Latest news with #KLCity
New Straits Times
30-05-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Josue confident Harimau Malaya can deliver against Vietnam
KUALA LUMPUR: Harimau Malaya forward Paolo Josue believes there are plenty of positives to take from Thursday's 1-1 draw with Cape Verde at the KLFA Stadium. World No. 72 Cape Verde struck early in the ninth minute through Sidney Cabral, but Josue came off the bench to equalise just a minute after coming on in the 79th minute. Malaysia will face Cape Verde again in a closed-door friendly at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on June 3, part of their build-up to the crucial Asian Cup qualifier against Vietnam on June 10 at the same venue. The 36-year-old KL City star has now scored 10 goals in 26 international appearances for Malaysia. "After tonight, we showed where we are right now," said Josue. "Everything is going smoothly as we prepare to get the points against Vietnam and keep pushing for a spot in the 2027 Asian Cup Finals. "It's always special to score for the national team. The coach spoke to me during the week, and with my first touch I got a chance and scored. It was unbelievable — a great night." Josue noted that the national team had only trained for 10 days before the match. "But thank God, everything went well. I think they also felt the heat here in Malaysia," he said with a smile. The veteran praised the team's performance and was especially impressed with debutants Gabriel Palmero and Ubaidullah Shamsul. "I think the team did very well. We managed to contain an aggressive side and limit their control in midfield. "Our five-man defence with four in the middle gave them problems in the first half," he said. "In the second half, the coach made some changes and we created a few chances. I got mine and made it count. Overall, it was a great match for us to see where we stand."
New Straits Times
23-05-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
5 Malaysians chosen for Manchester United match
KUALA LUMPUR: Five Malaysian footballers will be part of the Asean All-Stars that take on Manchester United in the Maybank Challenge Cup at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on May 28. The five are Azam Azmi Murad, Adib Abdul Ra'op, Haziq Nadzli, Declan Lambert and Sergio Aguero. Terengganu's Azam Azmi, known for his ability to transition defence into attack, said: "Wearing the national colours in this All-Stars side will be a proud moment. I aim to show what Malaysian football can achieve." Penang's Adib said: "This is more than just a match; it's a chance for all of us to demonstrate our skill and heart on an international stage." KL City's Lambert said: "I'm honoured to lead this defence alongside my national teammates. Together, we'll show the spirit of Malaysian football." Perak goalkeeper Haziq Nadzli said: "Standing between the posts against a team like Manchester United is a challenge I've dreamt of." Sri Pahang's hitman Sergio Aguero said: "Joining the Asean All-Stars is a tremendous opportunity. I'm proud to stand alongside my fellow Malaysians and showcase our talent on such a grand stage." The Asean All-Stars will be guided by South Korean Kim Sang Sik, who coached Vietnam to the 2024 AFF Cup title.
New Straits Times
22-05-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Three clubs face Super League axe over licensing issue
KUALA LUMPUR: Three Super League clubs — KL City, Kelantan Darul Naim and Police — are in danger of being booted out of the 2025-2026 season. The clubs must submit additional documentation to fulfil financial criteria by May 31. Failure to comply could see their national licences revoked by the Malaysian Football League's (MFL) independent First Instance Body (FIB). In a statement, the FIB announced that eight Super League clubs and two Amateur Football League (AFL) A1 teams have fulfilled all licensing requirements for the upcoming season. FIB licensing committee chairman Sheikh Nasir Sheikh Sharif said the body required additional time to review the documents before making a final decision on May 22. "I would like to congratulate all clubs that successfully obtained the national licence and commend their outstanding efforts in ensuring their applications were approved," he said. To be granted a licence, clubs are assessed on six key criteria outlined in the 2024-2025 edition of the MFL Club Licensing Regulations — sports, infrastructure, personnel and administration, legal, financial, and commercial. The national licence awarded is valid for one season only. Clubs that have secured full licences for the 2025-2026 season are Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT), Selangor, Penang, Kuching City, Sabah, Terengganu, Sri Pahang and Negri Sembilan. In addition, AFL A1 sides Melaka and Immigration FC have also been granted approval to join the Super League. KL City, Police and Kelantan Darul Naim, who received conditional licences, must now furnish additional documentation. Former M-League champions Perak and Kedah Darul Aman failed to secure licences and will not feature in the Super League next season.
New Straits Times
05-05-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
'Malaysia is my future': Gallifuoco opens heart on Harimau Malaya
KUALA LUMPUR: Giancarlo Gallifuoco's love for Malaysia isn't born of convenience. It's a bond forged through genuine connection and deep gratitude. The 31-year-old centre-back from Sydney has firmly rooted himself in Malaysian football since joining KL City from Melbourne Victory in 2021. Now, as he begins the naturalisation process to represent Harimau Malaya, Gallifuoco insists this is more than just a career move — it's a personal mission. "Since I was 15, Kuala Lumpur has been the place I've lived the longest. This has become my second home. I feel ridiculously grateful for this country and this city," said Gallifuoco. He got his first taste of national pride in 2022 when KL City reached the AFC Cup final, a feat that won over fans across the country. "I'd walk the streets and hear people say, 'What a game against Viettel.' Even fans from Terengganu, Selangor and JDT told me that. I felt what it must be like to represent Malaysia, and I loved it." Off the pitch, Gallifuoco is well and truly settled. His daughter Zoa was born in Malaysia in 2022, another child is on the way, and his family has plans to retire here. "My daughter speaks with a cute little Malaysian accent. My family wants to move here permanently. We're in this for the long haul," he said. During a recent league break, Gallifuoco only spent four of eight weeks back in Australia — another sign of where his heart lies. "If there's any doubt about how much I love Malaysia, that says it all. Malaysia is my home. Malaysia is my future," he declared. On the field, Gallifuoco has been a rock at the back for KL City, clocking up 114 appearances, four goals and one assist. He helped the team lift the Malaysia Cup in 2021 and finish runners-up in the 2022 AFC Cup and 2023 FA Cup. As for his ambitions with the national team, the Australian-born defender isn't making grand promises — just one pledge. "I won't say I'll keep 50 clean sheets or that I'm the greatest defender. But I'll give 100 per cent in every session and every minute. "I want to make this country and my family proud." With his naturalisation process underway, Gallifuoco could soon become a vital figure in Harimau Malaya's backline, bringing leadership, tactical nous and a passion that runs far deeper than most.
New Straits Times
25-04-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Haqimi proves critics wrong with Best Young Player award
KUALA LUMPUR: KL City winger Haqimi Azim Rosli has learnt to roll with the punches from social media. The 22-year-old never let the online criticism demoralised him. It made him more determined instead. This has made Haqimi more determined to "put his boots in the mouth of his detractors". Haqimi worked hard to improve his skill, and it has reached a level that he was named the Best Young Player at the National Football Awards on Wednesday. "Being criticised is normal. That's what usually happens with footballers. I think we can't take it seriously," he said. His Best Young Player award was a recognition of his calibre performances for KL City in the Super League. "This is all due to my hard work, game by game, and I will continue to improve myself after winning this trophy," he said. "Of course, this award will have a huge impact on me. This is the first time I've won it. "It's a great honour. This award is for my family and friends who are constantly supporting me," he said. Haqimi also credited KL City for their role in his rise, thanking the club as the foundation of his development.
