Latest news with #Zulakbal
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Tactician who toppled Man United now targets Harimau Malaya
KUALA LUMPUR: It won't just be Malaysia and Vietnam battling it out at the National Stadium on June 10 — a tactical showdown is also brewing on the sidelines. National coach Peter Cklamovski is expected to face his stiffest test yet in Vietnam boss Kim Sang Sik, a man whose strategic nous was on full display when he masterminded the Asean All-Stars' stunning 1-0 win over Manchester United on Wednesday. Despite assembling the team just two days before the friendly and missing key players due to World Cup and Asian Cup qualifiers, Sang Sik's side looked anything but disorganised. Against a Red Devils squad boasting captain Bruno Fernandes, Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo, the Asean XI pulled off a defensive and attacking masterclass to snatch a famous win in Bukit Jalil. That result has raised eyebrows — and expectations — ahead of Vietnam's visit, with critics predicting a fiercely organised and compact Vietnamese unit arriving in Kuala Lumpur. Football pundit Dr Zulakbal Abdul Karim believes Asean XI's triumph over United was no fluke. "Sang Sik didn't have the best players, but still got them playing as a unit. That speaks volumes about his tactical awareness," said Zulakbal. "It also suggests he's working with a vast scouting network and strong data analysis behind the scenes." "In modern football, analytics dictate a lot, and Sang Sik clearly knows how to use that to his advantage." Malaysia will need to be sharp. The Golden Star Warriors have dominated the rivalry in recent years, winning seven of the last eight meetings since 2016. The last time Harimau Malaya beat Vietnam was 11 years ago at the AFF Cup But Cklamovski's side have shown signs of promise. On Thursday, they held world No. 72 Cape Verde to a 1-1 draw at the KLFA Stadium. With the possible inclusion of newly naturalised stars like Rodrigo Holgado, hopes are high for a turnaround. Still, Vietnam remain an enigma. There's been little information on their squad, a move that hasn't gone unnoticed. "We've seen very few updates on their preparations. It's clear Sang Sik is keeping his cards close to his chest," said Zulakbal. "Vietnam are always well-drilled and difficult to break down. But Malaysia have also been doing their homework." Several Malaysian officials were spotted in the stands during the Asean XI's win over United. Not to be outdone, Vietnam's coaches also kept tabs on Harimau Malaya during their clash with Cape Verde.
New Straits Times
24-05-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Increased imports quota will boost big guns' chances abroad, says critic
KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Football League's (MFL) decision to expand the foreign player quota from nine to 15 for the 2025-2026 Super League season is expected to boost Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) and Selangor's chances in international competitions. Last season, JDT invested heavily in a bid to create history in the Asian Champions League (ACL) but crashed out in the round of 16 while Selangor failed to progress beyond the group stage of the ACL 2. Football critic Dr Zulakbal Abdul Karim believes the Super League is set to become a "training ground" for these two powerhouses as they prepare for continental competitions. "JDT and Selangor are the best teams in the Super League and have the financial strength to sign 15 imports and pay their wages without any issues," said Zulakbal recently. "JDT have been investing in their squad for years in the hopes of making an impact in the ACL, though they've yet to go beyond the round of 16. "Selangor also have ambitions in ACL 2. MFL's decision to increase the import quota from nine to 15 is aimed at supporting these two clubs to bring glory to Malaysian football. "Most other Super League teams are already struggling to pay players' wages. And with this increase in imports (quota), I think many will have to be content to compete among themselves to finish (third) behind JDT and Selangor." Zulakbal added that while most Super League clubs are unlikely to match JDT and Selangor in the near term, they must persevere and develop long-term strategies to remain relevant in Malaysian football. He pointed out that even dominant clubs eventually face decline, citing Manchester United and Real Madrid as examples. "Globally, it's rare for a club to dominate indefinitely. We've seen this in the M-League as well, with Pahang, Perak, Selangor and Kelantan all having their successful eras eventually come to an end," added the AFC Elite Instructor. "I think other Super League teams should be brave enough to field their talented youngsters. "Yes, they will struggle at first against the heavyweights but over a few seasons, they will improve and be ready to challenge the big guns. "I foresee that one day JDT will slow down—either after achieving all they set out to or if their funding is reduced. When that happens, teams that have developed local talent will be ready to emerge as the new heavyweights."
New Straits Times
21-05-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Holgado could be Harimau Malaya's secret weapon, says critic
KUALA LUMPUR: The potential inclusion of Colombia-based striker Rodrigo Holgado in the national team could be a game-changer for Harimau Malaya in their Asian Cup qualifier against Vietnam in Bukit Jalil on June 10. Malaysia has lacked a reliable goalscorer in recent years and has often had to rely on naturalised midfielders such as Paulo Josue, Sergio Aguero and Romel Morales, who have been converted into strikers. Brazil-born Josue has scored eight goals in 25 matches since 2023, Argentina-born Aguero has netted three in 17 matches since 2022, while Colombia-born Morales has two goals from nine appearances since making his debut this year. Holgado, 29, boasts a solid track record with América de Cali, having scored 17 goals in 44 appearances since joining the Colombian side in 2024, credentials that could make him a perfect fit for Malaysia. Football critic Dr Zulakbal Abdul Karim believes the national team must do everything necessary to secure qualification for the Asian Cup, including strengthening its forward line. "I've read about this new candidate (Holgado) for the national team. I'm not sure if it's confirmed that he'll play for Malaysia, but it seems the team management is working hard to bolster the squad for the Asian Cup qualifiers," said Zulakbal. "We still don't have a credible natural striker. We've had to convert midfielders to lead the attack but I still feel we need an out-and-out striker. "We have to qualify for the Asian Cup and I can see the management is leaving no stone unturned to make it happen. "For me, it's an acceptable move. We must qualify at any cost. Our football is not perfect but the priority now is qualification." Zulakbal, who holds an AFC Professional Coaching Diploma, added that integrating Holgado into the squad quickly and effectively will be crucial. And if everything falls into place, the Argentina-born forward could be Malaysia's secret weapon against Vietnam. "He's based in Colombia, so there's the challenge of a long flight, adapting to the team, the weather, football culture and the national training system — it won't be easy," said Zulakbal. "Now it's up to the national team management to speed up his acclimatisation. I believe we have the right experts to help him settle in smoothly. "If everything goes well, we might have a surprise package in Holgado. Vietnam probably doesn't know much about him."
Sinar Daily
17-05-2025
- Sport
- Sinar Daily
Super League club closure: A blow beyond the pitch, threatening football ecosystem
Club closure highlights neglect of local football future Those expected to be affected include stadium owners who lose rental income, as well as ticketing and security operators. - Inset: Associate Professor Dr Zulakbal Abd Karim SHAH ALAM - The closure of a football club in the Super League impacts far more than just the players on the pitch — it disrupts the livelihoods of many who depend on Malaysia's professional football ecosystem. Sports analyst Associate Professor Dr Zulakbal Abd Karim pointed out that many people don't realise how deeply the effects spread when a club withdraws from the league. 'If a club shuts down and withdraws, it's not only the players, technical staff and management who suffer. The ripple effects extend to many other stakeholders,' he said. Those affected include stadium owners who lose rental income, ticketing and security operators, match-day volunteers, official merchandise suppliers and small traders and food vendors around the stadium who rely on weekly sales. More concerning, he added, is that when a flagship club folds, every level of its youth development — from the President's Cup squad to the Under-19, Under-17 and Under-14 teams — also disappears. 'That weakens our talent pool significantly. Development centres such as the National Football Development Programme (AMD) will struggle to find fresh prospects for Harimau Malaya. Eventually, we may have to depend even longer on naturalised players,' he added. Zulakbal compared the situation to the Malay proverb, 'kera di hutan disusukan, anak di rumah mati kelaparan' — taking care of outsiders or unimportant matters while neglecting those who are truly important or close to you — a scenario that must be avoided to protect the future of Malaysian football. He believes it is time for clubs to stage a comeback by adopting sustainable restructuring plans, rebranding the team, clearing old debts and appointing professionals to guide the club back on track. 'We have plenty of experts and resources in this country. Football is Malaysia's top sport, loved by all demographics. With genuine effort and clear direction, I'm confident we can rise again,' he said.
New Straits Times
30-04-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
'Slimmed-down' Super League can still power Malaysia to World Cup
KUALA LUMPUR: A smaller Super League can still produce quality players for the national team, despite growing concerns over its shrinking size. Perak FC last week pulled out of next season's Super League due to financial woes, and several other clubs are reportedly facing similar issues. This could see the current 13-team competition reduced to just eight or ten sides next season. The prospect of a downsized league has raised fears it might weaken the national player pool. But history shows that small leagues can still develop talent capable of shining on the world stage. Countries such as Iceland, Slovenia, and New Zealand — with leagues featuring as few as 10 to 12 teams playing four-round formats — have all qualified for the World Cup. Iceland made it in 2018, Slovenia in 2002 and 2010, and New Zealand in 1982 and 2010. Slovakia and the Republic of Ireland, with similarly compact league systems, also reached the 2010 finals. Football critic Dr Zulakbal Abdul Karim said the number of teams is not the main issue, as long as the league meets Asian Football Confederation (AFC) standards to qualify for the Asian Champions League Elite (ACLE) or ACL II. "I believe the AFC requires leagues to run for at least eight months per season, and clubs must play a minimum of 27 competitive domestic matches," he said. "If there are only eight teams, the league can adopt a four-round format. Several countries do this and their national teams have still played in the World Cup. I don't see why the M-League can't adapt." Zulakbal stressed that while Super League clubs must improve their management and financial stability, the league must go on. "Harimau Malaya need players who are fit and ready for high-intensity international matches," he added. Meanwhile, the First Instance Body (FIB) has extended the deadline for Super League clubs to upload their club licensing documents to May 10. FIB chairman Sheikh Nasir Sheikh Sharif said in a statement today that the decision came after multiple clubs requested more time to complete their documentation. "The FIB committee has agreed to grant an extension to all clubs," he said.
