Latest news with #Kinoshi
New Straits Times
a day ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Selangor coach tells players 'to run, not walk'
KUALA LUMPUR: It was a football match that left Selangor coach Katsuhito Kinoshi telling his players not to walk, but run. There was little action and no goals to see as Selangor and Asia Warriors, led by Japanese legend Keisuke Honda, settled for a zero-zero draw in a friendly at the MBPJ Stadium on Sunday. "The result was not good enough. I'm not happy. I'm completely not happy," said Japanese Kinoshi who was visibly frustrated at Selangor's lack of tempo and intensity. "We must improve our attack and show determination. Don't walk, run more, penetrate more," he added. Though there wasn't a single goal to see, for Kinoshi the match is less about the scoreline and more about building a cohesive team for the new M-League season. Kinoshi tested nearly every Selangor player available, from the newly signed Zach Clough to regulars like Alvin Fortes. The Red Giants dominated territory, but lacked sharpness in the final third agianst the Asia Warriors, a team filled with retired internationals. Honda, 39, who had played for AC Milan, said: "It was a difficult game for us, but Selangor have younger and better quality players. "Still, we defended well, didn't give them space or time, and kept the score at 0-0. That was the plan."
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Kinoshi won't reveal much to inquisitive Honda
KUALA LUMPUR: Japan football legend and co-founder of Asia Warriors FC, Keisuke Honda, thought he could get some info from his countryman, Selangor head coach Katsuhito Kinoshi, ahead of tomorrow's match at the MBPJ Stadium. But Kinoshi remained tight lipped, as Honda jokingly tried to persuade reporters to ask Kinoshi about his plans during a pre-match press conference at the Selangor FC training centre today. Selangor will use their friendly match against Asia Warriors as part of their preparations for the 2025-2026 M-League. "I asked Kinoshi to share information, but he didn't want to share, so it means that he is gunning for a win against us. "It's going to be a challenging game. I'm looking forward to playing against Selangor," said Honda. Honda said Asia Warriors aim to beat Selangor 1-0, but should the hosts score, they will have to double the score. "I think it's not easy for us to score two goals against Selangor, but that's our game plan, we don't hide any tactics." Kinoshi said that his Selangor team have had a good preseason and, without giving too much away about his squad, said that the Red Giants will have another friendly match after playing the Asia Warriors. Selangor star Faisal Halim, who also joined the pre-match press conference, said: "This is the year I will bounce back and regain my form. This is the time for me to come out with the Faisal Halim (everyone grew to know and love)."
The Star
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Veteran Fazly's back with Selangor – and their defence couldn't feel safer
True Selangor stalwart: Fazly's unwavering spirit and commitment became the driving force behind his return to the Red Giants. PETALING JAYA: In a move that has taken many by surprise, seasoned leftback Fazly Mazlan has rejoined Selangor – a decision that coach Katsuhito Kinoshi openly admits he did not see coming. But despite that, Kinoshi welcomes the move with open arms. 'Yes, I was very surprised when I was informed that he wanted to come back,' said the Japanese tactician. 'But I like him. I really do.' Kinoshi revealed that it was Fazly's unwavering spirit and deep commitment that became the driving force behind his return to the Red Giants. Despite the defender being released from the squad at the end of the season, the coach emphasised that desire trumps all. Fazly had an offer to join Super League newcomers Immigration but Selangor said they needed cover in the fullback spots, and he did not think twice. 'If he truly wants to return, that's what matters most,' Kinoshi said. 'For me, when a player has that kind of hunger, I will always welcome him. I really value that attitude.' But this is not merely about filling a spot on the roster. Kinoshi believes that Fazly, now 31, represents more than just experience - he's a blueprint for longevity and resilience in Malaysian football. 'He can be a role model for younger players. If you play with all your heart, sacrifice for the team, and give 100 percent in every match, you can continue playing well into your 30s - 32, 35 even,' the coach added. Beyond his on-field capabilities, Fazly's return brings much-needed guidance to a transitioning squad. As Selangor look to the future with a new generation of talent, veterans like Fazly serve as the bridge between experience and potential. 'Having senior players like Fazly is not just about technical aspects and experience. It's also about mentoring the younger generation who will one day lead this team,' Kinoshi explained. The timing of his return couldn't be more critical as the Red Giants are preparing for their Charity Shield game against Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri on Aug 8. 'We have a very important match coming up. The presence of experienced players like Fazly is a huge asset for games like this,' Kinoshi said. Fazly's story comes full circle, having once been a key pillar in the Selangor line-up before his release. Now, with shifts in the club's structure and renewed ambitions, he's back to reclaim his place - not just in the team but in the hearts of Selangor fans.
New Straits Times
5 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.
Barnama
6 days ago
- Sport
- Barnama
Kinoshi Rallies Selangor FC To Enjoy Battle Against JDT In Season Opener
PETALING JAYA, July 24 (Bernama) -- Selangor FC head coach Katsuhito Kinoshi wants his players to enjoy the challenge as they prepare for what he considers the toughest possible start in the Charity Shield Cup, the season opener against reigning Super League champions Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) next month. Kinoshi is determined to lead Selangor to a stronger campaign in the 2025-2026 Super League season and remains confident that the Red Giants will rise to the occasion with fans rightfully expecting more from the team this year. 'We must be ready (to face JDT) for this toughest match. Without enjoyment, no chance. So even in the toughest match, let's go enjoy the match but enjoy the match means we must fight 100 per cent. bootstrap slideshow 'Without hard work, we cannot enjoy so this is our preparation for the first match against JDT. For this season, let say we have 45 goals and 16 conceded, we must target 50 goals and less conceded goals,' he told reporters after Selangor FC and Daikin Malaysia celebrated the third year of their strategic partnership here, today. The ceremony also marked Daikin Malaysia's renewed commitment as a Platinum Sponsor, underscoring shared values of unity, team spirit and community wellness. Also present at the event was Selangor Raja Muda, Tengku Amir Shah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, who is also chairman of Selangor FC. When asked about potential new foreign signings and speculation surrounding the team captaincy, Kinoshi remained tight-lipped by saying the club would make an official announcement at the appropriate time. Kinoshi also highlighted the return of Fazly Mazlan to Selangor as an important move not only to serve as a role model for younger players but also to prove his fighting spirit to the team. 'I cannot say that he (Fazly) can be a starter or cannot be a starter but atleast he must be a member of Selangor FC like last year. And he must make an effort to be an effective player in the squad,' he said. Fazly was previously linked with a move to Super League newcomers Imigresen FC but the transfer did not happen.
