Latest news with #Hasnizam
New Straits Times
03-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Football critic says fix the troubled clubs, not the M-League
KUALA LUMPUR: Saving Malaysian football is not just about overhauling the much-maligned M-League's structure. Former international Hasnizam Uzir said the powers-that-be need to knock the problematic clubs into shape first before anything else. Responding to Deputy Sports Minister Adam Adli's call for a new framework to strengthen club finances and prevent issues like unpaid salaries, the former TV pundit said tougher regulations are needed to keep those in club management on their feet. "We don't need to restructure the league. That's the only competition we have, and we're just going around in circles with the same teams. "We need clubs to have the right modules and better internal management, especially regarding finances." Hasnizam said many Malaysian clubs are still weak in organisation and lack people with proper business knowledge. "If we look at the organisation of these clubs, the main problem is their weak branding and marketing. Most of them don't have people who understand the business side of football or know-how to move it forward," he said. Hasnizam said that while many clubs are still tied to state governments, this relationship needs to be better structured, especially when it comes to support from government-linked companies. "Most clubs are either state football associations or companies owned by the FA. If the chief minister or the FA has shares, the majority shareholder must help the club. "Johor have the backing of Johor Corp and local councils. Selangor have PKNS. But some other teams don't even have that kind of backing," he said. Instead of short-term planning, Hasnizam said clubs should adopt a five-year business plan backed by clear performance indicators, corporate leadership, and teamwork. "In corporate organisations, direction comes from the top. If the top has vision and teamwork, the organisation can generate income. Clubs should set key performance indicators and execute five-year business plans instead of preparing yearly budgets without direction. If they have a CEO who works and is supported by the state, there won't be issues," he said. His comments came just days after Johor Darul Ta'zim owner Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sultan Ibrahim issued a rebuke on X, appearing to criticise clubs that failed to manage their finances yet, blame external parties for their woes. Several teams — including Perak, Kedah and Sri Pahang — are reported to be withdrawing from next season's Super League due to financial troubles.
New Straits Times
27-04-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Pundits praise Fandi for giving JDT a hard time
KUALA LUMPUR: As Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) edged Sri Pahang 2-1 in yesterday's Malaysia Cup final, how was the quality of play? For many football followers, the Southern Tigers were far from their best at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil. JDT struggled to impose their vaunted dominance, especially in a tense first half where the game plan of Pahang coach Fandi Ahmad was working pretty well. Former international Hasnizam Uzir was among those unimpressed with the champions, noting that JDT looked a shadow of their former selves. "JDT were below par, they didn't play their normal game and struggled in midfield. Natxo Insa didn't function well alongside Afiq Fazail and Juan Muniz. There was no creativity, and they couldn't penetrate Sri Pahang's disciplined defence," said Hasnizam. Pahang executed a defensive "half-block", sitting deep with five defenders and four midfielders, effectively stifling JDT's attacking play. "When Insa didn't function, it's hard for JDT to move the ball forward. They tried to use the width with their wingers, but it didn't work," added Hasnizam JDT's style, usually built on swift rotations and intensity, lacked spark under Hector Bidoglio, which prompted Hasnizam to make a comparison with their former coach, Esteban Solari. "This isn't like Tano's (Solari). Bidoglio seems to control more from the dressing room, but in modern football, that's not enough. The team played slowly, while Fandi's tactics worked. There was no rushing and just waiting to strike from defence," said Hasnizam. Sri Pahang's plan nearly succeeded, and they scored through T. Saravanan in the 14th minute off a well-executed counter attack. The Elephants, even after losing Sergio Aguero to a red card in the 35th minute, held firm with discipline and belief. But a penalty by Bergson Da Silva (54th minute) and a goal from Aris Aiman Hanapi (74th) ensured that the Malaysia Cup stays in JDT's trophy room. Former international Azlan Johar also applauded Fandi for his strategy in pushing JDT all the way. "Fandi's team gave JDT a good run. On paper, JDT should have won easily, but Pahang made them work for it. It was a good final, and I congratulate them," said Azlan.
