carried out because the three months' inactivity will put a
spanner in the works."
Besides Bilic's job as youth development director, he also helps out in
the Semi-Pro.
But his involvement is only in sizing up their opponents and giving his
knowledge on the teams to Terengganu coach Abdullah Mohamad.
"I have watched several of Terengganu's opponents against other teams
and given my views of their strengths and weaknesses and also how to stop
them."
"It is up to Abdullah whether he wants to use the information or not,
but I am glad that I am able to help the Semi-Pro team in some ways too.
Besides, it helps me to keep in touch with the other teams in the
competition."
Occasionally, Bilic helps to coach the goalkeepers, being a former
goalkeeper himself.
Bilic, who has a contract with Terengganu until the end of next year, is
certainly a very happy man and his face lights up whenever he talks about
his job.
Sunshine and sea breeze aside, Bilic is certainly having a whale of a
time with Terengganu.
                              (END)

Kannan quits

STRIKER K. Kannan has quit Singapore soccer. He's looking across the
Causeway again.
Kannan's decision comes a day after skipper T. Pathmanathan announced
his retirement.
"It is with a very heavy heart that I have to come to this decision,"
said the 30-year-old Kannan. "I have given it a lot of thought."
Kannan said that among the main reasons for his decision were because
the Singapore Press and fans caused a lot of damage to his playing career.
"Some journalists said they're out to get me. They wait for me to play
badly and criticise me endlessly. When I do well, not a word is mentioned.
There's just no fair play.
"As for the fans, I am sick of being accused of selling matches. Every
time I play a bad match, I'm faced with these accusations.
"I've never even been offered money to fix games. Not in Singapore or
even when I was with KL."
He said that betting on soccer matches has become a national past-time
in Singapore and that puts tremendous pressure on the national team.
Kannan also wants to concentrate on his job with a sports goods company,
Hawk Sports.
However, Kannan said that soccer is still very much in his blood and
that is why he will still continue playing in the local league in
Singapore. He turns out for Geylang International.
"I'm leaving my options open. I'll play for Malaysian States if I'm
needed. I also want to take up a coaching course to improve my technical
knowledge of the game. I can make a good coach especially among the young
players," he added.
Kannan believes he played his best soccer with KL. He spent six seasons
with them.
"I believe my poor form this season with Singapore was because I had
given my best with KL. While in KL I set a high standard for myself and I
was unable to match that with Singapore."
He has two Malaysia Cup winners' medals. That came in 1987-88. The
following year Kannan returned to Singapore to be with his ailing father.
Kannan also won the Golden Boots award in 1987 with 15 goals.
However, he has only scored three goals this season with Singapore - his
worst performance since first playing in the Malaysia Cup 12 years ago.
"My conditioning this year has not been to expectations. I feel I let
myself and coach P. Sivaji down this year."
However, Kannan also said that he has always down well with foreign
coaches.
"Strangely all have been Czech coaches when I played for Kuala Lumpur
for six seasons. Look at Zainal Abidin Hassan, Dollah Salleh and Fandi
Ahmad. Foreign coaches have helped their careers too.
"They know how to prepare not for a 90-minute match, but for a full
season. And they can get results by adopting a personal and professional
approach.
"From Dr. Josef Venglos, Josef Jankech and Milous Kvacek. They have been
marvellous," he said.

AFC: Quality first (The Malay Mail)

THE increasing number of Asian countries expected to adhere to the call by
the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to go professional or
semi-professional is going to further attract foreign players.
 To this effect, the AFC have expressed concern on the quality of such
players.
 "Most of the countries who have gone professional or semi-professional
have a restriction on foreign players, so the flow is controlled," said
AFC secretary general Peter Velappan.
 "Their presence does not threaten the livelihood of the locals.
 "Asian countries are aware going pro or semi-pro will raise the standard
of soccer. But local players must be involved. Foreigners are mainly to
add strength and glamour."
 Velappan expressed concern on the flow of average foreign players into
the Asian market.
 AFC were also concerned that clubs were dealing with soccer agents not
recognised by Fifa.
 Velappan said that AFC and even national associations can help clubs get
good foreign players.
 "National associations with good contacts in Europe will certainly have
good relationships with clubs to assist in loaning quality players.
 "If there are problems, we can help out.
 "Clubs can establish direct contact with their overseas counterparts and
request for assistance. It is easier than dealing with agents."
 Velappan said many top clubs in Europe are having difficulties managing
big squads, especially with reserves who are good but cannot find a place
in the first team. Their balance sheet at the end of the year normally
runs into deficits.
 "These clubs will be more than happy to loan players for free or even
nomimal fees. This way Asian clubs can be assured of quality players."
 Velappan said clubs can even go a step further by arranging exchange
programmes or training stints.
 He said some of the foreign players who turn up for trials are of a low
standard, perhaps no better than local Div One players.
                              (END)

Give us a break (The Malay Mail)

 LOCAL soccer coaches drew flak at the Semi-Pro seminar at Genting
Highlands recently forcing several moves to he taken to upgrade their
standard.
    One of the moves is in introduce graded coaches among FAM advance
certificate holders.
    The technical and youth development committee, chaired by the Tengku
Mahkota of Pahang, then ruled that all current holders of the FAM advanced
certificate will not be good enough to coach Semi-Pro teams. This rule is
effective from next season.
    All current holders of the advanced certificate will be classified as
Grade B licensed coaches who will be elligible to coach youth teams. Those
who want to coach Semi-Pro teams will have to sit for another course to
get the Grade A licence.
    The Tengku Mahkota did not mince his words when he said Malaysia have
to produce coaches just as good as their foreign counterparts. He said the
standard of local coaches has stagnated.
    To make matters worse, there is an imbalance between local and
foreign Semi-Pro coaches.
    Of the 16 teams competing this season in both divisions, ten have
foreign coaches.
    In Div One are Michael Urukalo (Johor), Len Ashurst (Pahang), Oldrich
Sedlack (Sabah) Milan Hanko (Negri)) and Allan Vest (Sarawak).
    The local coaches are Chan Sze Onn (Perak), Chow Kwai Lam (KL),
Mazlan Harun (Selangor) and Abdullah Mohammed (Terengganu).
    Singapore have Milous Kvacek.
    The remaining five foreign coaches are in Div Two. They are : Robert
Albert (Kedah), Heese Horst (Kelantan), Bragego Bratic (Penang), Ken
Morten (Police) and Marko Bilic (Malacca)
    The two local coaches are: Khidir Buyong (Forces) and Mohamad Che Su
(Perlis).
    Second Division's Brunei is coached by Hussein Al-Juned of Singapore.
    MAZLAN HARUN: Malaysian soccer has survived and did well with local
coaches in the past. We even did well internationally.
    Take Selangor for instance. We have always been the soccer power in
Malaysian soccer and with the local coaches.
    Suddenly there is an influx of foreign coaches while locals have
taken a back-seat.
    I still believe that unless local coaches are given the confidence,
we cannot develop calibre coaches.
    Besides, some foreign coaches, who are here, are not all that good
themselves.
    But to a certain extent I have to admit that some of our local
coaches lack ability in spotting talent and developing it.
    Maybe we should work in this area so that local coaches have a better
eye for talent.
    Otherwise, I feel local coaches should be given recognition.
    CHOW KWAI LAM: More local coaches should be given responsibility to
handle teams if the standard of Malaysian coaches is to rise. How can
local coaches learn if they are not given the opportunity to handle teams.
    More and more teams are placing their faith in foreign coaches and
some them are no better than our local coaches.
    There is definitely no uniformity with coaches from different
countries.
    Maybe, a better way would be to have one highly qualified foreign
coach at the helm of Malaysian soccer to conduct courses for local state
coaches.
    This was the case when Dave McLaren was here in the late 60s and Karl
Weigang in the late 70s. And both occasions the national team went to do
well to qualify for the 1972 Munich Olympics and 1980 Moscow Olympics.
    I am not against the presence of foreign coaches here, but probably
we should be selective and only get the best.
    And most foreign coaches, handling State teams, are not really
interested in the development of the game in the country but short term
results.
    But there are already several coaches in Malaysia who have a licensed
certificate from Germany.
    Besides myself, there is Mohamad Bakar (Penang), Abdullah Mohammad
and Abdul Rahman lbrahim (both Terengganu) and Mahadi Yusof (Kelantan).
Our gradings should be recognised and maybe we can just attend a refresher
course.
    KHAIDIR BUYONG: Local coaches are said to be not good enough, but
they are not given the freedom to handle teams as foreign coaches are.
    I am sure if local coaches are given the same privileges and rights,
they too can produce results.
    For example, a foreign coach is given permission to hire any foreign
player he wants and form the team the way he wants with no interference at
all.
    But local coaches cannot do the same.
    Besides, team officials have a bigger say. Local coaches are not paid
as well, and do not recieve the same perks as foreign coaches.
    ABDULLAH MOHAMAD: Foreign coaches do not necessarily spell success
and this his been proven in the three seasons of Semi-Pro league. There
have been foreign coaches whose teams have finished worse off than teams
coached by foreigners.
    In this respect, I feel local coaches should have been given the
benefit of being involve in our top league so that they too can learn and
improve.
    Unless confidence is placed on local coaches, they are definitely not
going to improve because they do not have the opportunities.
    Thus it is unfair to compare local coaches with foreign coaches.
    CHAN SZE ONN: Local coaches should be assessed against foreign
coaches with the same terms and conditions. But this is not the case.
Local coaches work under restrictions, while foreign coaches have
free-rein.
    I am glad I have been given an opportunity to handle the Perak team,
after a foreigner (Marko Bilic) last year. I will definitely do my best to
prove that local coaches can do as well, if not better than foreigners.
    As for the grading of coaches, I feel it is always good to learn
something new. I am sure if there is going to be a grading among advanced
certificite holders, there will be something new to be imparted.
    But maybe an exception could be given to coaches who have advanced
certificates for sometime now and have been actively involved. Probably a
refresher's course will suffice.
    MOHAMAD CHE SU: There is a growing tendency to believe that if
something is foreign it is good. This is not necessarily the case
especially in soccer. If it is the best of the foreign coaches who come
here, it will be good for the game, players and local coaches.
    But in most cases, foreign coaches are average ones and some of our
local coaches are better.
    As for grading of advanced certificate holders, I will definitely not
attend because at 52, I cannot possibly be as active as the younger
coaches.
    Besides, with wider experience, senior coaches should be exempted.
Probably refresher course will just serve the purpose of informing coaches
on the latest development in coaching. But asking them to go through
physical drills and examinations would be asking too much of senior
coaches.
    MICHAEL URUKALO and ALLAN VEST: We foreign coaches are here because
we want to help Malaysian soccer. Our services have been sought and we
have no qualms about coming here to impart whatever knowledge we have
gained over the years from wherever we come from.
    The foreign coaches Malaysian states have got are equivalent to what
they are prepared to pay for.
    Of course, one cannot expect to get a World Cup coach.
    But those who have taken up an appointment, I must say they are
qualified and have their own merits and credentials.
    Afterall, State FAs had the last say in employing them. So I see no
reason why there should be any complaints.
    To say that foreign coaches are not interested in the development of
the game here is wrong.
     Again it falls back to the State FAs. It all depends on what the
State FAs want from foreign coaches. Most Stae FAs offer shorts and want
immediate results. Under the circumstances, foreign coaches do at they
have to do - assemble experienced players and recruit talented and
experienced foreign players.
    One cannot have development and success at the same time.
    If it is development the State FAs want, then they must be prepared
to hire coaches for a longer period.
    In any case, even if coaches are here for short periods, most of them
still conduct clinics for local coaches and help out in the youth
development programmes. But sometimes, the heavy Semi-Pro league
commitment simply makes it impossible for foreign coaches to concentrate
on other areas.
    On the subject of there being no uniformity because there are foreign
coaches from many countries, I suppose it has two sides.
    The variety of coaching means producing a variety of players. This
should certainly be welcomed because then the national selectors will have
a variety of players to choose from.
    Local coaches too can benefit as they get a variety too. There is
always a local coach attached to us and he can pick up useful tips.
    But it is a fact that foreign coaches have produced results here and
that alone should underline the fact that foreign coaches have done their
jobs well.
    Of course not all foreign coaches can win a title because there are
only three titles - League Cup, Malaysia Cup and FA Cup - and there are
definitely more than three foreign coaches.
    Some have to win and some have to lose and that is the name of the
game.
    But we are sure that each one of us has done or will be doing our
jobs to the best of our abilities with the aim to see the teams we coach
do well.
     I do not think anyone of us is here for a holiday.
    Soccer is in our blood and that is why we are here.
    Any success here will add to our credentials and local coaches should
not treat us as aliens, but to work closely for the benefit of Malaysian
soccer.
    Just like local coaches, we have a job to do, and do it well.
                              (END)

MM soccer team gets boost from sponsors (The Malay Mail)

THE Sharp-Malay Mail soccer team receive an extra boost yesterday from
Sharp Roxy and Antioni, with their sponsorship of cash and wear.
    Sharp Roxy is sponsoring the team for the second season - $20,000
plus bonuses of up to $12,000 - if it wins the various tournaments played
while Antioni is giving away $20,000 worth of sports wear and bags.
    New Straits Times Press managing director Khalid Ahmad received a
mock cheque from Sharp Roxy's senior manager in the corporate public
relations and product productions promotions section, Encik Mohamad Salleh
Aziz, at Balai Berita yesterday.
    Antioni sales manager Elson Moey later gave a jersey to Malay Mail
editor Salehuddin Othaman as token.
    The Sharp-Malay Mail team emerged champions in the Kuala Lumpur
Dunhill League and runner-up in the Philippines Cup tournament in Manila
this year.
                              (END)