Latest news with #SuperLeague


New Straits Times
4 hours 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
8 hours 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.


The Sun
9 hours ago
- Sport
- The Sun
Selangor FC coach Kinoshi urges team to enjoy JDT challenge
PETALING JAYA: 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. '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. - Bernama


The Star
17 hours 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
17 hours ago
- Sport
- The Star
Chasing silverware not the only motivation for Selangor's new midfield ace Clough
PETALING JAYA: Selangor's new attacking midfielder Zach Clough (pic) insists his move to the Red Giants goes beyond just chasing silverware. 'Coming to Selangor wasn't just a football decision, but a life experience,' said the Englishman, after the Super League side officially announced that he was their fifth import for the upcoming season. At 30, Clough brings a wealth of experience acquired from across English and Australian football. But it's his mindset off the pitch that may prove just as valuable to Selangor as his vision on it. The former Adelaide United star believes that this move is as much about growth as it is about goals. After bursting onto the scene with Bolton Wanderers in 2015, where he scored 23 goals in 77 appearances, Clough was touted as one of England's rising midfield talents. A high-profile transfer to Nottingham Forest followed, before stints with Wigan Athletic and Carlisle United saw him mature through both the challenges and joys of the Football League. His switch to the A-League in 2022 turned out to be a turning point not just professionally, but personally. With 22 goals in 93 appearances and a Player of the Year honour in the 2023-2024 season, Clough became a key figure for Adelaide. Now, with his chapter in Australia complete, he has set his sights on South-East Asia. 'I'm focused on adapting quickly by working hard, speaking with the players, and understanding what the coach wants from me,' said Clough. 'I have had the chance to play under many managers at different clubs, and I've faced both highs and setbacks along the way. All of that experience has shaped me, and I believe it's prepared me for this new challenge at Selangor.' Selangor coach Katsuhito Kinoshi will be banking on Clough's intelligence and composure in tight situations. Known for his quick decision-making, sharp runs into the box, and ability to improvise under pressure, Clough is expected to be a natural link between midfield and attack. His arrival should complement wide players like Alvin Fortes and Faisal Halim, who will relish delivering crosses to a midfielder who times his box entries with precision. Selangor, who will also compete in the Asian Champions League (ACL) Two and the AFF Club Championship this season, hope Clough's creativity and leadership will help guide them through a demanding schedule both domestically and internationally. 'Football moves so fast - not gonna lie, it feels like I was 18 just yesterday, and now I'm 30,' Clough reflected. 'That's why I've learned to appreciate the journey and enjoy every moment. These opportunities don't always come around, and I want to make the most of it, especially for myself, my family, and the fans.' Clough joins a refreshed Selangor squad that have also secured Thai midfielder Picha Autra, Brazilian forwards Chrigor Moraes and Willian Lira, and Afghanistani midfielder Omid Musawi. As they prepare for the Super League, FA Cup, and Malaysia Cup campaigns, Clough's arrival signals not only a new chapter in his own journey but a renewed belief in Selangor's ambitions for silverware.