Jakarta Casual
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Johor Darul Takzim
Once again it is Johor Darul Takzim who have attracted the headlines with the signing of Pablo Aimar ahead of the new signings. While that may have made the media round the world sit up and take notice, the recruitment of Baihakki Khaizan and Hariss Harun will have made fewer ripples.
Yet it is to the two Singaporeans that the former Argentine international will be looking for guidance as he settles into a new environment and culture.
There will be two Johor Darul Takzims in Malaysian football next season with second tier Johor changing their name to that of their cross town rivals, with a suffix of II.
With both teams sharing the same name and coming under the same banner is there not some kind of conflict of interest? I asked this question on Twitter recently and was roundly slated by a few nationalists who felt that because Barcelona had a B team or reserve team playing in the Spanish second division, it was ok for JDT reserves to play in the second tier of Malaysian football.
Putting aside the argument that if it is good enough for Spain it is good enough for Malaysia, are JDT II in a position to get promoted? Are they playing in the FA Cup or Malaysia Cup?
Because Barcelona B cannot get promoted even if they win the Segunda and they cannot compete in the national cup competition. In other words, Barcelona B cannot get to meet Barcelona with Fabregas et all in a competitive game full stop for obvious reasons.
Likewise in Germany. Most teams have their reserve teams play lower down the pyramid but you will not see Bayern Munchen going head to head with Bayern Munchen A in a competitive football match.
JDT, backed by the royalty of the state, have done much to change the landscape of the game in Malaysia domestically in the same way the efforts of Rajagopal and Ong Swee Kim have changed the fortunes of Malaysia at least in Asean.
They will be hoping for a return on their investment after finishing last season with no trophies.
Yet it is to the two Singaporeans that the former Argentine international will be looking for guidance as he settles into a new environment and culture.
There will be two Johor Darul Takzims in Malaysian football next season with second tier Johor changing their name to that of their cross town rivals, with a suffix of II.
With both teams sharing the same name and coming under the same banner is there not some kind of conflict of interest? I asked this question on Twitter recently and was roundly slated by a few nationalists who felt that because Barcelona had a B team or reserve team playing in the Spanish second division, it was ok for JDT reserves to play in the second tier of Malaysian football.
Putting aside the argument that if it is good enough for Spain it is good enough for Malaysia, are JDT II in a position to get promoted? Are they playing in the FA Cup or Malaysia Cup?
Because Barcelona B cannot get promoted even if they win the Segunda and they cannot compete in the national cup competition. In other words, Barcelona B cannot get to meet Barcelona with Fabregas et all in a competitive game full stop for obvious reasons.
Likewise in Germany. Most teams have their reserve teams play lower down the pyramid but you will not see Bayern Munchen going head to head with Bayern Munchen A in a competitive football match.
JDT, backed by the royalty of the state, have done much to change the landscape of the game in Malaysia domestically in the same way the efforts of Rajagopal and Ong Swee Kim have changed the fortunes of Malaysia at least in Asean.
They will be hoping for a return on their investment after finishing last season with no trophies.
LionsXII, Selangor Change Stadiums
According to the Malaysia Super League fixture list a couple of teams are looking at a temporary ground switch.
Champions LionsXII are slated to play their opening league game, against Selangor on 25 January, at Bishan Stadium. Apparently their usual Jalan Besar is having their astro turf relaid or something. The fixture list says they will be back at Jalan Besar for their game with Terengganu on 8 February.
Another team playing the nomad are Selangor. Their first game of the season, against T Team on 18 January will be played at MBPJ Stadium in Petaling Jaya. And again, according to the fixtures, they don't return to Shah Alam until 8 March when they play Terengganu.
Champions LionsXII are slated to play their opening league game, against Selangor on 25 January, at Bishan Stadium. Apparently their usual Jalan Besar is having their astro turf relaid or something. The fixture list says they will be back at Jalan Besar for their game with Terengganu on 8 February.
Another team playing the nomad are Selangor. Their first game of the season, against T Team on 18 January will be played at MBPJ Stadium in Petaling Jaya. And again, according to the fixtures, they don't return to Shah Alam until 8 March when they play Terengganu.
Inter Island Cup 2014
Indonesia's IIC is due to kick off 10 January. The almost traditional pre season tournament is in its fourth year with Sriwijaya (2 times) and Persipura dominating this in the way they have dominated everything else in recent years.
The 22 teams have been divided into groups for the initial phase.
Sumatra - Semen Padang, Sriwijaya
Java 1 - Persib, Pelita Bandung Raya, Persita, Persijap (Jalak Harupat Stadium)
Java 2 - Arema, Persija, Persepam MU, Persela (Kanjuruhan Stadium)
Java 3 - Persebaya, Persegres, Persik, Persiba Bantul (Bung Tomo Stadium)
Kalimantan - Barito Putra, Persisam, Mitra Kukar, Persiba Balikpapan (Demang Lahman Stadium)
East Region - Persipura, PSM, Persiram, Perseru (Mandala Stadium)
Group Stage 10-14 January
Knock Out Round 18-22 January
Final 25 January
Who plays who and when has yet to be decided.
The 22 teams have been divided into groups for the initial phase.
Sumatra - Semen Padang, Sriwijaya
Java 1 - Persib, Pelita Bandung Raya, Persita, Persijap (Jalak Harupat Stadium)
Java 2 - Arema, Persija, Persepam MU, Persela (Kanjuruhan Stadium)
Java 3 - Persebaya, Persegres, Persik, Persiba Bantul (Bung Tomo Stadium)
Kalimantan - Barito Putra, Persisam, Mitra Kukar, Persiba Balikpapan (Demang Lahman Stadium)
East Region - Persipura, PSM, Persiram, Perseru (Mandala Stadium)
Group Stage 10-14 January
Knock Out Round 18-22 January
Final 25 January
Who plays who and when has yet to be decided.
Sunday, December 29, 2013
Arema v Army United 6-1
.JPG) |
| Arema fans doing the Poznan before the game with Army United |
But Army are very much architects of their own downfall. I have no idea if their new coach, former Leicester City defender Matt Elliot was here or not...I am guessing not given that the bench was filled with garden gnomes who moved nary a muscle all game.
If Elliot does see this he may well be wondering just what the hell he has taken on.
A couple of crunching tackles in the early minutes by Arema's Juan Revi and the Thai Army had pretty much conceded the middle of the park.
Arema carved through the Thai Army at will and at times their one touch football was breathtaking by local standards. But what got me was the reaction, or lack of it, on the Thai's bench.
The Thais were followed by one supporter, I know his name was on the team sheet, but if he had paid his way he should be asking for a refund. Shocking doesn't come close to describing the way they caved in.
For the record Cristian Gonzales shows age does not weary him against an apathetic defence as he netted three while Lopes, with a soft penalty, Alberto Goncalves and Samsul Arif showing the class we knew he has always had, put the game beyond the visitors and the goal they did get, a bizzare free kick that the ref had no time to think of an excuse not to give it.
As I write this, Persija play PDRM in the second game but came home for the Arsenal game so there!
Asian Football Pictures has some more pictures from the game.
UPDATE - in the second game, Persija defeated PDRM 2-1. Rahmat Affando gave the hosts the lead just after half time before Sakha Bungara scored from a pen. Sabri Mat Abu pulled back one for the visiting Cops.
Today sees high scoring Arema take on PDRM while Army United will be hoping for a better performance against Persija
Malaysia's Imports
| Team | Coach | Imported Players |
| ATM | Bhaskaran R. Sathianthan | Bruno Sebastian Martelotto (Argentina), Juan Manuel Arostegui (Argentina), Marlon Alex James (St. Vincent and the Grenadines). Spase Dilevski (Australia) |
| Johor Darul Takzim FC | Cesar Ferrando Jimenez (Spain) | Baihakki Khaizan (Singapore), Hariss Harun (Singapore), Luciano Figueroa (Argentina), Pablo Aimar (Argentina) |
| Kelantan | Steve Darby (England) | Francis Forkey Doe (Liberia), Mohamed Shawky (Egypt), Mohammed Ghaddar (Lebanon), Obinna Nwaneri (Nigeria) |
| KL Sime Darby FC | Ismail Zakaria | Dilshod Sharofetdimov (Uzbekistan), Mahmoud Amnah (Syria), William Mensah (Ghana), Wisdom Agblexo (Ghana) |
| Lions XII FC | Fandi Ahmad (Singapore) | Tiada Import |
| Pahang | Ronald Smith (England) | Damion Stewart (Jamaica), Dickson Nwakaeme (Nigeria), Matias Conti (Argentina), Zesh Rahman (Pakistan) |
| Perak | Abu Bakar Fadzim | Eliel de Cruz Guardiano (Brazil), Kyaw Zayar Win (Myanmar), Martin Kofando (Burkina Faso), Zelimir Terkes (Bosnia Herzegovina) |
| Sarawak | Robert Alberts (Netherlands) | Alireza Abbasfard (Iran), Muamaer Salibasic (Bosnia Herzegovina), Gabor Gyepes (Hungary), Milorad Janjus (Croatia) |
| Selangor | Mehmer Durakovic (Australia) | Andil Veransyah (Indonesia), Juninho (Brazil), Paulo Rangel (Brazil), Steve Pandelitis (Australia) |
| Selangor PKNS FC | Wan Jamak Wan Hassan | Hamka Hamzah (Indonesia), Karlo Primorac (Croatia), Kim Dong-Chan (South Korea), Patrick Wleh (Liberia) |
| Terengganu | Abdul Rahman Ibrahim | Márcio Souza Da Silva (Brazil), Mamadou Hady Barry (Guinea), Mario Karlovic (Australia), Vincent Bikana (Cameroon) |
| Terengganu T-Team FC | Azraai Khor Abdullah | Evaldo Goncalves (Brazil), Fábio Flor (Brazil), Nelson San Martin (Chile), Patrich Wanggai (Indonesia) |
SOURCE - Malaysia Football
Trofeo Persija Ticket Prices
This two day, four team tournament features Persija, Arema, PDRM and Army United at the Bung Karno in Jakarta.
29/12 Arema v Army United, Persija v PDRM
30/12 Arema v PDRM, Persija v Army United
Ticket prices
Category 2 : Rp 55.000
Category 1 : Rp 80.000
East VIP : Rp 105.000
West VIP : Rp 205.000
VVIP : Rp 305.000
29/12 Arema v Army United, Persija v PDRM
30/12 Arema v PDRM, Persija v Army United
Ticket prices
Category 2 : Rp 55.000
Category 1 : Rp 80.000
East VIP : Rp 105.000
West VIP : Rp 205.000
VVIP : Rp 305.000
Arthit Moves To Chainat
Who cares, you might ask?
Well, Arthit Sunthornpit was one of those players who stands out the first time you see him. He was obviously a talented lad, I noticed that. But there was something else. He didn't do much. If he didn't have the ball he didn't put into too much effort to get it back or provide an outlet for a team mate.
He's the kind of player you build a team around but only if he is prepared to put in a shift and then some. Arthit wasn't always prepared to do that.
He spent nine years with Chonburi, joining when he was 17, so he certainly got plenty of chances at one of the few football clubs in Thailand that is prepared to give young players a chance.
But he didn't take the chances.
There are many reasons why highly rated young players don't kick on to make the grade at the highest level. Some burn out, some lose their way, some believe the hype.
I have no idea if, later on down the line, Arthit will come to rue his squandered opportunities. Or whether he will decide he made a more than comfortable living by the minimum effort.
Well, Arthit Sunthornpit was one of those players who stands out the first time you see him. He was obviously a talented lad, I noticed that. But there was something else. He didn't do much. If he didn't have the ball he didn't put into too much effort to get it back or provide an outlet for a team mate.
He's the kind of player you build a team around but only if he is prepared to put in a shift and then some. Arthit wasn't always prepared to do that.
He spent nine years with Chonburi, joining when he was 17, so he certainly got plenty of chances at one of the few football clubs in Thailand that is prepared to give young players a chance.
But he didn't take the chances.
There are many reasons why highly rated young players don't kick on to make the grade at the highest level. Some burn out, some lose their way, some believe the hype.
I have no idea if, later on down the line, Arthit will come to rue his squandered opportunities. Or whether he will decide he made a more than comfortable living by the minimum effort.
Saturday, December 28, 2013
Jakarta Casual Awards 2013
Hi there and welcome to this year's Jakarta Casual Awards. You know, what, as we approach this traditional end of year thingy, if you knew how many emails I received about these here awards...you would wonder why I bother! But I do so there...
For those with short memories, here are last year's awards in all their unadulterated glory.
Anyways, without further ado let us walk down the rabbit shit covered rags to the plastic chair I use to announce these turtally unheralded wotsits.
SUPPORTERS OF THE YEAR
The last four years, in fact the first four years, have seen this award shared by Persis' Pasoepati and fans from Singapore. Any change this year? Well, one can't help but be impressed by the supporters of Suphanburi who have come from nowhere, literally, to give their team the second best average crowd in the country. Until you realise the club owners are used to getting numbers out...usually for elections!
Instead, I have decided this year's award will, for the first time be shared. Persib are a phenomenon on a par with Newcastle United. They represent a language, a culture, a state. They are single minded in their support for their team and they have this rascally nature that appeals to me.
Sharing the title with them are the fans of Persija and for different reasons. Despite the obstacles put in their way, not least the fact they must play so many 'home' games far from Jakarta, you still find a hardy bunch of Jakmania making the journey to cheer their team on.
2013 Persib/Persija
2012 Pasoepati
2011 Lions All The Way
2010 Pasoepati
2009 Woodlands Wellington
UNOFFICIAL WEBSITE OF THE YEAR
I have a lot of time for football in Singapore. I have met some great people there and learnt a damned site more about the country than had I just joined the cupcakes strolling up and down Orchard with their smartphones in one hand and credit card in the other.
There has been some groundbreaking stuff coming out from fans there and lets face it, given the apathy most of the population has towards the local game, anything would break the ground.
Axross the Line though is a man after my own beer gut. Not content with just sitting on his arse writing about the SEA Games he jumped on the cheapest bus he could find and hightailed it to Myanmar himself.
2013 Axross The Line
2012 Twitter
2011 Thai Football Message Board
2010 Pusam FC
2009 Ongisnade
STORY OF THE YEAR
FIFA, for their criminal neglect of the game in this region, deserve this award annually but everytime I think about them I get mental images of slithering serpents. Luckily there is plenty of football stuff going on worthy of mention. For example in Malaysia where people have started throwing serious money at some clubs. But at the end of the day, Brian, it gets dark and there can only be one winner so I am plumping for the Indonesia U19s who not only won the AFF U19s, they went on to win their AFC U19 group to reach the next stage.
A massive boost in confidence for the game in Indonesia, the danger is the players start to believe they have made it and start being Billy Big Bollocks instead of working hard to better themselves. That is their choice and only hindsight can tell us but for now we can savour Indonesian triumphs, admittedly on home soil, for a change.
2013 Indonesia U19
2012 FIFA
2011 Liga Primer Indonesia
2010 Buriram PEA
2009 Noh Alam Shah signing for Arema
CLUB OF THE YEAR
An interesting one this. Persipura runaway with the Indonesia Super League, it is easy to take them for granted but they were a consitstently good team in 2013. And what about LionsXII, written off by so many even before a ball was kicked, the usual thing there. But I am going for Tampines Rovers. They change coaches more often than Chelsea yet they still win the league with a team that seems to never age.
2013 Tampines Rovers
2012 Sriwijaya
2011 Buriram PEA
2010 Etoile
2009 Selangor
COACH OF THE YEAR
In any normal year, Australian Darren Stewart, who led Balestier Khalsa to their first ever trophy only to be given the tick tack in return, would be in with a good chance of this title alongside Sundramurthy with LionsXII and Jacksen F Tiago for his consistency with Persipura. And what about Indra Sjafri who performed wonders with Indonesia U19.
But I am plumping for Jacksen who edges Indra on a couple of counts. The U19s success both came on home soil, I would like to see how they perform overseas in a different environment. And the other factor that swings the pendulum towards Jacksen? That consistency I mentioned before.
2013Jacksen F Tiago (Persipura)
2012 Raddy Avramovic (Singapore)
2011 Ong Kim Swee (Malaysia Under 23)
2010 Rajagobal (Malaysia)
2009 Richard Bok (SAFFC)
TEAM OF THE YEAR
Khairul Fahmi (Kelantan) - Baihakki Khaizan (LionsX11), Safuwan Baharudin (LionsX11), David Pagbe (Semen Padang), Teerathon Bunmathan (Buriram United) - Norfahan (Kelantan), Hamkah Hamza (Mitra Kukar), Zah Rahan (Liberia) - Boas Solossa (Peripura), Djibril Coulibaly (Barito Putra), Sergio van Dijk (Persib)
Substitutes - Kawin Thammasatchan (Muang Thong United), Alfin Tuasalamony (Persebaya), Hariss Harun (LionsXII), Lancine Kone (Persisam), M Ridwan (Persib), Jozef Kaplan (Geylang International)
YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR
When you win a league in a foreign country and help your nation lift the region's biggest prize then you must be a special player.
2013 Hariss Harun (LionsX11)
2012 Izwan Mahbud (LionsX11)
2011 Khairul Fahmie (Kelantan)
2010 Frederic Mendy (Etoile)
2009 Kawin Thammasatchan (Muang Thong United)
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
This year's player of the year was a contender in 2012 but this year I think, he is a pretty clear winner. Highly rated as a youngster, it's fair to say he kind of lost his way a little and his move to Indonesia wasn't all that successful on the pitch. I add that qualifier deliberately. Since his return to his home land he has been rejuvenated. I dunno what it is, perhaps he has slipped effortlessly into the role of elder statesman if you like but he has taken on a responsibility on the field that has helped his performances no end.
2013 Baihakki Khaizan (LionsX11)
2012 Keith Kayamba (Sriwijaya)
2011 Aleksander Duric (Tampines Rovers)
2010 Pierre Njanka (Arema)
2009 Greg Nwokolo (Persija)
For those with short memories, here are last year's awards in all their unadulterated glory.
Anyways, without further ado let us walk down the rabbit shit covered rags to the plastic chair I use to announce these turtally unheralded wotsits.
SUPPORTERS OF THE YEAR
The last four years, in fact the first four years, have seen this award shared by Persis' Pasoepati and fans from Singapore. Any change this year? Well, one can't help but be impressed by the supporters of Suphanburi who have come from nowhere, literally, to give their team the second best average crowd in the country. Until you realise the club owners are used to getting numbers out...usually for elections!
Instead, I have decided this year's award will, for the first time be shared. Persib are a phenomenon on a par with Newcastle United. They represent a language, a culture, a state. They are single minded in their support for their team and they have this rascally nature that appeals to me.
Sharing the title with them are the fans of Persija and for different reasons. Despite the obstacles put in their way, not least the fact they must play so many 'home' games far from Jakarta, you still find a hardy bunch of Jakmania making the journey to cheer their team on.
2013 Persib/Persija
2012 Pasoepati
2011 Lions All The Way
2010 Pasoepati
2009 Woodlands Wellington
UNOFFICIAL WEBSITE OF THE YEAR
I have a lot of time for football in Singapore. I have met some great people there and learnt a damned site more about the country than had I just joined the cupcakes strolling up and down Orchard with their smartphones in one hand and credit card in the other.
There has been some groundbreaking stuff coming out from fans there and lets face it, given the apathy most of the population has towards the local game, anything would break the ground.
Axross the Line though is a man after my own beer gut. Not content with just sitting on his arse writing about the SEA Games he jumped on the cheapest bus he could find and hightailed it to Myanmar himself.
2013 Axross The Line
2012 Twitter
2011 Thai Football Message Board
2010 Pusam FC
2009 Ongisnade
STORY OF THE YEAR
FIFA, for their criminal neglect of the game in this region, deserve this award annually but everytime I think about them I get mental images of slithering serpents. Luckily there is plenty of football stuff going on worthy of mention. For example in Malaysia where people have started throwing serious money at some clubs. But at the end of the day, Brian, it gets dark and there can only be one winner so I am plumping for the Indonesia U19s who not only won the AFF U19s, they went on to win their AFC U19 group to reach the next stage.
A massive boost in confidence for the game in Indonesia, the danger is the players start to believe they have made it and start being Billy Big Bollocks instead of working hard to better themselves. That is their choice and only hindsight can tell us but for now we can savour Indonesian triumphs, admittedly on home soil, for a change.
2013 Indonesia U19
2012 FIFA
2011 Liga Primer Indonesia
2010 Buriram PEA
2009 Noh Alam Shah signing for Arema
CLUB OF THE YEAR
An interesting one this. Persipura runaway with the Indonesia Super League, it is easy to take them for granted but they were a consitstently good team in 2013. And what about LionsXII, written off by so many even before a ball was kicked, the usual thing there. But I am going for Tampines Rovers. They change coaches more often than Chelsea yet they still win the league with a team that seems to never age.
2013 Tampines Rovers
2012 Sriwijaya
2011 Buriram PEA
2010 Etoile
2009 Selangor
COACH OF THE YEAR
In any normal year, Australian Darren Stewart, who led Balestier Khalsa to their first ever trophy only to be given the tick tack in return, would be in with a good chance of this title alongside Sundramurthy with LionsXII and Jacksen F Tiago for his consistency with Persipura. And what about Indra Sjafri who performed wonders with Indonesia U19.
But I am plumping for Jacksen who edges Indra on a couple of counts. The U19s success both came on home soil, I would like to see how they perform overseas in a different environment. And the other factor that swings the pendulum towards Jacksen? That consistency I mentioned before.
2013Jacksen F Tiago (Persipura)
2012 Raddy Avramovic (Singapore)
2011 Ong Kim Swee (Malaysia Under 23)
2010 Rajagobal (Malaysia)
2009 Richard Bok (SAFFC)
TEAM OF THE YEAR
Khairul Fahmi (Kelantan) - Baihakki Khaizan (LionsX11), Safuwan Baharudin (LionsX11), David Pagbe (Semen Padang), Teerathon Bunmathan (Buriram United) - Norfahan (Kelantan), Hamkah Hamza (Mitra Kukar), Zah Rahan (Liberia) - Boas Solossa (Peripura), Djibril Coulibaly (Barito Putra), Sergio van Dijk (Persib)
Substitutes - Kawin Thammasatchan (Muang Thong United), Alfin Tuasalamony (Persebaya), Hariss Harun (LionsXII), Lancine Kone (Persisam), M Ridwan (Persib), Jozef Kaplan (Geylang International)
YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR
When you win a league in a foreign country and help your nation lift the region's biggest prize then you must be a special player.
2013 Hariss Harun (LionsX11)
2012 Izwan Mahbud (LionsX11)
2011 Khairul Fahmie (Kelantan)
2010 Frederic Mendy (Etoile)
2009 Kawin Thammasatchan (Muang Thong United)
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
This year's player of the year was a contender in 2012 but this year I think, he is a pretty clear winner. Highly rated as a youngster, it's fair to say he kind of lost his way a little and his move to Indonesia wasn't all that successful on the pitch. I add that qualifier deliberately. Since his return to his home land he has been rejuvenated. I dunno what it is, perhaps he has slipped effortlessly into the role of elder statesman if you like but he has taken on a responsibility on the field that has helped his performances no end.
2013 Baihakki Khaizan (LionsX11)
2012 Keith Kayamba (Sriwijaya)
2011 Aleksander Duric (Tampines Rovers)
2010 Pierre Njanka (Arema)
2009 Greg Nwokolo (Persija)
Thursday, December 26, 2013
German Giants To Visit Indonesia
Hamburg SV have announced they will be playing a one off friendly against Arema in Indonesia.
The game will take place at Kanjuruhan Stadium on 6 January.
For those with long memories, HSV were due to come during the summer but cancelled and Pro Duta ended up going there for a series of friendlies.
Arema v HSV - certainly more interesting than when those inane all star teams played English clubs earlier.
Going back a few years, both Bayern Munchen and Borussia Dortmund came here for visits though they played some form of a national team.
The game will take place at Kanjuruhan Stadium on 6 January.
For those with long memories, HSV were due to come during the summer but cancelled and Pro Duta ended up going there for a series of friendlies.
Arema v HSV - certainly more interesting than when those inane all star teams played English clubs earlier.
Going back a few years, both Bayern Munchen and Borussia Dortmund came here for visits though they played some form of a national team.
Harimau Muda Play Downunder
Young Tigers A could compete in the Queensland League in Australia
FA of Malaysia (FAM) general-secretary Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin said the Australia FA has sanctioned Tigers A's participation in the 14-team Queensland league, which starts in March.
"We are in the final stages of planning for the Queensland League and, hopefully, we can get the funding. The team will gain from the seven-month long league," said Hamidin in Naypyitaw yesterday."The Brazil FA has also invited us for the Sao Paulo state league but it is unlikely a team will be sent there.
"Tigers A will play in Queensland while Tigers B and C are due to play in the S-League and FAM League (respectively) next year."
SOURCE - New Straits Times
COMMENT - Young Tigers is a translation of Harimau Muda. With Singapore having LionsXII playing in Malaysia and Indonesia having SAD in Uruguay this does seem to be rather the rage.
But does it work? To be fair, it may tale years, and hindsight, before we know the answer.
Trofeo Persija
It looks like the city of Jakarta may actually play host to some football.
Persija are hosting their third ever trofeo and this year they have really pushed the boat out by inviting a couple of foreign teams; Army United from the Thai Premier League and Malaysia's PDRM.
The tournament begins on Sunday and ends on, um, Monday.
29/12 - Arema v Army United, Persija v PDRM
30/12 - Arema v PDRM, Persija v Army United
Unlike the previous editions, this year's see the games played over 90 minutes and follow the format of the Emirates Cup; the winner will be the team with the most points after two games.
Now far be it for me to parade my crystal ball skills but Persija have won the last two editions of the cup.
I understand the plan is for next season to host a Jakarta Governor's Cup along the lines of the East Java Governor's Cup but don't hold your breath.
A few years back there was a Bung Yos Cup, named after the then governor which featured teams like Persija and, one year, Sydney United.
Persija are hosting their third ever trofeo and this year they have really pushed the boat out by inviting a couple of foreign teams; Army United from the Thai Premier League and Malaysia's PDRM.
The tournament begins on Sunday and ends on, um, Monday.
29/12 - Arema v Army United, Persija v PDRM
30/12 - Arema v PDRM, Persija v Army United
Unlike the previous editions, this year's see the games played over 90 minutes and follow the format of the Emirates Cup; the winner will be the team with the most points after two games.
Now far be it for me to parade my crystal ball skills but Persija have won the last two editions of the cup.
I understand the plan is for next season to host a Jakarta Governor's Cup along the lines of the East Java Governor's Cup but don't hold your breath.
A few years back there was a Bung Yos Cup, named after the then governor which featured teams like Persija and, one year, Sydney United.
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
Persikabo Swoop For Baretto
Paraguayan striker Aldo Baretto has been one of the most prolific strikers in Indonesian footballers over the last few seasons.
Since landing on these shores back in 2006 with PSM, Baretto has scored freely with his wiki entry suggesting he has scored 94 goals in the Indonesia Super League for PSM, Persisam, Bontang, Persiba and Gresik United.
Heady stats whch begs the question why could such a prolific striker be forced to try his luck in 2014 with Divisi Utama side, Persikabo?
No disrespect meant of course, they are an ambitious club who have their own large support and only just missed out on promotion to the ISL via the play offs but with the likes of Edward Wilson Junior and Sergio van Dijk moving on from Semen Padang and Persib respectively, why didn't one of the bigger clubs step in for him?
Certainly though, by moving for Baretto, Persikabo are thinking big and are eying a return to the ISL.
Since landing on these shores back in 2006 with PSM, Baretto has scored freely with his wiki entry suggesting he has scored 94 goals in the Indonesia Super League for PSM, Persisam, Bontang, Persiba and Gresik United.
Heady stats whch begs the question why could such a prolific striker be forced to try his luck in 2014 with Divisi Utama side, Persikabo?
No disrespect meant of course, they are an ambitious club who have their own large support and only just missed out on promotion to the ISL via the play offs but with the likes of Edward Wilson Junior and Sergio van Dijk moving on from Semen Padang and Persib respectively, why didn't one of the bigger clubs step in for him?
Certainly though, by moving for Baretto, Persikabo are thinking big and are eying a return to the ISL.
Bung Tomo Stadium, Surabaya
When Arsenal officially opened the Emirates Stadium, they invited Ajax to provide the opposition in a game that doubled as a testimonial for Dennis Bergkamp.
Persebaya will be officially launching the Bung Tomo Stadium with a friendly against Persib. OK, so it ain't Ajax or even Tampines but it is someone guaranteed to fill the new stadium if promoted properly.
Persebaya have been using the stadium off and on for a while now. At least the Persebaya who played in the Indonesia Premier League.
Indeed, wasn't there one game against Arema which attracted 55,000 to the game?
Anyway, the IPL is behind us now and this Persebaya just got promoted from Divisi Utama with big ambitions having appointed Rahmad Damawan as coach.
In the same way that German clubs are big on their fan partnerships, so too are some Indonesian teams and Persebaya/Persib is one of the biggest along with Persija/Arema.
Indeed, the second time I have used indeed to begin a paragraph in one story, the recent East Java Governor's Cup Final was played basically on a field in Surabaya. The game was between Persebaya and Arema and with no one able to guarantee security between these foes the organisers opted for the easier and quieter option of just banning fans altogether.
Persebaya will be officially launching the Bung Tomo Stadium with a friendly against Persib. OK, so it ain't Ajax or even Tampines but it is someone guaranteed to fill the new stadium if promoted properly.
Persebaya have been using the stadium off and on for a while now. At least the Persebaya who played in the Indonesia Premier League.
Indeed, wasn't there one game against Arema which attracted 55,000 to the game?
Anyway, the IPL is behind us now and this Persebaya just got promoted from Divisi Utama with big ambitions having appointed Rahmad Damawan as coach.
In the same way that German clubs are big on their fan partnerships, so too are some Indonesian teams and Persebaya/Persib is one of the biggest along with Persija/Arema.
Indeed, the second time I have used indeed to begin a paragraph in one story, the recent East Java Governor's Cup Final was played basically on a field in Surabaya. The game was between Persebaya and Arema and with no one able to guarantee security between these foes the organisers opted for the easier and quieter option of just banning fans altogether.
Sergio van Dijk
He came, he saw, he conquered...and then he left!
That, in a tweet, pretty much sums up Sergio van Dijk's time in Indonesia.
After a prolific career in Australia's A League with Brisbane Roar and Adelaide United, the striker finally got his wish and moved to Indonesia, signing for Persib Bandung.
He quickly made an impression, rattling in goals seemingly for fun and the Bobotoh, Persib's fanatical supporters, took him to their hearts.
The Dutch born striker ended the campaign with an impressive 21 goals from 29 games ending just behind Persipura's Boas Solossa in the leading marksman list.
Having wooed the faithful in Bandung though, van Dijk has gone. 2014 will see him playing in Iran for Sepahan with the lure of AFC Champions' League thrown in.
That, in a tweet, pretty much sums up Sergio van Dijk's time in Indonesia.
After a prolific career in Australia's A League with Brisbane Roar and Adelaide United, the striker finally got his wish and moved to Indonesia, signing for Persib Bandung.
He quickly made an impression, rattling in goals seemingly for fun and the Bobotoh, Persib's fanatical supporters, took him to their hearts.
The Dutch born striker ended the campaign with an impressive 21 goals from 29 games ending just behind Persipura's Boas Solossa in the leading marksman list.
Having wooed the faithful in Bandung though, van Dijk has gone. 2014 will see him playing in Iran for Sepahan with the lure of AFC Champions' League thrown in.
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
LionsXII To Play Friendlies In Indonesia?
It seems Malaysia Super League champions LionsXII could be heading to Java for a couple of friendlies.
Officials from PSS are suggesting they could be hosting the Singaporeans on 10 January at their impressive Maguwoharjo Stadium.
At the same time Persiba Bantul are also intimating they could have a game lined up against the Lions.
LionsXII are now coached by Fandi Ahmad who had a spell in Indonesia coaching Pelita Jaya a few years back.
A recent story out of Singapore suggested the Lions would be playing Real Mataram...who had a short stint in the Indonesia Premier League back in 2011 but I don't know if they still exist.
Officials from PSS are suggesting they could be hosting the Singaporeans on 10 January at their impressive Maguwoharjo Stadium.
At the same time Persiba Bantul are also intimating they could have a game lined up against the Lions.
LionsXII are now coached by Fandi Ahmad who had a spell in Indonesia coaching Pelita Jaya a few years back.
A recent story out of Singapore suggested the Lions would be playing Real Mataram...who had a short stint in the Indonesia Premier League back in 2011 but I don't know if they still exist.
ISL To Have 22 Teams In 2014
The Indonesia Super League is tortuously taking shape.
For 2014 the ISL will be split into two regional conferences with 11 teams in each.
I don't think the clubs have been split yet but anyone who can read a map could guess much of the make up of each conference.
West Sumatra - Semen Padang
South Sumatra - Sriwijaya
Banten - Persita
Jakarta - Persija
West Java - Persib, Pelita Bandung Raya
Central Java - Persijap
Yogyakarta - Persiba Bantul
East Java - Arema, Persebaya, Persik, Persela, Persepam, Persegres
South Kalimantan - Barito Putra
East Kalimantan - Persisam, Persiba, Mitra Kukar
Sulawesi - PSM
Papua - Persiram, Perseru, Persipura
The league will be played home and away meaning each team will play a total of 20 games.
The top four will then go into the Big 8 which will also be played home and away.
Then comes Persebaya will win the league are just rumours!
The bottom two in each conference will be relegated to Divisi Utama while just two teams will be promoted for 2015.
Now I don't wanna sound overly cautious but some of this may actually change so don't go booking your hols yet!
And as to when it all starts...1 Feb apparently with the conferences to be decided next week!
For 2014 the ISL will be split into two regional conferences with 11 teams in each.
I don't think the clubs have been split yet but anyone who can read a map could guess much of the make up of each conference.
West Sumatra - Semen Padang
South Sumatra - Sriwijaya
Banten - Persita
Jakarta - Persija
West Java - Persib, Pelita Bandung Raya
Central Java - Persijap
Yogyakarta - Persiba Bantul
East Java - Arema, Persebaya, Persik, Persela, Persepam, Persegres
South Kalimantan - Barito Putra
East Kalimantan - Persisam, Persiba, Mitra Kukar
Sulawesi - PSM
Papua - Persiram, Perseru, Persipura
The league will be played home and away meaning each team will play a total of 20 games.
The top four will then go into the Big 8 which will also be played home and away.
Then comes Persebaya will win the league are just rumours!
The bottom two in each conference will be relegated to Divisi Utama while just two teams will be promoted for 2015.
Now I don't wanna sound overly cautious but some of this may actually change so don't go booking your hols yet!
And as to when it all starts...1 Feb apparently with the conferences to be decided next week!
Perak's New Signings
Ipoh: Super League side Perak have signed three foreign players for the new M-League football season.
Perak team manager Datuk Azhar Ahmad said the three players are Myanmar’s Kyaw Zayar Win, Wendwoga Didier Martin of Burkina Faso and Brazil’s Anderson Rodrigues Cardosa.
“We are convinced by their style of play. Zayar Win will play as an attacking midfielder, Didier Martin as central defender and Cardosa as striker,” he told reporters at the contract signing ceremony here yesterday.
Azhar said that Perak expect to sign another foreign striker, a New Zealander, next week.
Perak team manager Datuk Azhar Ahmad said the three players are Myanmar’s Kyaw Zayar Win, Wendwoga Didier Martin of Burkina Faso and Brazil’s Anderson Rodrigues Cardosa.
“We are convinced by their style of play. Zayar Win will play as an attacking midfielder, Didier Martin as central defender and Cardosa as striker,” he told reporters at the contract signing ceremony here yesterday.
Azhar said that Perak expect to sign another foreign striker, a New Zealander, next week.
The Malaysian Invasion
A few years back, Indonesian players did the unthinkable. A handful moved overseas to ply their trade. The likes of Bambang Pamungkas, Budi Sudarsono, Eli Aiboy and Ponaryo Astaman wooed fans in Malaysia until the FA their decided to shut the door on foreign players.
Now, a few are returning.
I have written previously about Hamkah Hamza joining PKNS.
Following in his trail is Patrich Wanggai who has signed for T Team and Andik Vermansyah who has joined Selangor.
It may not be a flood of players but it is a start and follows on from Irfan Bachdim's short stint in Thailand in 2013 where he played for Chonburi and Sri Racha.
Now, a few are returning.
I have written previously about Hamkah Hamza joining PKNS.
Following in his trail is Patrich Wanggai who has signed for T Team and Andik Vermansyah who has joined Selangor.
It may not be a flood of players but it is a start and follows on from Irfan Bachdim's short stint in Thailand in 2013 where he played for Chonburi and Sri Racha.
Indonesia U23 Can Hold Heads High
Ok so Indonesia returned from the SEA Games with runners up spot. One hex was broken, defeating Malaysia in the semi final, albeit on penalties, but there remains one more elephant in the room. And a bloody big elephant it is.
Defeat to Thailand consigned Indonesia to a second straight final loss in the Under 23 biennial while ensuring the Thais picked up their ninth trophy in the last 11 events and even saw the celebrating players throw FAT Head Worawi Makudi in the air...and not drop him.
The Indonesians, despite the recriminations back here, can hold their head up high. Well, fairly high.
There were patches in the final they played like a football team who had a plan. Players were looking comfortable on the ball, were looking for options and finding them.
It looked like players knew what they were doing and if that sounds a bit Football 101 then sorry but it is not something we see too often.
Good players know what they are going to do with that pesky round thing before they get it. The Indonesians showed elements of this against the Thais. Normally a player gets the ball and does a Cristiano Ronaldo. They go on a mazy run, throw in a few tricks and celebrate in spectacular style. Unfortunately they also lose the ball all too often.
Typically, the Indonesian team has been built around 11 Ronaldo wannabes with no one prepared to do the simple stuff.
The performance against the Thais showed an effort to move away from that nonsense.
Whether it will catch on with the clubs remains to be seen. At the end of the day, Indonesia lost and that is all that will be remembered.
Defeat to Thailand consigned Indonesia to a second straight final loss in the Under 23 biennial while ensuring the Thais picked up their ninth trophy in the last 11 events and even saw the celebrating players throw FAT Head Worawi Makudi in the air...and not drop him.
The Indonesians, despite the recriminations back here, can hold their head up high. Well, fairly high.
There were patches in the final they played like a football team who had a plan. Players were looking comfortable on the ball, were looking for options and finding them.
It looked like players knew what they were doing and if that sounds a bit Football 101 then sorry but it is not something we see too often.
Good players know what they are going to do with that pesky round thing before they get it. The Indonesians showed elements of this against the Thais. Normally a player gets the ball and does a Cristiano Ronaldo. They go on a mazy run, throw in a few tricks and celebrate in spectacular style. Unfortunately they also lose the ball all too often.
Typically, the Indonesian team has been built around 11 Ronaldo wannabes with no one prepared to do the simple stuff.
The performance against the Thais showed an effort to move away from that nonsense.
Whether it will catch on with the clubs remains to be seen. At the end of the day, Indonesia lost and that is all that will be remembered.
Sunday, December 22, 2013
Czech Coach Among Those Banned by Malaysia
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian football authorities have imposed a lifetime ban on five players and three officials for match-fixing in the domestic league, a senior football official said Saturday.
The eight, who represented Kuala Lumpur, were also slapped with a 20,000 ringgit ($6,084) fine each, part of Football Association of Malaysia’s (FAM) push to fight match-rigging in the Southeast Asian country.
Taufek Abdul Razak, FAM disciplinary committee chairman said another seven players from the same football club will face a disciplinary hearing on Friday.
“It is a deterrent punishment. We are serious in fighting match-fixing,” he told AFP.
“I warn the players — you can fool some people some times but you cannot fool all the people all the time,” he added.
After a dire season the Kuala Lumpur team have been relegated to the third-tier FAM Cup competition next season.
The non-players banned were Slovak coach Stanislav Lieskovsky, assistant manager Rosli Omar and team official Shaari Jani. The Slovak manager had left Malaysia in July.
The five Kuala Lumpur players named were defender Jeremy Danker, right back Hafizi Roslee, centre-back Fadhulah Yunsiar, midfielder Khairul Anuar and goalkeeper Phoo Kai Lun.
Fears of match-rigging surfaced in May last year, particularly during the second-tier Malaysian Premier League match between Kuala Lumpur and Sime Darby.
Angry fans waved banners with slogans such as “Bookie detected” and “Bookie 5 - Fans 0”, at the start of the match.
The final result was a shock because Sime Darby won 5-0.
Allegations of match-fixing have long tainted football in Malaysia, which last February hosted an international meeting on the problem.
In 2012, FAM suspended 18 youth players and banned a coach for life for fixing matches.
Back in 1994, 21 players and coaches were sacked, 58 players were suspended and 126 players questioned over corruption.
KL Take On Match Fixers
PETALING JAYA: The Kuala Lumpur FA (KLFA) have taken positive measures to ensure their football team steer clear from illegal activities in the third-tier FAM Cup competition next year.
KLFA general-secretary Nokman Mustaffa said every game will be closely monitored with the assistance of Malaysian Anti-Corruption Agency (MACC) officers as well as officials from the KLFA integrity committee.
“I will lead the team from the KLFA as we seek to ensure that the KL team is free from illegal activities. The integrity committee will submit reports on every game and the players’ performances to the KLFA,” said Nokman on Saturday.
He said that only five players from the 2013 Premier League squad had been retained for the FAM Cup next year.
“We believe that the five are clean and we have kept them. But we will not hesitate to crack the whip if we suspect any foul play,” warned Nokman.
On Friday, the FA of Malaysia (FAM) disciplinary committee imposed a life ban on five players and three team officials, including a kitman, from the Kuala Lumpur Premier League football squad for match fixing this season.
The eight were also slapped with a RM20,000 fine each.
Disciplinary committee chairman Datuk Taufek Abdul Razak said that another seven KL players will be hauled up to answer match-fixing charges at Wisma FAM in Kelana Jaya on Dec 27.
The KL team have been demoted to the third-tier FAM Cup competition next season.
The team officials banned included Slovak coach Stanislav Lieskovsky, assistant manager Rosli Omar and kitman Shaari Jani. The five players were Jeremy Danker, Khairul Anuar, Hafizi Roslee, Fadhulah Yunsiar and Phoo Kai Lun.
Nokman said that the KLFA will try to revive their team to win promotion to the Premier League in 2015. Former international Tang Siew Seng will coach the youthful KL team.
Saturday, December 21, 2013
Marcio Souza Returns To Indonesia
Striker Marcio Souza is all set to return to Indonesia.
The former Persela, Seman Padang, Persib, Deltras and Arema striker spent about seven years in the country and earned a reputation as a prolific striker who would fall to the ground at the drop of a hat.
No doubting his ability though as he scored just shy of 100 goals during his time in the country.
The 33 year old has moved on though, now plying his trade in Malaysia with Terengganu where he will line up alongside another foreign player with Indonesian experience. Mario Karlovic played for Mingangkabau and Persebaya in the Indonesia Premier League.
Terangganu are one of several Malaysian teams sampling the delights of East Java this month.
26/12 - Arema v Terengganu
28/12 - Persik v Terengganu
30/12 - Persegres v Terangganu
The former Persela, Seman Padang, Persib, Deltras and Arema striker spent about seven years in the country and earned a reputation as a prolific striker who would fall to the ground at the drop of a hat.
No doubting his ability though as he scored just shy of 100 goals during his time in the country.
The 33 year old has moved on though, now plying his trade in Malaysia with Terengganu where he will line up alongside another foreign player with Indonesian experience. Mario Karlovic played for Mingangkabau and Persebaya in the Indonesia Premier League.
Terangganu are one of several Malaysian teams sampling the delights of East Java this month.
26/12 - Arema v Terengganu
28/12 - Persik v Terengganu
30/12 - Persegres v Terangganu
PSSI Takes Action On Match Fixing
Stop laughing at the back!
This refers to an Indonesia Premier League Play Off between Bontang and PSLS.
Both clubs have been relegated to Division Three, imagine something below the Combined Counties in England, and banned for two years as well as fined Rp 100 million.
Players and coaches have also been sanctioned and the PSSI have informed FIFA of the match fixing and the fines, suspensions involved.
No doubt FIFA will stand up and give a spontaneous round of applause to PSSI for their diligence in the fight against this heinous crime.
So far be it for me to piss on anyone's triumphant parade but this smacks as much of settling old scores as tackling match fixing.
Both clubs were part of the IPL, both were in the running for a place in next season's Indonesia Super League...
This refers to an Indonesia Premier League Play Off between Bontang and PSLS.
Both clubs have been relegated to Division Three, imagine something below the Combined Counties in England, and banned for two years as well as fined Rp 100 million.
Players and coaches have also been sanctioned and the PSSI have informed FIFA of the match fixing and the fines, suspensions involved.
No doubt FIFA will stand up and give a spontaneous round of applause to PSSI for their diligence in the fight against this heinous crime.
So far be it for me to piss on anyone's triumphant parade but this smacks as much of settling old scores as tackling match fixing.
Both clubs were part of the IPL, both were in the running for a place in next season's Indonesia Super League...
Backpacking Java With UiTM
UiTM are spending a few days in Indonesia and are certainly seeing a bit of the country as their schedule shows.
17/12 - Persijap 0-0
19/12 - Kudus United 0-3
21/12 - Persis
23/12 - Persiba Bantul
They are not the only Malaysian team running round Indonesia at the moment and bearing in mind the numbers it is surprising how off the radar it all is.
17/12 - Persijap 0-0
19/12 - Kudus United 0-3
21/12 - Persis
23/12 - Persiba Bantul
They are not the only Malaysian team running round Indonesia at the moment and bearing in mind the numbers it is surprising how off the radar it all is.
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Average Crowds Thai Premier League 2013
Buriram United 18,941
Suphanburi 14,322
Muang Thong United 10,888
Chiang Rai United 7,598
Bangkok Glass 7,421
Thanks to the likes of Suphanburi and Bangkok United, who saw their crowds more than double on 12 months earlier, and Army United whose support increased by 50% there was another increase in attendance in Thailand.
TPL games were played in front of crowds averaging 8,095...25% up on the 2012 campaign. Less games were played in 2013 thanks to the strange case of Sisaket. Or Esarn United.
No surprise Chidchob FC, sorry, Buriram United, pulled the largest crowd of the season, a shade over 27,000, while TOT once pulled in less than 600.
For comparison, a couple of years back Indonesia's ISL averaged 11,000 plus per game.
Suphanburi 14,322
Muang Thong United 10,888
Chiang Rai United 7,598
Bangkok Glass 7,421
Thanks to the likes of Suphanburi and Bangkok United, who saw their crowds more than double on 12 months earlier, and Army United whose support increased by 50% there was another increase in attendance in Thailand.
TPL games were played in front of crowds averaging 8,095...25% up on the 2012 campaign. Less games were played in 2013 thanks to the strange case of Sisaket. Or Esarn United.
No surprise Chidchob FC, sorry, Buriram United, pulled the largest crowd of the season, a shade over 27,000, while TOT once pulled in less than 600.
For comparison, a couple of years back Indonesia's ISL averaged 11,000 plus per game.
AFC Champions League Play Offs
There are a number of these bit the ones of interest to this site are:
02/02/14 Tampines Rovers v South China
The winner of that tie gets a trip to Chonburi in another play off a few days later while Muang Thong United will host the winners of Pune and Hanoi T&T.
Thai champions Buriram United, who also won the FA Cup, League and the ASEAN Monopoly Championships no doubt, have been drawn with Pohang Steelers, Shandong Luneng and whoever comes third in the JLeague.
02/02/14 Tampines Rovers v South China
The winner of that tie gets a trip to Chonburi in another play off a few days later while Muang Thong United will host the winners of Pune and Hanoi T&T.
Thai champions Buriram United, who also won the FA Cup, League and the ASEAN Monopoly Championships no doubt, have been drawn with Pohang Steelers, Shandong Luneng and whoever comes third in the JLeague.
PBR Complete Foreign Players
Pelita Bandung Raya have filled their quota of foreign players for next season.
They are keeping striker Gaston Castano and have brought in former Latvian international keeper Deniss Romanovs, formerly of Pro Duta, and Serbian center back Boban Nikolic.
PBR made waves earlier when they announced they had signed Bambang Pamungkas on a 12 month deal.
They are keeping striker Gaston Castano and have brought in former Latvian international keeper Deniss Romanovs, formerly of Pro Duta, and Serbian center back Boban Nikolic.
PBR made waves earlier when they announced they had signed Bambang Pamungkas on a 12 month deal.
AFC Cup 2014 Groups
GROUP E
E1. Persipura Jayapura (IDN)
E2. Home United (SIN)
E3. New Radiant SC (MDV)
E4. Churchill Brothers (IND)
GROUP F
F1. Ha Noi T&T (VIE) or SHB Da Nang (VIE)
F2. Arema Indonesia (IDN)
F3. Selangor (MAS)
F4. Maziya S&R (MDV)
GROUP G
G1. Yangon United (MYA)
G2. XM Vissai Ninh Binh (VIE)
G3. South China or Pegasus (HKG)
G4. Kelantan (MAS)
GROUP H
H1. Tampines Rovers (SIN) or Balestier Khalsa (SIN)
H2. Nay Pyi Taw (MYA)
H3. Pune FC or East Bengal (IND)
H4. Kitchee (HKG)
Selangor squeeze in after finishing second in the Malaysia Super League...LionsXII are foreign and not allowed to enter though it didn't stop Swansea City competing in the Europa League after winning the Capitol One Cup/
Toss up between Tampines and Balestier with the Stags entering ACL play off
Anyway, loving the prospect of Selangor and Arema meeting up as well as Persipura and Home United but as is so often the case, the group draw comes several days before the actual match days get decided. (Tentative dates can be found here).
Semen Padang can consider themselves unlucky not to be allowed back in bt the new PSSI, in their infinite wisdom, chose to ignore their efforts from last season when they reached the quarter finals, only to lose to East Bengal
E1. Persipura Jayapura (IDN)
E2. Home United (SIN)
E3. New Radiant SC (MDV)
E4. Churchill Brothers (IND)
GROUP F
F1. Ha Noi T&T (VIE) or SHB Da Nang (VIE)
F2. Arema Indonesia (IDN)
F3. Selangor (MAS)
F4. Maziya S&R (MDV)
GROUP G
G1. Yangon United (MYA)
G2. XM Vissai Ninh Binh (VIE)
G3. South China or Pegasus (HKG)
G4. Kelantan (MAS)
GROUP H
H1. Tampines Rovers (SIN) or Balestier Khalsa (SIN)
H2. Nay Pyi Taw (MYA)
H3. Pune FC or East Bengal (IND)
H4. Kitchee (HKG)
Selangor squeeze in after finishing second in the Malaysia Super League...LionsXII are foreign and not allowed to enter though it didn't stop Swansea City competing in the Europa League after winning the Capitol One Cup/
Toss up between Tampines and Balestier with the Stags entering ACL play off
Anyway, loving the prospect of Selangor and Arema meeting up as well as Persipura and Home United but as is so often the case, the group draw comes several days before the actual match days get decided. (Tentative dates can be found here).
Semen Padang can consider themselves unlucky not to be allowed back in bt the new PSSI, in their infinite wisdom, chose to ignore their efforts from last season when they reached the quarter finals, only to lose to East Bengal
Baihakki's Cause
SINGAPORE – National defender Baihakki Khaizan has been unveiled as the ambassador of the FC Soccer School Singapore (CFCSSG).
The 29-year-old, who was also part of the LionsXII’s Malaysian Super League title-winning squad and has joined Johor Darul Takzim for the 2014 season, will conduct 12 weekly coaching sessions from January onwards for underprivileged children aged 10 to 13 as part of the CFCSSSG’s community programme.
The coaching programme costs about S$120 per child every month, and the fees are fully sponsored by StarCom Sports Management, which runs the CFCSSSG.
Speaking at a media event at Rainforest Sports Hub at Rurf City, Baihakki who was recently named Best Defender at the Football Association of Malaysia’s annual awards, said : “This has been an incredible year for me, and I am blessed to have the support of the community throughout my playing career.
“Football has given me a wonderful career and life and I hope I can do my bit to give something back and help these children.
Ryz Martein Yacob, the Executive Director of Starcom, is appealing for more companies to join them in developing and expanding the programme and sponsoring the monthly fees.
He said: “Through our work with the community, we have noticed there are many children who need a helping hand… We want to help even more children and seek for more corporations to join us in this initiative.”
COMMENT - Lot of time for Baihakki but that shirt doesn't suit him one bit! This is a family blog hence the picture from the original story has been blocked...
Friday, December 13, 2013
Bambang Is Back
Iconic Indonesian striker Bambang Pamungkas will be back in action next season after taking a break during 2013.
The ex Persija and Selangor forward has signed for Pelita Bandung Raya on a 12 month deal.
It will be interesting to see whether he adds much to the gate their. PBR most definitely suffer in the shadows of West Java rivals Persib and struggle for meaningful attendances.
Still, the number of clubs Bambang could play for is somewhat limited. Despite interest from Persib a few years back it was unlikely he would have signed for Persija's biggest rivals.
The ex Persija and Selangor forward has signed for Pelita Bandung Raya on a 12 month deal.
It will be interesting to see whether he adds much to the gate their. PBR most definitely suffer in the shadows of West Java rivals Persib and struggle for meaningful attendances.
Still, the number of clubs Bambang could play for is somewhat limited. Despite interest from Persib a few years back it was unlikely he would have signed for Persija's biggest rivals.
