Latest news with #CityBoys
The Star
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Football: Family man Gallifuoco savours fifth season with ‘Keluarga KL'
PETALING JAYA: Giancarlo Gallifuoco arrived in Kuala Lumpur with little fanfare and few expectations five years ago. Today, the towering Italian-Australian centreback is not just a senior figure at Kuala Lumpur but one of the Malaysian Super League's most respected voices - on and off the pitch. As he enters his fifth season with the City Boys, Gallifuoco reflects on the journey with gratitude, humility, and unshakable love for a city, club, and culture that embraced him fully. 'I'm incredibly grateful to be reaching this milestone,' he said. 'As a footballer, you're always trying to find a home where you play your best football and feel valued. Kuala Lumpur has been that place for me.' In his time at Kuala Lumpur, Gallifuoco has played in three finals - winning the Malaysia Cup in 2021 and finishing runners-up in the 2022 AFC Cup and 2023 FA Cup - and helped shape a team known as much for their grit as their growing silverware ambitions. Yet, for him, it is not just about what happens on the pitch. 'My favourite compliment is when people say we're known for our camaraderie, our culture, our never-say-never attitude,' said the 31-year-old, who once played for top European sides like Torino and Tottenham Hotspur. 'That's what we're about. We call ourselves Keluarga KL City – a family. 'That bond is what defines us.' Now with high-profile arrivals like Safawi Rasid, Syamer Kutty Abba, Manuel Hidalgo, and Kpah Sherman, expectations have never been higher. A new coach, Risto Vidakovic, is at the helm, bringing renewed ambition to Kuala Lumpur's campaign. 'There's definitely more expectations this year,' Gallifuoco admits. 'But expectations can be the thief of joy if you don't use it correctly. First and foremost, we're competing with the KL City of last year. We want to do better than sixth. That's our first hurdle. 'We've got real quality players now – players who can devastate teams. But our foundation will always be the culture in the dressing room – helping each other get better, winning together, celebrating each other's success.' With such a deep connection to the club and the country, it's no surprise that the topic of naturalisation has become a serious conversation surrounding Gallifuoco. 'To even have people talk about me playing for the national team – that's the most flattering thing. It's an honour. I've been called the 'adopted one', and I wear that with pride.' Born in Sydney to Italian parents, Gallifuoco says Malaysia feels more like home than anywhere else he's lived in adulthood. 'I come from a culture where football and food are everything and Malaysia reflects that. Malays, Chinese, Indians – all here for a better life, all proud of their roots, and all united through food and football. 'From eating with my hands at Indian restaurants to grabbing ikat tepi drinks on the way to the stadium – I love it. It's become part of me. 'This is the longest place I've lived as an adult. More than Sydney or London. I'm way more a city boy now than I am a Sydney boy.' But Gallifuoco's love for Malaysia goes beyond lifestyle. He is deeply passionate about the growth of the Malaysian League and he is not afraid to say what he thinks it needs. 'The Malaysian League has everything – culture, history, community. I love that people can go to the restaurant, watch a game, and talk about when their dad watched Selangor or Pahang back in the day. It's beautiful.' Still, he believes the league can reach greater heights – if clubs and fans work together. 'People say, 'Johor will win anyway.' But that's not the point. Even in leagues where one team dominate, fans still show up. Why? Because there's pride in supporting your club. 'Look at Sabah, Terengganu, Selangor, and us – we're all close in quality and fighting for the top spots. That's exciting. But the atmosphere needs to match the potential. The Indonesian League doesn't always have better teams but their fans create a show and that brings value.' 'If more clubs built stronger connections with fans, the energy in stadiums would skyrocket. That, in turn, brings better players, bigger moments, and more belief in the league.'
The Star
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Family man Gallifuoco savours fifth season with 'Keluarga KL'
PETALING JAYA: Giancarlo Gallifuoco arrived in Kuala Lumpur with little fanfare and few expectations five years ago. Today, the towering Italian-Australian centreback is not just a senior figure at Kuala Lumpur but one of the Malaysian Super League's most respected voices - on and off the pitch. As he enters his fifth season with the City Boys, Gallifuoco reflects on the journey with gratitude, humility, and unshakable love for a city, club, and culture that embraced him fully. "I'm incredibly grateful to be reaching this milestone," he said. "As a footballer, you're always trying to find a home where you play your best football and feel valued. Kuala Lumpur has been that place for me." In his time at Kuala Lumpur, Gallifuoco has played in three finals - winning the Malaysia Cup in 2021 and finishing runners-up in the 2022 AFC Cup and 2023 FA Cup - and helped shape a team known as much for their grit as their growing silverware ambitions. Yet, for him, it is not just about what happens on the pitch. "My favourite compliment is when people say we're known for our camaraderie, our culture, our never-say-never attitude," said the 31-year-old, who once played for top European sides like Torino and Tottenham Hotspur. "That's what we're about. We call ourselves Keluarga KL City - a family. "That bond is what defines us.' Now with high-profile arrivals like Safawi Rasid, Syamer Kutty Abba, Manuel Hidalgo, and Kpah Sherman, expectations have never been higher. A new coach, Risto Vidakovic, is at the helm, bringing renewed ambition to Kuala Lumpur's campaign. "There's definitely more expectations this year," Gallifuoco admits. "But expectations can be the thief of joy if you don't use it correctly. First and foremost, we're competing with the KL City of last year. We want to do better than sixth. That's our first hurdle. "We've got real quality players now - players who can devastate teams. But our foundation will always be the culture in the dressing room - helping each other get better, winning together, celebrating each other's success." With such a deep connection to the club and the country, it's no surprise that the topic of naturalisation has become a serious conversation surrounding Gallifuoco. "To even have people talk about me playing for the national team - that's the most flattering thing. It's an honour. I've been called the 'adopted one,' and I wear that with pride." Born in Sydney to Italian parents, Gallifuoco says Malaysia feels more like home than anywhere else he's lived in adulthood. "I come from a culture where football and food are everything and Malaysia reflects that. Malays, Chinese, Indians - all here for a better life, all proud of their roots, and all united through food and football. "From eating with my hands at Indian restaurants to grabbing ikat tepi on the way to the stadium - I love it. It's become part of me. "This is the longest place I've lived as an adult. More than Sydney or London. I'm way more a city boy now than I am a Sydney boy." But Gallifuoco's love for Malaysia goes beyond lifestyle. He is deeply passionate about the growth of the Malaysian League and he is not afraid to say what he thinks it needs. "The Malaysian League has everything - culture, history, community. I love that people can go to the restaurant, watch a game, and talk about when their dad watched Selangor or Pahang back in the day. It's beautiful." Still, he believes the league can reach greater heights - if clubs and fans work together. "People say, 'Johor will win anyway.' But that's not the point. Even in leagues where one team dominate, fans still show up. Why? Because there's pride in supporting your club. "Look at Sabah, Terengganu, Selangor, and us - we're all close in quality and fighting for the top spots. That's exciting. But the atmosphere needs to match the potential. The Indonesian League doesn't always have better teams but their fans create a show and that brings value." "If more clubs built stronger connections with fans, the energy in stadiums would skyrocket. That, in turn, brings better players, bigger moments, and more belief in the league."
The Star
01-08-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Hidalgo reveals why he owes his life to Maradona
PETALING JAYA: Like all Argentinian footballers, Kuala Lumpur's new winger Manuel Hidalgo looks up to the late Diego Maradona as an idol and inspiration. But for the 26-year-old, who joined the City Boys on loan from Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT), his fascination with the 1986 World Cup winner extends beyond the magic he created on the pitch. Hidalgo can even claim he owes his life to the legend, who many hail as the greatest player of all time. To put it poetically, he has been blessed by the ''hand of god'' – a reference to the controversial goal Maradona scored against England in the 1986 World Cup quarter-final. Look no further than Diego: Manuel Hidalgo in action for Kuala Lumpur against Sabah during a friendly match. — KL City FC 'I love him not just because of what he did in football – but because without him, I wouldn't be in this world,'' he said after a training session at the PKNS Field here yesterday. And there's an absorbing story behind that. Hidalgo's father, Gustavo, was living in Barcelona when Maradona was suspended for cocaine use and forced to return to Argentina in the 1980s. That unexpected turn led to him also returning home and eventually meeting the woman, Victoria, who would become the mother of his son, Manuel. 'My father met my mum in Argentina, and they went on to have me. So if not for Maradona, I won't be here in this world,' Hidalgo said. It is a remarkable twist of fate, one that Hidalgo carries with him not just emotionally, but literally – inked on his body. 'I have two Maradona tattoos, and a phrase from him across my back,' he adds proudly. Today, Hidalgo is thriving in a city he now calls home. 'I have a very good relationship with everyone, locals and import players as well.' Now entering his fifth season in Malaysia, Hidalgo speaks with a maturity that reflects his journey. He knows the expectations are high, but he has embraced them. A tattoo of Maradona on Hidalgo's hand. 'I think we (Kuala Lumpur) have an amazing team this year, and we're going to achieve great things for sure. 'We started not so hard, and I think that's good. ''Sometimes when you push too early, the players aren't fresh for the season. I think we'll arrive at the first game at 100 per cent.' Hidalgo is particularly impressed with the atmosphere within the team and the communication between coach Risto Vidakovic and the players. 'It's the best I've experienced in Malaysia by far. ''The connection is very good. We all feel it.' KL have been beset by financial problems in the past, but with changes in the top management, Hidalgo hopes his teammates don't need to wait for their dues. 'I have the luck that I'm part of JDT. When you have JDT behind you, everything is easier. ''They do things how they should be done, on time, professionally.'' Hidalgo also revealed that he is awaiting to be naturalised and hopes to don Malaysian colours one day. 'After December, I will have been in Malaysia for five years. Maybe by then, or next May, I can get something more official. I hope that can happen next year.'
New Straits Times
14-07-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Will RM1 million windfall lift City Boys?
KUALA LUMPUR: Kuala Lumpur FC will have few excuses if they don't do well in the Super League this season. Their fans will expect a better showing from the City Boys after a surprise RM1 million sponsorship from the government on Saturday. KLFA president Syed Yazid Syed Omar welcomed the surprise RM1 million grant. However, KL fans will now demand results and better long-term planning from the city team. On Saturday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced a RM1 million allocation to help boost football in Kuala Lumpur, during KLFA's 50th Jubilee celebration. The announcement took the KLFA leadership by surprise. "I didn't expect it at all. We didn't ask, but the prime minister announced it in front of everyone. I am very thankful," said Syed Yazid. "We'll discuss how to use the funds during our exco meeting. What's important is that the money will help us manage KLFA better. "There are no salary arrears (involving the KL Super League team) and we've resolved old issues with former players and staff amicably," he said. However, the RM1 million injection has also led to many fans asking whether KLFA can justify such high-level backing. Football critic Datuk Dr Pekan Ramli urged KLFA to treat the RM1 million sponsorship as a responsibility, not a reward. "When the prime minister gives you RM1 million without being asked, it's not just a gift, it's a responsibility," said Pekan. "The fans are right to ask questions. KLFA has to prove we deserve this support. That means showing real progress, not just on the pitch, but in how we manage the team, invest in development, and rebuild trust in the structure."
The Star
12-07-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Coach happy with City boys' strong desire and commitment
PETALING JAYA: New Kuala Lumpur coach Risto Vidakovic is taking a measured approach as he builds his squad for the upcoming Super League season, stressing that his focus is more on building chemistry and assessing players than early results. The City Boys were held to a goalless draw by A1 Semi-Pro side Bunga Raya in their first pre-season friendly at the PKNS Training Centre in Kelana Jaya on Friday, but Vidakovic wasn't too concerned with the outcome. 'It has been good. All the boys are working hard and adapting,' said the Bosnian. 'It's not easy to build a team immediately, especially with new players.' The game against Bunga Raya offered the coach a chance to evaluate his players in a match setting, but he admitted that the pitch conditions made it difficult to draw conclusions. 'I wanted to see something different. I didn't care about the result, I was assessing the boys. But the pitch wasn't great, practically unplayable. You cannot see good football if the field is bad.' Despite the uninspiring scoreline, Vidakovic found positives in the team's attitude and work rate. 'The desire and commitment is there. That's a good sign. It's just one week into pre-season, so the work continues.' Kuala Lumpur have secured three loan signings from reigning champions Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT): midfielder Syamer Kutty Abba, wingers Safawi Rasid and Manuel Hidalgo; defenders Adam Nor Azlin, Syazwan Andik, Azrif Nasrulhaq from Pahang; and Kelantan winger Fazrul Amir Md Zaman, Filipino goalkeeper Quincy Kammerad. 'We need to improve some positions. There are some names we are trying to bring in. Maybe one or two more additions,' said Vidakovic. 'I want players to compete every day in training. We're getting players who suit our style and system. That's the priority. It's not always easy to get exactly who we want, but we are working on it.' 'Players from Europe aren't used to playing in these conditions. They need about a month to adapt. Technically, they're strong.'
