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New Straits Times
9 hours ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Sri Pahang's M-League withdrawal a 'reset,' says club legend
KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Jamal Nasir believes Sri Pahang 's withdrawal from the 2025-26 M-League should not be viewed as a failure but as a reset. The football legend, who starred for the Elephants in the 1970s, said the club must have had valid reasons to pull out of next season's competition and hopes it will allow them to regroup for a stronger return. While he admits the decision is deeply saddening, Jamal urged fans to remain calm and understanding. "It's heartbreaking, of course. This club once stood among the best in the Super League and even made it to the Malaysia Cup final. Now they're stepping away, and it's not easy to accept," he said. "I'm sad too, but what can we do? I'm sure there are unavoidable reasons behind this. Even though they obtained their national licence, perhaps there are internal issues that need to be resolved first." The Malaysian Football League (MFL) confirmed on Friday that Sri Pahang had submitted their withdrawal letter on June 16. The team's absence is a major blow to Malaysian football, considering their rich legacy in domestic competitions. The Elephants have won multiple titles throughout the years, including the Super League, Malaysia Cup and FA Cup. Their most recent silverware was the FA Cup in 2018, when they beat Selangor 2-0 in the final. Jamal highlighted the team's past financial struggles, including unpaid salaries, and urged fans not to point fingers. "Don't blame anyone. The management must've thought this through carefully. "Maybe taking one step back is necessary, so they can come back stronger later. I'm staying positive. This decision could be the beginning of something better for the club." Sri Pahang finished eighth in the 2024-25 Super League and were runners-up in the Malaysia Cup, making their sudden withdrawal all the more shocking. With their exit, only 13 clubs remain for the 2025-26 season — Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT), Selangor, Penang, Kuching City, Sabah, Terengganu, Negri Sembilan, Kelantan Darul Naim, KL City, Police, DPMM, Melaka and Immigration.
The Star
10 hours ago
- Sport
- The Star
Blow to MFL as giants Pahang withdraw from Super League
Pahang's last action on the field was at the Malaysia Cup final in April this year. — FAIHAN GHANI/The Star PETALING JAYA: Pahang have finally put an end to the uncertainty over their future in the Malaysian League after confirming their withdrawal from next season's campaign. Speculation had been rife since late March over the fate of the 2004 Super League champions, although hopes were briefly lifted when they secured a national licence from the independent First Instance Body (FIB). However, the Malaysian Football League (MFL) have now confirmed that the club submitted an official letter dated June 16 to inform the governing body of their decision to opt out of all competitions for the 2025-2026 season. Pahang's exit means only 13 teams will feature in the top-tier domestic league, which kicks off on Aug 8. 'Clubs competing for honours this season include Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT), Selangor, Penang, Kuching City, Sabah, Terengganu, Negri Sembilan, Kelantan, Kuala Lumpur, Police and Brunei, along with AFL A1 representatives Melaka and Imigration. 'All 13 teams have been granted the National Licence for the 2025–2026 cycle by the FIB, while Brunei received special approval from the International Football Federation (FIFA) and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to rejoin the Malaysian League this season," said MFL in a statement.
New Straits Times
11 hours ago
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Sri Pahang drop bombshell with late M-League withdrawal
KUALA LUMPUR: Sri Pahang have officially withdrawn from the 2025-26 M-League season despite being granted a national licence to compete. The Malaysian Football League (MFL) confirmed on Friday that the club submitted a formal letter dated June 16, stating their decision not to participate in the new campaign, which kicks off on Aug 8. It marks a sombre moment for Malaysian football, as Sri Pahang have a rich history, winning several domestic titles, including the Super League, Malaysia Cup and FA Cup throughout the years. Their exit leaves 13 teams in the top flight this year, among them Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT), Selangor, Penang, Kuching City, Sabah, Terengganu, Negri Sembilan, Kelantan Darul Naim, KL City, Police and Brunei's DPMM. Melaka and Immigration, promoted from the AFL A1 semi-pro league, complete the lineup. All 13 clubs have secured the 2025-26 national licence from the First Instance Body (FIB), while DPMM's participation has been cleared by both the Asian Football Confederation and Fifa. "The confirmation of these 13 clubs sets the stage for another exciting M-League season, especially with DPMM making a comeback to local football and two AFL A1 sides entering the top flight," said the MFL. The new season will open with the Charity Shield clash between defending champions JDT and runners-up Selangor on Aug 8 at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium. The FA Cup kicks off in mid-August, while the Malaysia Cup and Challenge Cup begin in January. Unlike last season's extended 14-month transition period, the 2025-26 campaign will span 10 months - part of MFL's move to align with the calendars of major international leagues. Fixtures are expected to be released soon, though scheduling remains tricky as the AFC will only conduct draws for the Asian Champions League Elite and ACL2 - involving JDT and Selangor - on Aug 15. Dates for the Asean Club Championship, also featuring both clubs, have yet to be confirmed.
![[EXCLUSIVE] ‘Inilah Saya': Rajagobal's long-awaited autobiography captures golden era of Malaysian football](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sinarharian.com.my%2Fsinarenglish%2Fuploads%2Fimages%2F2025%2F05%2F31%2F3148615.jpg&w=3840&q=100)
![[EXCLUSIVE] ‘Inilah Saya': Rajagobal's long-awaited autobiography captures golden era of Malaysian football](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fstatic-mobile-files.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com%2Fsinar.png&w=48&q=75){kind=small}
Sinar Daily
3 days ago
- Sport
- Sinar Daily
[EXCLUSIVE] ‘Inilah Saya': Rajagobal's long-awaited autobiography captures golden era of Malaysian football
The book, published by Karangkraf, offered a heartfelt, unfiltered account of the man who brought glory back to Malaysian football. Former Harimau Malaya coach, Datuk K. Rajagobal, launched his book entitled "Inilah Saya K. Rajagobal" at the Karangkraf Group sales booth during PBAKL 2025 on May 31, 2025. - Photo by ROSLI TALIB KUALA LUMPUR - After nearly a decade in the making, former Harimau Malaya coach Datuk K. Rajagobal launched his much-anticipated autobiography "Inilah Saya K. Rajagobal." The book, published by Karangkraf, offered a heartfelt, unfiltered account of the man who brought glory back to Malaysian football. Rajagobal's name was etched in Malaysian football history as the one who ended decades-long drought by leading the national team to triumph at the 2009 Sea Games and the 2010 AFF Suzuki Cup. Now, the football icon has taken on a new challenge; documenting his journey in his own words. "After witnessing the launch, it is hard to put my feelings into words, but I am truly happy. After such a long journey writing this book, it is finally complete and published. I am especially glad that Malaysians can now buy it and read it. "Through this book, I wanted to share my experiences, my challenges, my struggles and most importantly, the lessons I have learned along the way. I hope it shows the younger generation the importance of perseverance. Life will present hurdles, but we must face them with determination and never give up easily. "My hope is that this book becomes a meaningful resource to inspire and motivate young Malaysians, helping them grow into individuals who are not only resilient but also deeply patriotic. "That is the heart of why I wrote this book, to share my journey in a way that can uplift others," he said during the book launch at the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair held at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur on Saturday. Former Harimau Malaya coach, Datuk K. Rajagobal (two, left) with Karangkraf Group co-advisor Datuk Muhammad Nasir Hamzah (left), former national goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat (two, right) and FAM deputy president Datuk S. Sivasundram (right) during the launching of the book "Inilah Saya K. Rajagobal" at the Karangkraf Group sales booth during PBAKL 2025 on May 31, 2025. - Photo by ROSLI TALIB The book, written in Malay, chronicled Rajagobal's rise from a young footballer in Setapak to becoming one of Malaysia's most successful coaches. He shared the field with legends like the late Datuk Mokhtar Dahari, Datuk R. Arumugam and Datuk Santokh Singh in the golden Selangor team of the 1980s. Rajagobal then reminisced about the moment he would never forget. "The moment which I cherish is in 1979 when I played for Selangor against Singapore in the Malaysia Cup final. That was my first Malaysia Cup final with Selangor, that is the moment which I think I cannot forget. "Selangor had legendary players, including Singapore and to win 2-0 was a special moment," he added. He said he never imagined becoming a coach, let alone leading Harimau Malaya, but a stint as assistant coach for Selangor during the Malaysia Games in Sarawak opened a new path for him. His coaching career, spanning clubs like PKNS, Selangor, Kelantan, Sarawak and Brunei, peaked when he brought home the long-elusive Sea Games gold and Malaysia's first AFF Championship. "After 20 years, we won the Sea Games. That was the beginning. Definitely, it was a proud moment. It was a moment that the nation celebrated. Then came the AFF Suzuki Cup, that was another moment which gave me happiness, emotion and made the whole nation proud. "At that time, probably nobody believed that the national team would do well. So all of a sudden, the turning point and this gave hope for the football fraternity. And that was, I can say, the proudest moment, which I cherish. "Still, at times, it brings back memories; the situation and the atmosphere," he said. Former Harimau Malaya Coach, Datuk K. Rajagobal signing his book purchased by a fan at the launch of the "Inilah Saya K. Rajagobal" book at the Karangkraf Group sales booth during PBAKL 2025 on May 31, 2025. - Photo by ROSLI TALIB When asked why he chose Karangkraf to publish his book, Rajagobal shared that it all began with a chance encounter during a Sinar Daily programme, which sparked the connection. He said attending Sinar Daily's Footy Forum programme gave him the opportunity to meet Karangkraf Group chairman who is also Grup Buku Karangkraf chief executive officer Firdaus Hussamuddin. That initial introduction was what truly set everything in motion, he added. "I was exploring which publisher to approach for my book. Then during the 2022 World Cup, I appeared as a pundit on Sinar Daily's Footy Forum. "It was there that I met someone from Sinar Daily and I mentioned my interest in writing a book. She suggested I speak to Firdaus Hussamuddin. I asked for her contact and said I will follow up. Around the same time, my son also encouraged me to go directly to Karangkraf, since I already had the connection. "So I arranged a meeting and from that very first conversation, everything felt promising. We agreed to explore the idea further. Things progressed naturally from there and I eventually chose to go with Karangkraf. "They are a well-established publisher with solid experience, particularly in Malay-language books. Looking back, I am confident it was the right call, I have no regrets," he shared. He said the book entitled "Inilah Saya K. Rajagobal" has been nearly nine years in the making due to various coaching commitments. Ultimately, he said it was more than a book. It was a heartfelt tribute to Malaysian football and a motivational roadmap for anyone striving to rise above adversity, he added. "It is not only the story about me. It is the story about others to learn and to feel, going through all the stages and to be a better person in life; for their family, for the nation and to be a strong character in any challenges we want to face," he said.
The Star
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Star
Tenacious enforcer Ibrahim can make JDT even more forceful in midfield
PETALING JAYA: Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) have bolstered their midfield options with the acquisition of tenacious enforcer Ibrahim Manusi. And the move has signalled the Southern Tigers' continued push to blend youth with experience. The 23-year-old, fondly known as Baim, has joined the reigning Super League champions after two industrious seasons with Pahang. While not the most technically refined, Ibrahim is known for his high-octane pressing, robust tackling and sheer determination – traits that have earned him respect among peers and pundits alike. Ibrahim caught the attention of fans in the Malaysia Cup final, where his former side were beaten 1-2 by JDT. Many said he possessed more than two lungs as he kept pushing throughout the game with his work rate and some even said that his quality was akin to an import player. Standing at 1.81m, Ibrahim's physical presence and unrelenting style offer JDT a different dimension in midfield. And the club are confident it can help unlock his full potential. 'There is only one place to take football to a higher standard. Welcome to the Southern Tigers,' JDT posted in a short but confident welcome message. However, Ibrahim faces stiff competition for a starting berth in a midfield brimming with quality and experience. The defensive midfield role is largely anchored by 24-year-old Nathaniel Shio Hong Wan, who has grown into a reliable figure in JDT's set-up. Veteran campaigner Afiq Fazail, 31, continues to provide flexibility with his ability to operate both defensively and in advanced roles, while 39-year-old Natxo Insa remains a linchpin in midfield, dictating the tempo and launching attacks with his deep-lying playmaking abilities. Given the intense battle for spots, sources suggest that Ibrahim may be loaned out to gain valuable game time, with Kuala Lumpur and Terengganu reportedly interested. The Southern Tigers are also set to sign 22-year-old forward Haqimi Azim Rosli, last season's Young Player of the Year at the Malaysian Football Awards. The national Under-23 and Harimau Malaya forward is tipped for a bright future, though he too could be loaned out for further development, with Kuala Lumpur and Terengganu also in the frame. The dual domestic signings follow JDT's recent confirmation of two international arrivals, Spanish centreback Antonio Glauder and Brazilian forward Jairo Da Silva; as the champions continue to reload for another title push.
