Jakarta Casual

V Sundramoorthy has stepped down as LionsXII coach following their elimination from the Malaysia Cup last weekend.

The coach, who led the team to the Malaysia Super League title, had long been rumoured to be finishing up with the team this season, will be Negeri Sembilan's new coach for the Malaysia Premier League next season.

From the outside it does seem a bit odd. Leaving the Super League champions for a team that was relegated but Negeri Sembilan are a bit of a sleeping giant in Malaysian football and there are suggestions they will be backed up by some serious money in the coming season; something which is becoming a bit of a trend in Malaysia what with Johor Darul Takzim, ATM, Sime Darby et all splashing some serious cash recently.

For most of the 20th century Negeri Sembilan did nothing on the football field beyond one Malaysia Cup (1948) and a second tier title in 1991.

Then came the 21st century!

Malaysia Cup Winners - 2009, 2011
Malaysia Cup Runners Up - 2000, 2006, 2010
Malaysia FA Cup - 2003, 2010
Charity Shield Winners - 2012
Charity Shield Runners Up - 2004, 2010
Super League Winners - 2006
Super League Runners Up - 2008
Premier League Runners Up - 2005

So, no pressure there, then.