Latest news with #AseanClubChampionship


New Straits Times
6 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Red Giants ready to tackle JDT in Charity Shield season opener
KUALA LUMPUR: Selangor head Katsuhito Kinoshi wants his players to be ready for a tough test as they kick off the new M-League season with a Charity Shield clash against defending Super League champions Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) next month. Kinoshi is determined to lead Selangor to a stronger 2025-2026 campaign and remains confident that the Red Giants will rise to the occasion, with fans expecting much more from the team this season. The Japanese tactician also stressed the importance of performing well in regional competitions, including the Asean Club Championship and Asian Champions League 2. "We must be ready for this toughest match. Without enjoyment, there's no chance," said Kinoshi. "Even in the toughest match, we must enjoy it, and that means giving 100 per cent. Without hard work, we can't enjoy anything." Kinoshi was speaking after Selangor and Daikin Malaysia marked the third year of their strategic partnership at a ceremony held earlier today. Among those present was the Raja Muda of Selangor, Tengku Amir Shah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, who also serves as the club chairman. When asked about new foreign signings and the team captaincy, Kinoshi remained tight-lipped. "The club will make an official announcement at the appropriate time," he said. He did, however, highlight the return of Fazly Mazlan as a key addition, both as a role model for younger players and as someone eager to prove himself. "I cannot say if he (Fazly) will start or not, but at the very least, he must be part of the team like last year," said Kinoshi. "He must put in the effort to become an effective player for the squad." Meanwhile, Selangor will face the Asia Warriors, led by Japanese World Cup star Keisuke Honda, in a friendly this weekend.


New Straits Times
12-07-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Ubaidullah, Haqimi touted as the ones to watch
KUALA LUMPUR: The Asean Football Federation (AFF) has named centre-back Ubaidullah Shamsul and striker Haqimi Azim Rosli as Malaysia's players to watch at the Asean Under-23 Championship from July 15-29 in Jakarta. Terengganu's Ubaidullah played every minute of the AFF Under-23 Championship two years ago, and also gave a strong showing in last season's Asean Club Championship (ACC). Ubaidullah has impressed with his tackling, positioning and ability to break lines with sharp passes from the back. Though Haqimi was not part of the Under-23 squad in 2023, the KL City striker has earned senior national call-ups and featured in the last two Asean Championships. He also played all five matches for KL City in the ACC, scoring the winner against Kaya FC-Iloilo of the Philippines. Malaysia are drawn in Group A alongside Indonesia, the Philippines and Brunei in the Asean Under-23 Championship.


New Straits Times
04-07-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Red Giants face strong rivals in Asean Club Championship
KUALA LUMPUR: Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) and Selangor will battle for regional supremacy when the Asean Club Championship (ACC) kicks off next month. Super League champions JDT have been drawn in Group B, with Thai League runners-up True Bangkok United, Vietnam's Thep Xanh Nam Dinh, Singapore's Lion City Sailors, Cambodian champions PKR Svay Rieng, and the winner of a playoff between Laos' Ezra FC and Myanmar's Shan United. The Red Giants face a tougher route in Group A, which includes defending champions Buriram United, Thai heavyweights BG Pathum United, Vietnamese Cup winners Cong An Ha Noi, Singapore's Tampines Rovers, and the winner of the Brunei-Philippines playoff between Kasuka FC and Dynamic Herb Cebu. Despite the tough draw, Selangor coach Katsuhito Kinoshi remains optimistic, viewing the tournament as a valuable test for his squad. "We will stick to our style, earn points, and aim to qualify for the next stage," said Kinoshi. "Our group opponents are strong — some are even competing in the Asian Champions League Elite (ACLE). This is a great chance to gauge our level against top regional clubs." The tournament will run until May next year.


New Straits Times
03-07-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Willian Lira returns to M-League with Selangor
KUALA LUMPUR: Brazilian striker Willian Lira has signed for Selangor ahead of the 2025-2026 M-League season. The 31-year-old, unveiled as the club's fourth foreign signing, will lead Selangor's charge across multiple fronts — the M-League, Asean Club Championship and Asian Champions League 2. Lira is no stranger to Malaysian football, having scored eight goals in 14 appearances for Kedah in 2023. This time, he returns not as a rising prospect but as a seasoned, battle-hardened forward who has made his mark in every Asian league he's played in. "I chose Selangor because it's a strong and well-respected club," said Lira, who began his career in Brazil's lower leagues before stints in North Macedonia, Thailand, Japan and the United Arab Emirates. "Having played in the M-League before, I believe I can adapt quickly. I already know the league's style, the rules, and some of the players, which will help me settle in." Lira made a name for himself in Japan with Ventforet Kofu, scoring 18 goals across two J2 League seasons and helping the club win the 2022 Emperor's Cup — their first major title. He then struck 15 goals in Thailand's top flight with Chonburi and added 13 goals and five assists with UAE's Hatta Club last season. "My goal is to help the Red Giants compete for titles and, of course, to score as many goals as I can," said Lira. "I've done it for other clubs before, now I want to do it for Selangor. I'll give my best every day, on and off the pitch."


New Straits Times
02-07-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
MFL to fix VAR flaws ahead of new M-League season
KUALA LUMPUR: After a controversial debut season for the video assistant referee (VAR) system, the Malaysian Football League (MFL) has promised improvements for the 2025-2026 M-League campaign. Although FA of Malaysia (FAM) referees' committee chairman Datuk S. Sivasundaram described VAR's performance last season as "excellent" — citing an average of 0.57 on-field reviews per match and a review time of 2.27 minutes — several key errors sparked criticism. The most notable incident saw referee Razlan Joffri Ali and a VAR official suspended for two matches and retrained following a contentious Super League clash between Perak and Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT). MFL acting chief executive officer Shazli Shaik said steps are being taken to improve the VAR application. "To date, we've conducted two VAR improvement sessions. FIFA and AFC representatives also took part in the sessions," said Shazli. "Last season was our first using VAR, and we've noted the shortcomings. We're working to implement those corrections for the upcoming season." Shazli added that the 2025-2026 M-League schedule will be released on Friday. Malaysia will be represented by JDT and Selangor in the Asean Club Championship. JDT, as reigning Super League champions, will again compete in the Asian Champions League (ACL) Elite, while Selangor will feature in ACL2. Meanwhile, Super League newcomers Immigration FC have until Saturday to confirm their home venue for the new season.