Latest news with #RedGiants
The Star
a day ago
- Sport
- The Star
Selangor midfielder Al-Rawabdeh savours surreal World Cup moment with Jordan
KUALA LUMPUR: Selangor's midfield dynamo, Noor Al-Rawabdeh, has every reason to smile these days - his nation are heading to the World Cup! The 28-year-old Jordanian has etched his name into footballing history as part of the Jordan squad that secured a maiden qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, their first in 11 attempts. The breakthrough came on Thursday, following Jordan's emphatic 3-0 win over Oman, where Ali Olwan netted a sensational hattrick. Later that evening, South Korea's 2-0 triumph over Iraq in Basra sealed the West Asian nation's place in the World Cup. For Al-Rawabdeh, who has been turning heads with his commanding displays for the Red Giants since joining in 2023, the moment was nothing short of surreal. 'In a moment, the dream became reality. And in a second, everything flashed before my eyes - the beginnings, the injuries, the moments of despair. But now, all that fatigue and effort has meaning,' said Al-Rawabdeh, reflecting on the historic achievement. The all-action midfielder has been a linchpin in Jordan's rise since their remarkable run to the AFC Asian Cup final in 2023, where they finished runners-up. With 49 caps to his name since making his debut in 2019, Al-Rawabdeh's blend of grit and guile has made him one of the pillars of his national side. Back in Malaysia, the news sparked joy among his Selangor teammates and fans alike. Messages of congratulations flooded in from his clubmates, underscoring the camaraderie that runs deep at the Klang Valley-based club. 'We are a family in Selangor. Everyone is so happy for me and for Jordan. I want to thank all the Red Giants fans for their kind words and messages — it means a lot.' Al-Rawabdeh's journey to the World Cup is not just a personal triumph. It is a story of resilience, belief, and a new chapter in Jordan's footballing legacy. And Selangor, too, can take pride in watching one of their own shine on the global stage.
New Straits Times
6 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Selangor FC were not scammed, just unlucky, says club official
KUALA LUMPUR: Selangor FC's underperforming imports during the 2024-25 M-League season have triggered accusations from fans that the club had fallen victim to scammers. However, technical committee chairman Datuk Seri Shahril Mokhtar has dismissed the claims, insisting the Red Giants were simply "unlucky". "We didn't get scammed, but we were unlucky. Other clubs have gone through the same thing. The players had good profiles, but when they came here, they failed to live up to expectations," he said. "We are now targeting younger foreign signings for the new season." Looking ahead to the 2025-26 campaign, Selangor are planning a major squad overhaul, having released a long list of local and foreign players, along with several members of the coaching staff, following the end of the league last month. Confirmed departures include Ronnie Fernandez, Ali Olwan, captain Safuwan Baharudin, Khairulazhan Khalid and Khuzaimie Piee. "We believe these players can't take Selangor any further. "We failed to win any major cups or make an impact in the Asian Champions League 2 (ACL2) last season. "It's time for a big change, especially with the foreigners. We need to find better imports," said Shahril. "We're looking for new foreign players, but we won't be filling the full quota of 15. That's for sure, as we need to assess our financial capabilities." Shahril admitted the upcoming season will be a monumental challenge. Besides the Super League, FA Cup and Malaysia Cup, the Red Giants will also play in the ACL2 and the Asean Club Championship (ACC). Despite a congested fixture list, Selangor will not be appealing to the Malaysian Football League (MFL) for additional player registrations, with the current cap set at 34. "The number of players remains unchanged, so we just have to find better-quality players," he said. "This time, we're hoping luck is on our side. "Last season, we were unfortunate with so many injuries. I hope we can overcome that moving forward," Shahril added. Selangor finished runners-up in both the Super League and FA Cup, losing out to Johor Darul Ta'zim on both occasions last season. They crashed out in the Malaysia Cup round of 16 and failed to progress beyond the ACL2 group stage.
The Star
22-05-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Selangor's Fortes hopes to fly high for Cape Verde in friendly
PETALING JAYA: Alvin Fortes has returned to the international football fold after seven years. And it is the perfect birthday gift for him. The Selangor winger will turn 31 on Sunday and will be expected to feature for his nation Cape Verde in their upcoming three friendlies, which include two games against Harimau Malaya. Cape Verde will play Malaysia at the Cheras Football Stadium in Kuala Lumpur on May 29, and then a closed-door friendly at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on June 3. They will then travel to Kutaisi, Georgia, to face the national team at the Ramaz Shengelia Stadium on June 8. Fortes, who impressed for Selangor last season on the domestic and international stage, is known for his wondrous left foot and amazing dribbling ability. For the Red Giants in all competitions, Fortes played 35 matches, scoring 17 goals. So it wasn't a surprise to see him return to international duty and he intends to make an impression for the world No. 75 side. 'It is great to be back after a long time. It feels long but it feels good to be back after making my debut in 2018,' said Fortes, who played for 13 clubs including Selangor throughout his professional career. 'It is always a dream to fight for my nation Cape Verde. I will give all my power and soul to put my country's flag high. 'And yes, it would be nice to take on the nation where I am currently plying my trade. 'There would be an element of familiarity but I know I have to do my best because they will put up a good performance. 'Also, it would be nice to take on some of my friends, especially the boys from Selangor. 'We will produce an amazing game and make the fans happy.' Cape Verde is not only blessed with the talents of Fortes, but they also have several top-quality individuals playing in Europe. In defence, the star of the team would be centreback Logan Costa, who recently helped Villarreal qualify for the Champions League. The Yellow Submarines are currently fifth in the league with one game left and Costa, 24, has been ever-present for them throughout the season. Then in midfield, Yannick Semedo, 29, from Portuguese club Vizela, Elson Mendes, 19, from French club Sochaux and Laros Duarte, 28, from Hungarian side Puskas Akademia will be tasked to orchestrate the team's movement with their passes and tempo. Up front, veterans Ryan Mendes, 35, and Garry Rodrigues, 34, both plying their trade in Turkey, will be tasked to look for goals.
The Star
20-05-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Going for a big catch
PETALING JAYA: Super League club Selangor are fishing for foreign and local talents to mount a stronger challenge in the domestic scene and AFC Champions League Two next season – following the exit of several players. It's learnt that their captain and Singaporean international centreback Safuwan Baharuddin is set to move on although he has a year left in his contract. Selangor Football Association deputy president Datuk Seri Shahril Mokhtar, who is also a board member of the club and the transfer committee chairman, confirmed the names of a few outgoing players. They are Venezuelan playmaker Yohandry Orozco, Jordanian striker Ali Olwan, Chilean striker Ronnie Fernandez and veteran goalkeeper Khairulazhan Khalid. 'Safuwan, however, has one year left with us. We are now discussing with him if there is a possibility for him to be loaned somewhere else. There are no major issues with him, he just wants a new challenge,' said Shahril. Outgoing: Selangor captain Safuwan Baharuddin is looking for a new challenge. 'Then there are several other players who didn't get many minutes and those who played in the MFL Cup that would be loaned out to clubs in Malaysia or even overseas.' If indeed Safuwan is leaving the club, then there could be a new captain for the club, and Shahril said there were a few candidates. 'Nooa Laine is young but has good potential as captain and then there is Mickey (Faisal Halim), who has good leadership skills as well and captained us in some matches,' said Shahril. Selangor finished second in the Super League last season and also won the Challenge Cup. Shahril said the hiring process had taken place with coach Katsuhito Kinoshi monitoring new foreign and local players and they hoped to formalise the squad before the pre-season training officially starts on June 17. 'Together with coach Katsuhito, we are looking at several players to improve the team next season, to mount a stronger challenge in the domestic and continental stage,' said Shahril. 'We are looking at several names from Europe, South America, Southeast Asia and Japan. We have not confirmed the players yet but we look to secure them before pre-season training.' Although he did not reveal the names, it is learnt that the Red Giants are closing in on Brazilian striker Willian Lira and Venezuelan international midfielder Juan Pablo Anor Acosta, better known as Juanpi in the world of football. Lira, 31, last played for United Arab Emirates club Hatta and also had some Malaysian experience when he played for Kedah in 2023. Acosta, also 31, is currently contracted with Greek Super League club Volos and has played for Venezuela 27 times in his career. Indonesian international midfielder Eliano Reijndeers came close to joining the club but Shahril said the deal was off but he expected a big-name signing from the Southeast Asian region. 'We are working on deals and would look to get big names to the club. But we also note the fact that we can't be spending over zealously. 'Plus getting top Southeast Asian players is a challenge as well, so that is something we are dealing with as well. 'We have to be prudent with our finances and learn from what has been happening in the league, especially with some sides looking to leave the league. We have to be smart with how we do business.'
New Straits Times
16-05-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Chilean Fernandez leaving Red Giants
KUALA LUMPUR: Chilean Ronnie Fernandez is leaving Selangor after just one season. But he won't be going home empty-handed — there's a winner medal in his luggage. The striker helped Selangor win the MFL Challenge Cup — their first silverware in 10 years, Fernandez posted on Instagram yesterday: "Thank you Selangor for allowing me to be part of your story. Good luck." The 34-year-old joined the Red Giants in January from Bolivian club, Bolivar, and quickly established himself as a key player. He made 33 appearances in all competitions for Selangor, including the Asian Champions League 2, scoring 12 goals and providing three assists. Fernandez joined a growing list of notable names leaving Selangor, including captain Safuwan Baharudin, Yohandry Orozco, Nikola Jambor and Ali Olwan.
