Latest news with #SriPahang
New Straits Times
27-05-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Asean XI captain determined to give United a hard time
KUALA LUMPUR: National striker Sergio Aguero will lead the Asean All-Stars when they lock horns with Manchester United in the Maybank Challenge Cup at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil tomorrow (May 28). The Sri Pahang forward was introduced as team captain during an official press conference held at a hotel here today (May 27). The Argentine-born, naturalised player extended a warm welcome to the English giants during the presser. He, however, made it clear that the Asean All-Stars intend to rise to the occasion and give the 20-time English champions a run for their money. "Welcome to Malaysia, Manchester United," said the 31-year-old, addressing United manager Ruben Amorim and midfielder Mason Mount. "It is a proud moment for us to play against a giant club like United, and it also comes with great responsibility. "Of course, we will do our best. Even though we welcome them here, we will try to win the match." Aguero is one of five Malaysians selected for the Asean All-Stars squad which features top footballers from across Southeast Asia. He made 25 appearances for Sri Pahang this season across the Super League, Malaysia Cup and FA Cup. He led the club to the Malaysia Cup decider this year but was sent off in the final. Sri Pahang went on to lose 2-1 to Johor Darul Ta'zim. Joining him in the Asean All-Stars squad are Terengganu FC defender Azam Azmi Murad, Penang FC winger Adib Abdul Ra'op, Perak FC goalkeeper Haziq Nazdli and Kuala Lumpur City FC defender Declan Lambert. Thailand's Patiwat Khammai,Peeradol Chamrasamee, Worachit Kanitsribampen and Ben Davies, Vietnam's Nguyen Hai Long, Nguyen Van Vi, Do Duy Manh and Nguyen Hoang Duc, Indonesia's Asnawi Mangkualam and Muhammad Ferarri, Cambodia's Abdel Coulibaly and Kan Mo are also in the squad. The other players in the team - coached by Kim Sang Sik - are Irfan Fandi (Singapore), Maung Maung Lwin (Myanmar), Azwan Ali Rahman (Brunei), Bounphachan Bounkong (Laos) and Joao Pedro (Timor Leste). United return to Malaysia for the first time in 16 years, having last played here in 2009 when they recorded 3-2 and 2-0 victories in back-to-back friendlies against a Malaysian XI. Following tomorrow's fixture, the Red Devils will head to Hong Kong on Friday (May 30) for the second leg of their pre-season tour.
New Straits Times
16-05-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Cklamovski: I can't select 100 players… but the door remains open
KUALA LUMPUR: National coach Peter Cklamovski knew his decision to omit Sri Pahang stars Adam Nor Azlin and Sergio Aguero from the Harimau Malaya training squad would raise eyebrows, especially after their standout performance in the Malaysia Cup final. The 38-man list for Malaysia's upcoming friendlies against Cape Verde (May 29 and June 3) and Asian Cup qualifier against Vietnam (June 10) has stirred debate among fans, many of whom are baffled by the duo's absence. But Cklamovski has urged fans to be patient and understand the bigger picture. "I can't select 100 players. But we've got 100 on our list and we want to develop all of them," he said. While Adam and Aguero were among Sri Pahang's top performers in their 2-1 defeat to Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT), their omission doesn't mean they're out of the picture. Cklamovski explained that the selection follows a phased process aimed at managing player fatigue and ensuring peak readiness after a long season. "This phased approach is unique," said the Australian. "The players in Phase One have had four weeks off. More will be added in Phase Two. Phase Three is when we finalise the squad." The absence of other Sri Pahang players has also raised questions, especially amid rumours the club may not feature in the 2025-2026 Super League season — a possible factor in the omissions. Cklamovski is aware of the chatter around league regulars being left out while fringe names like JDT's Junior Eldstal made the cut. "I'm watching everything. Eldstal is training hard every day. The level of intensity and hunger is what I look for. A player shouldn't lose that hunger just because he's not selected. "Some missed this camp. Others missed the last one. But they're all still in contention. I encourage them to stay positive, keep improving, and be ready for the next selection," he said.
New Straits Times
03-05-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Calls grow to rescue M-League clubs hit by budget crunch
KUALA LUMPUR: The uncertainty surrounding several top-flight Malaysian clubs has sparked calls for urgent action to secure their participation in next season's M-League. Football observer Zakaria Rahim voiced concern over the fragile state of established clubs such as Sri Pahang, Kedah Darul Aman, Perak and Kelantan Darul Naim — teams steeped in history and backed by passionate fan bases nationwide. Perak have already confirmed they will not be competing next season due to budget constraints. "These are not just football teams. They are institutions," said Zakaria. "If they disappear from the Super League, the ripple effect will be felt everywhere." He warned that the collapse of such clubs could destabilise the entire football ecosystem, impacting not only players and coaches but also club staff and match-day vendors who rely on the sport for their livelihoods. "Our football pyramid isn't just about trophies, it's about nurturing talent and bringing joy to the fans," said Zakaria. "Without these major clubs, the league will lose its heartbeat. "The impact on player opportunities and the sport's growth could be devastating." Former Kelantan team manager Azman Ibrahim echoed the concern, urging stakeholders to unite in support of struggling clubs and work towards their financial recovery. "Some clubs are really struggling, that's the reality," said Azman. "We need honest conversations between players and management, especially about salaries. "It's time to come together. Whether through sponsorships or managing financial expectations, we must ensure these clubs survive and compete at the top level. Everyone has a part to play."
New Straits Times
29-04-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Sri Pahang's Adam: Harimau Malaya will decide if I am worthy
KUALA LUMPUR: With Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) downing Sri Pahang 2-1 to win the Malaysia Cup on Saturday (April 26), the curtains have now come down on the 2024/2025 M-League season. The focus now shifts to the national squad's preparation for their all-important clash with Vietnam in group F of the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers which will also be held at National Stadium, Bukit Jalil on June 10. National team head coach Peter Cklamovski is likely to have a good idea of which players he will call up to the squad. Sri Pahang's determined performance in the final will likely put a number of their players in contention for a spot in the national squad. Sri Pahang defender Adam Nor Azlin is among those hoping to once again pull on the Harimau Malaya jersey after his impressive performance in the Malaysia Cup final. "What I can say is that I did my best to execute what had been planned by our (Sri Pahang) coach (Fandi Ahmad)," said Adam recently. "My goal is to perform as best as I can in each match. I am not the only player who wants to play for the national team. "It is now up to the Harimau Malaya coaches to evaluate and decide which players they want for the team. It is up to them to decide whether I am worthy or not of a place in the squad." The FIFA international matches window will begin on June 2 and will run until June 10. With the M-League now done and dusted, Malaysian players can now fully focus on preparing for the Asian Cup qualifiers.
New Straits Times
29-04-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Sri Pahang's M-League future remains a mystery
KUANTAN: Sri Pahang FC's future in the M-League remains unknown as they have yet to confirm whether they will compete in the 2025/2026 season. A source from the club disclosed that there has not been any official confirmation yet regarding the club's status for next season. "So far, there has not been any special meeting to discuss the status of Sri Pahang FC. It is, however, understood that a discussion will be held soon," said the source. On Saturday (April 26), Sri Pahang owner Tengku Abdul Rahman Sultan Ahmad Shah announced that he will be stepping down next season. The announcement has raised question marks regarding the club's future. The club's fans are keen to see Sri Pahang continue to compete in the M-League next season. Sri Pahang, under the guidance of coach Fandi Ahmad, did well to reach the final of the Malaysia Cup this season. The club also finished eighth in the Super League and reached the round-of-16 in the FA Cup this season.
