Latest news with #MalaysianSuperLeague
The Star
2 hours ago
- Sport
- The Star
Filipino Aguinaldo ready to strengthen Brunei's backline
PETALING JAYA: Six years ago, Filipino centreback Amani Aguinaldo ( pic ) left a lasting impression in the Malaysian Super League with his tenacious performances for now-defunct PKNP, even as the team suffered relegation. His aggressive, no-nonsense defending caught the eye of many, and it wasn't long before Malaysian clubs came calling. However, instead of staying put, Aguinaldo opted for a new challenge in Thailand. Over the next few years, he became a familiar face in Thai football, turning out for clubs like Trat (2020-2021 and 2023-2024), Nongbua Pitchaya (2021-2022), Nakhon Ratchasima (2022-2023), and PTT Rayong (2024-2025). Now, the 30-year-old is back in the Malaysian top flight, this time with guest team Brunei. Under the guidance of English coach Jamie McAllister, Aguinaldo is expected to anchor the defence and bring leadership to the backline. Having been with the team for over two weeks, Aguinaldo is already settling in well and embracing the challenge ahead. 'It's been a good experience so far, and I'm happy to be here,' said Aguinaldo, who boasts 67 international caps for the Philippines. 'As a footballer, I'm always looking to grow, and Brunei have given me a great platform to do that. 'The set-up is professional, the standards are high, and the players are motivated. It's the perfect environment for a team looking to achieve something.' 'My role is simple: give my best every day, whether in training or matches. I want to help the team grow and succeed together,' he added. Alongside Aguinaldo, Brunei have included Brazilian centreback Jordan Rodrigues, goalkeeper Michel Dos Santos, and midfielder Kaio Santos; Macedonian goalkeeper Kristijan Naumovski, Portuguese midfielder Miguel Oliveira, Indonesian striker Ramadhan Sananta, and Ghanaian midfielder Prosper Boakye.
The Star
2 hours ago
- Sport
- The Star
From Rhinos to Cops: Tae-su moves on after feeling overlooked
PETALING JAYA: After seven years with Sabah, South Korean defender Park Tae-su (pic) has opened up about the emotional reason behind his departure – he no longer felt needed. The 35-year-old centreback, who played a vital role in Sabah's rise over the years, has joined Police ahead of the 2025-2026 Malaysian Super League season. While grateful for his time in Kota Kinabalu, Tae-su admitted that a shift in team priorities made him feel sidelined. 'After seven years, I felt like Sabah didn't really need me any more,' Tae-su said. 'At the same time, Police came forward and truly wanted me in their team.' His exit was also a deeply personal decision for him and his family. 'Leaving Sabah was incredibly hard and emotional, not just for me, but also for my family. 'But it was a decision I had to make. I have no regrets. 'I'm committed to fighting for this badge now and will give my all to help Police succeed.' Now based in Kuala Lumpur, Tae-su is settling into life with Police, embracing new systems, teammates, and challenges. 'I'm very excited to start this season with Police. Right now, my focus is on understanding the coach's system, building chemistry with my teammates, and giving my all in training. With strong preparation, we can achieve great results this year.' Tae-su's experience, leadership, and composure on the ball are expected to be major assets for the Cops this season. Despite his new adventure, memories of Sabah remain close to his heart. 'Sabah was more than just a team – it became my second home. I learned so much there, not just as a footballer but as a person. The support from Sabah fans means the world to me. Those memories will stay in my heart forever.'
The Star
6 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Versatile Kiwi Ingham can add polish to more than just Sabah's defence
KUALA LUMPUR: Sabah's new Kiwi defender Dane Ingham intends to make his first venture into South-East Asian football a memorable one. The 26 year old, who is Australian-born but represents the New Zealand national team, sees the Malaysian Super League as a great opportunity to challenge himself and make a mark on new territory. ''Joining Sabah provides a new phase in my career and represents opportunities, and I'm quite excited to start this new season as this the first time I get to test my abilities in South-East Asia,'' said Ingham. Having previously played for A-League club Newcastle Jets, Ingham hopes that his presence in Sabah will help to strengthen the team's defence as he is aware that other clubs have dangerous strikers. ''The other clubs in the Super League are of top quality and I don't want to underestimate their abilities.'' Moreover, Ingham describes himself as a versatile player by being able to contribute to the forward line and assist in scoring for the team despite being a defender. ''Whatever it takes, I want to give my best to help the team without missing any games, and if necessary, I have no problem playing up front and assist in scoring. 'I'm a player who never gives up and I will try my best to give positive energy to my teammates,'' he added. Sabah's main aim this year is to create surprises, especially after they impressed last season by finishing third in the Super League with 40 points. The last time the Rhinos won the Super League was back in 1996.
The Star
18-07-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Cklamovski offers solid defence against criticism over pullout from Nations Cup
PETALING JAYA: National coach Peter Cklamovski has defended Malaysia's decision to withdraw from the CAFA Nations Cup, calling it a calculated move made in the best interests of the national team. And he assured fans that the Harimau Malaya will play friendlies in September, which would contribute points to their FIFA ranking. However, the decision to pull out has sparked criticism among some fans and stakeholders, with questions raised about Malaysia's ambition. But Cklamovski insists the decision was neither rash nor a sign of weakness. 'I understand the disappointment from some quarters of Malaysian football. But this decision was made based on what's best for the national team,' said the Australian. 'As we assessed the logistics and overall planning, it became increasingly clear that participation wasn't feasible at this time. And we factored in every player, whether locally or abroad.' The tournament, hosted by Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, was seen as a valuable test against higher-ranked opponents. Yet, Cklamovski believes the timing simply didn't align with the team's long-term objectives. 'I'd like to see this as an ambitious move. We want to take on serious challenges, but they must come at the right time. 'Our focus now is on the October and November third-round 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, where nine points are up for grabs. ''That's our main priority.' He added that the team's plans for September - likely involving friendly matches - will be announced soon and should excite fans. Despite the current international lull, Cklamovski said preparations have not stopped. With the Malaysian Super League set to begin soon, Cklamovski is already watching pre-season matches and has commended the Malaysian Football League (MFL) for their advanced planning. 'Credit to the MFL for mapping out the season early. It gives structure and clarity not only to clubs and players, but also to us at the national level. That kind of organisation is important for long-term success.' Cklamovski sent a clear message to players across the country, whether in the national fold or on the fringes, that their performances are being closely monitored. 'Players who have been in camp with me know the level of professionalism expected. ''But for those who haven't, know that I'm watching. If you want to wear the Malaysia jersey, you have to earn it through consistent performances in training and matches.' He also reiterated that selection will be based on merit, not reputation or geography. 'I don't care if a player is in the Super League, abroad, or in another domestic competition. I'll select the best squad to win matches for Malaysia.' On speculation that more mixed heritage players could be drafted into the national team, Cklamovski clarified that while the coaching staff continue to scout globally, there is no dedicated programme or 'phase two' focused solely on that. 'We've identified players with Malaysian heritage playing abroad and we're tracking them, but there's no formal initiative beyond that. ''Some of the talk is more online chatter than official planning.'
The Star
17-07-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Ramadhan relishes test against top players in Super League
Getting his kicks: Brunei's hotshot Ramadhan Sananta (left) has already made waves in South-East Asia. PETALING JAYA: Brunei's Indonesian young attacking hotshot Ramadhan Sananta is ready to take on a new footballing frontier and has revealed why he decided to test himself in the Malaysian Super League. The 22-year-old striker said that the presence of top-quality players in the league, particularly at clubs like Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) and Selangor, was a major reason in his decision to join the team coached by Englishman Jamie McAllister. This marks Ramadhan's first foray into Malaysian football and he is not just here to observe but to make an impact. 'My motivation to come here is because I know the level of competition in the Malaysian League is high,' said Ramadhan, who joined the Borneo club from Indonesia's Persis Solo. 'The teams in the league have quality, good tactics and technique, and I'm still young. ''I need to challenge myself outside of Indonesia and take this opportunity to grow.' Ramadhan shared that names like winger Arif Aiman Mohd Hanapi –Malaysia's golden boy – and his former teammate Moussa Sidibe, now dazzling on the flanks for JDT, stood out as players he is excited to face. 'I can't wait to meet my former teammate Moussa again at JDT. And Arif Aiman, he's always talked about. There are so many quality players in this league,' he added with a smile. A prolific striker known for his sharp instincts and cool finishing, Ramadhan has already made waves in South-East Asia. He was instrumental in Indonesia's U-23 squad clinching gold at the 2023 SEA Games, netting twice in a thrilling 5-2 final win over Thailand. His rise continued on the senior stage, scoring in Indonesia's 3-0 win over Vietnam during the second round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Now, at Brunei, he is expected to be a key figure in their attacking unit as they prepare to make a serious push in the Malaysian Super League. With kick-off set for August, Ramadhan is ready to test himself against some of the region's biggest names and possibly become one himself in Malaysia. 'I want to try something new and help this club succeed. I believe I can grow here and I'm excited to start this new chapter.'
