Latest news with #AFF
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Ex-Malaysian footballer, coach K. Rajagobal's ‘Inilah Saya' book a nine-year project in the making
Datuk K. Rajagobal was standing at the cashier of an eatery in Publika, Kuala Lumpur, waiting to pay for his meal, when he was approached by a gentleman who recognised the legendary sports figure. Others in the shop had their eyes on him, knowing very well who he was. That is the power of 'King Raja'. Despite having played for Selangor and Malaysia some four decades ago, and later gaining national fame as coach from 2009 to 2013, Rajagobal continues to attract attention wherever he goes. Much has been written and said about Rajagobal, but he is best remembered as the man behind the euphoria that swept the nation when his squad won the 2009 SEA Games gold medal and the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Cup in 2010. Malaysians proudly wore the national jersey again, and many believed that more glory was on the horizon. Unfortunately, Malaysia has not won either tournament since. Fresh from recording a Julang podcast episode with seasoned journalist Rizal Hashim and Twentytwo13 editor Haresh Deol on May 29, Rajagobal sat down with the duo to talk about his book Inilah Saya (This is Me), which will be showcased at the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair at the World Trade Centre tomorrow. In his trademark white shirt, adorned with a sewn-on Jalur Gemilang on the left, Rajagobal spoke over teh tarik (tea) and roti bakar (toast). 'After winning the AFF Cup in 2010, many told me to write a book about my journey and success. But it wasn't the right time,' he said. 'When I left the FA of Malaysia (FAM) in 2013, I thought it might finally be the right time. My eldest son, Kanason, told me, 'Appa, why don't you write a book?' I was still busy coaching, but when I returned from Sarawak in 2016, that's when I decided to start working on it.' 'It's been a nine-year project because of several delays. I was coaching PKNS FC between 2018 and 2019, so things stalled then. But once that ended, I got back to working on the book.' Asked why he decided to write it, Rajagobal said: 'I want to share my journey – the challenges I faced, my struggles, my hardships. I also want the younger generation to realise that anything can be achieved if we are mentally strong. Just focus on hard work, and you won't be easily defeated. You'll fall many times, but you'll get up.' 'I also hope this book inspires, motivates, and encourages Malaysians to be patriotic. The younger generation is our future.' 'I would love to see other legends and future players from various sports document their journeys and achievements. It allows others to learn from different experiences and become better individuals.' Priced at RM49, Inilah Saya is available at the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair. Rajagobal will hold a meet-and-greet session at the fair tomorrow (May 29) from 11am to 1.30pm. The book is also available online at Karangkraf Mall.
New Straits Times
6 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Anwar attends Man Utd, Asean All-Stars match
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim took time off from his packed schedule to witness the much-anticipated post-season friendly match between English football powerhouse Manchester United and the Asean All-Stars at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium here. His presence added a touch of excitement to the match, known as the Maybank Challenge Cup, which drew over 72,500 fans from not only Malaysia but also across the region. Anwar, a Manchester United fan, arrived at the stadium donning the Asean All-Stars jersey with a Manchester United jacket layered on top as a gesture of support for both his favourite club and regional football. Accompanied by Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, the Prime Minister greeted the starting eleven players from both teams on the pitch before the kick-off, further adding to the ceremonial importance of the occasion. Anwar also received a mock cheque for RM1 million from Asean Football Federation (AFF) president Major General Khiev Sameth, presented to Yayasan Al-Sultan Abdullah (YASA). He then enjoyed the match as the Red Devils' stars, including Andre Onana, Harry Maguire, Rasmus Hojlund, Carlos Casemiro, Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes, put on a spirited performance under the guidance of head coach Ruben Amorim. The Asean All-Stars, comprising players from AFF member countries, including Australia, were coached by South Korean tactician Kim Sang Sik, who recently led Vietnam to victory in the ASEAN Championship, and captained by Harimau Malaya's naturalised striker Sergio Aguero. Asean All-Stars stunned Manchester United with a 1-0 victory, thanks to a 72nd-minute goal from Myanmar's Maung Maung Lwin, which added to Manchester United's frustrations following a disappointing season. Following the final whistle, Anwar presented medals and the trophy to the players. The friendly coincided with the 46th Asean Summit, the 2nd Asean-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit and the inaugural Asean-GCC-China Summit, which concluded yesterday. The match marked Manchester United's return to Malaysian soil for the first time since their 2009 pre-season tour, when they defeated a Malaysia XI 3-2 and 2-0 on July 18 and 20, respectively, at the same venue. Manchester United, who endured a difficult Premier League campaign and finished 15th with just 42 points, will continue their post-season tour with a stop in Hong Kong later this week. - Bernama
Barnama
6 days ago
- Sport
- Barnama
Anwar Attends Manchester United, ASEAN All-Stars Match At Bukit Jalil
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim celebrates with ASEAN All-Stars players as they lift the 2025 Maybank Malaysia Challenge Cup after defeating Manchester United FC at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil. KUALA LUMPUR, May 28 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim took time off from his packed schedule to witness the much-anticipated post-season friendly match between English football powerhouse Manchester United and the ASEAN All-Stars at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium here tonight. Anwar's presence added a touch of excitement to the match, known as the Maybank Challenge Cup, which drew over 72,500 fans from not only Malaysia but also across the region. Anwar, a Manchester United fan, arrived at the stadium donning the ASEAN All-Stars jersey with a Manchester United jacket layered on top as a gesture of support for both his favourite club and regional football. bootstrap slideshow Accompanied by Youth and Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, the Prime Minister greeted the starting eleven players from both teams on the pitch before the kick-off, further adding to the ceremonial importance of the occasion. Anwar also received a mock cheque for RM1 million from ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) president Major General Khiev Sameth, presented to Yayasan Al-Sultan Abdullah (YASA). He then enjoyed the match as the Red Devils' stars, including Andre Onana, Harry Maguire, Rasmus Hojlund, Carlos Casemiro, Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes, put on a spirited performance under the guidance of head coach Ruben Amorim. The ASEAN All-Stars, comprising players from AFF member countries, including Australia, were coached by South Korean tactician Kim Sang Sik, who recently led Vietnam to victory in the ASEAN Championship, and captained by Harimau Malaya's naturalised striker Sergio Aguero. ASEAN All-Stars stunned Manchester United with a 1-0 victory, thanks to a 72nd-minute goal from Myanmar's Maung Maung Lwin, which added to Manchester United's frustrations following a disappointing season. Following the final whistle, Anwar presented medals and the trophy to the players.
Malay Mail
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Malay Mail
Oops! Amorim's phone alarm steals the show at Man United-Asean All-Stars presser in Malaysia, leaving coach red-faced
KUALA LUMPUR, May 27 — Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim caused an unexpected pause during the pre-match press conference ahead of the Maybank Challenge Cup clash against the Asean All-Stars here, today. The minor incident occurred when the 40-year-old Portuguese tactician's mobile phone rang while Asean Football Federation (AFF) President Major General Khiev Sameth was speaking during the media session. All eyes turned to Amorim as he calmly silenced the device, managing the situation with composure before proceedings resumed. The light-hearted moment drew smiles from those present and added a touch of humour to the session. Speaking to reporters afterwards, Amorim revealed that the interruption came from his house alarm. 'I apologise for the house I'm away I like to control my kids,' he said while holding back laughter as his face turned red. The clash between United and the Asean All-Stars is scheduled to take place at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil tomorrow night. The last time the Red Devils played in Malaysia was during the 2009 pre-season tour, beating Malaysia XI twice, 3-2 and 2-0, respectively on July 18 and 20 at the National Stadium. The 13-time Premier League champions, who have endured a dismal season by their lofty standards when they ended the season in 15th spot with 42 points, are also scheduled to travel to Hong Kong as part of their post-season tour to play against the Hong Kong national team at the Hong Kong Stadium on May 30. — Bernama
The Star
26-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Star
AFF sign up Hyundai as their new title sponsor
The AFF Cup will now be known as the Asean Hyundai Cup following the announcement of new title sponsor Hyundai Motor. Credit - SPORTFIVE PETALING JAYA: The Asean Football Federation (AFF) have announced a new title sponsor to Southeast Asia's premier football competition as they introduce the Asean Hyundai Cup (AFF Cup). "We are honoured to welcome Hyundai, a global leader in mobility and innovation and a steadfast supporter of football as the title partner of the Asean Cup," said AFF president Khiev Sameth. "Hyundai's legacy of excellence and its unwavering commitment to the global football community align perfectly with AFF's mission to drive the growth and development of football across Southeast Asia. "It embodies the highest aspirations of our region's players, fans and nations," he said. President of Hyundai Motor Asia Pacific, Sunny Kim, said football is a platform that unites and empowers communities. "With over 26 years of global partnerships, we see Asean as a region where football's spirit thrives. This sponsorship aligns with our vision of 'Progress for Humanity' by supporting education, inclusion, and sustainable growth," he said. They will also be the sponsor for three other major tournaments, namely the Asean Club Championship, Asean Women's Championship, and Asean U-23 Championship. With the most recent edition of the AFF Cup ending in January with Vietnam taking their third title, the next edition will be taking place in 2026. Malaysia have only won the tournament once in 2010, while Thailand have the most titles at seven (1996, 2000, 2002, 2014, 2016, 2020, 2022).
