Mokhtar Dahari, often called the “SuperMokh,” is a legendary Malaysian footballer widely considered one of the greatest Asian footballers of all time. He was a prolific striker known for his exceptional skill, speed, and goal-scoring ability. He was a key figure in Malaysian football during the 1970s and 1980s, leading the national team to numerous victories and becoming a national hero. Image source: NST
I hope it is the start of new things…it’s about time anyway!
I was at my neighbor’s house two days ago for his housewarming kenduri. I arrived late and the function started after his “doa selamat” prayers. The food was great, especially the homemade grilled fish (my neighbor’s cousin was attending the cooking and kept asking me to eat more). After I had finished my meals, I sat down and chatted with some of my neighbors’ relatives and one of the topics that came up was about the sorry state of Malaysian football.
Almost everyone seemed angry when that topic came up – not to mention after our local boys took a heavy beating with China the previous nights. One of the neighbors remarked that once upon a time, Malaysia had no problem beating South Korea but now; even the minnows have no problem beating us. Another remarked that other countries have professionals running the show but in Malaysia, we have royalties heading the show – so what do you expect?
I kept quiet as I listening men in their 40s and 50s talked about the current condition of the football team and how it used to be in the 70s and 80s. Certainly, they were angry about having the local team as the whipping boys. In the end, one of them summarized the sorry state of Malaysian football – that there is too much politics in the FAM.
It is too much politics or too many politicians? I do not know for certain but you and I know how the top management of the football team is headed by politicians (Chief Ministers most of the time). Some of you may think that oh great, we have the royalty and some politicians running the show and that is why our football team is a big disgrace. I don’t have to recall how some high-ranking FAM officials remained in their seats for years whilst good coaches and managers came in and out on a seasonal basis.
But hold on there. It is hard to say that only the council is the only responsible for the weak national team because it may not be so. The council may make policies and decisions (may not be wise ones sometimes) but if the State level FAs do not manage it well or if the team management professionalism is not to up mark or if the player is not motivated enough, certainly things can go wrong and by the look of the national team, it has indeed gone wrong. Probably what is missing here is professionalism.
There is a contrast here on the English FA council. The council is indeed headed by a royalty, pretty much like our own FAM but the management level starts at the Chairman’s level. Geoff Thompson is a magistrate whilst Brian Barwick, the CEO of English FA is a sports journalist. The rest of them are people with a long history of managing football clubs and teams.
No offense to the current FAM council but the right way for FAM is to bring the right person in – for those in the council and higher management, you had your day basking in a high position but nothing positive came out for the local football scene who remains a “jaguh kampung” (village champion). They are – champions when playing between States but mean nothing when playing between countries. It’s time to move on. We just hope that new people will bring fresh ideas and some enthusiasm to the game.
We don’t lack good players (some are as good as Brazilian players) but this right direction at the top and tight coordination to ground level is something to start with. Of course, Tengku Abdullah realized this sooner than the rest and tendered his resignation.
I am wondering who will be the next to go – we have been the “joke” in Asian football for far too long now.
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Its such a mystery why Man Utd cancelled thier visit to Malaysia even if their trip was fully paid by Malaysian Government…now we know the reason!
Prince – the issue with MU goes deeper if you have read the stories in the internet. Then you probably understand why Pak Lah insisted on MU to play despite AFC putting their foot down on the schedule.
IT’s with due rexpert and humblelity, And i know that my mail will come to you as a surprise, Well, however i have this proporser for you, BUT I Am not in any manner compearing my self to you , nor will i ask you to go against you weel.
Well, i am KANU . NWANKWO. by name and a native of NIGERIA WEST AFRICA. And a footballer who played for DIAMOND F.C. OF PORT HARCOURT. RIVERS STATE OF NIGERIA. And i am an attacker who can play any where in attack. But i am curently now in ABIDJAN. COTE D’IVOIRE. and training with division two side here now
Well, i realy need your assistance as a MANEGER. for you to search for club any part of ASIAN COUNTRIES. And for me here i have everything to prove that i am a footballer. i have with me here my VIDEO clip, in the pitch of play, and also have my clearance certificate from my club, DIAMOND FOOTBALL ACCADEMY. of PORT HARCOURT. RIVERS STATE OF NIGERIA.
And i am ready to take care of the expencess to come over to your country to undergo trials. if only you can grant me ivitation letter.
I shall be very grateful if you will consider this letter to included among the letters intended for the letters to the editor colum of your pepers in any issue this week.
Please dear Sir, i pray that GOD will give you wisdom and understanding to read and understand my mail
I Will be waiting to hear from you as my new MANAGER. may GOD bless you.
My best regard.
From. Kanu. Nwankwo. FootBaller.
Kanu, my man – you need to write to the right people. Start with FAM.