Malaysian Super League 2009

Malaysian Super League 2009 will raise it's curtain on Saturday, 3-1-2009. The 2007 & 2008 treble champions, Kedah will entertain Selangor at Darulaman stadium for the Charity Shield match.

The Perak team under the new management, coach and players will begin their first match against Kuala Muda Naza at home. As a new young team, the newly appointed coach, M. Karathu ( former coach of SMI in 1988) said in the media that the young Perak team is a new and inexperience team. The Perak team collapsed after the departure of the almost 90% of players including some of the seniors to other state teams due to the failure of the old PAFA Management to settle the 4 months arrears of the players salary.

There is no hope for the team to win any trophies, but the objective is to stay and be among the top 10 teams in the league. Perakians are known for their passion and love towards football. The fans whether in Perak or in the Klang Valley will go to the stadium and support the team. Anywhere you can find Perakians sometimes wear the Perak team jersey to show that they are proud of the team. No wonder Perak fans were recognized as the Best Fans for two consecutive years in 2007 & 2008.

Gone are the days of Steve Darby's typical English game. His game plan 3-5-2 approach was not suitable at all for the Perak team. The fans know it and they refuse to come to the stadium at most of the game for last season. No major trophies won under his 3 years stint in Perak.

His predecessors, Tony Netto and Karl Heinz Weigang achievements were better. During these two most successful coaches era, Perak game was a worth to watch. Their "samba" style and fast pace as well as short passes game were admired by the fans. In those days the stadium was packed with fans regardless the outcome of the game.

The stubborn chap Karl Heinz Weigang gave us the 1998 and 2000 Malaysia Cup title. The Latin Old Man Netto gave us the 2002 & 2003 Divison 1 Title ( now known as Super League) and won back the FA Cup title in 2004 after lapse of 14 years. Compare with the former ESPN pundit achievement? Steve Darby now is the assistant coach helping the former Sunderland manager, Peter Reid who is now the head coach of the Thai National team. In the recent concluded AFF Suzuki Cup 2008, Reid and Darby failed to lift the cup as the Siamese were beaten by the Vietnamese in the final. The Cup-less syndrome suffered by Perak for the past 3 years has now affected the Siamese, as the last time they won the cup was in 2002. A good news for Malaysian national team.

M. Karathu is known for his fast game approach. Who can forget the night we sunk the Red Giants in 1990. We were trailed 0-2 in the first half but suddenly the history was created. We won the first FA Cup that year after defeated Selangor 4-2. Karathu was then the head coach. Never say die attitude and the high fitness level were the key of the Perak 1990 team success.

Basically, M. Karathu prefers to use wingers to create goals. For him, fitness training is a must. Some of the seniors in SMI had gone through training under him when he was the coach for SMI in 1988. And it was a "No Relax" training. Only the best can survive the tough training.

Michaelians are also passionate with the football. Inter classes games were used to be held and playing at the school field. Those who have the skills and won the heart of the coach will be selected to represent the school. And Michaelians are known for their love to the Perak team. When you go to the Stadium Perak to watch a football game, you will meet with other Michaelians, seniors and juniors. Even for those who are not able to come especially the old boys who reside in KL, they will send SMS to other Michaelians to ask about the results update. That is the spirit we need. And may the spirit continues for this coming Malaysian Super League. Come on Michaelians, do as what you usually did. Go to the stadium and support our state heroes.

Support the Malaysian football just like we love the English League football. At least we can see the local football game live from the stadium rather than we just see it on TV for a game thousand of miles from us. Brave with the players. The team that build from the ashes.

KEJOR YOB KEJOR

The Perak team songs ( The rythm similar to When the Saint Goes Marching In...)
This Song usually sing by the fans before the start of the game, when a goal scored and at the end of the game....

Ipoh Mali...Ipoh Mali...Ipoh Mali Talak Sombong
Ipoh Mali...Talak Sombong
Ipoh Mali Talak Sombong....

Written by Mohd Dzran (96)
The writer is known as aloboy among the Perak E Fans Community.