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MSL 2012 : Selangor PKNS v Sabah FA (HIGHLIGHTS))

2012-01-27T20:35:00.000-08:00

Sabah rally to draw with PKNS.

Selangor PKNS were held to a 2-2 draw by Sabah in the only Malaysia Super League match to be played on Friday.

PKNS had their import Mickael Nicoise to thank for a bright start, the Frenchman striking in the 44th and 53rd minutes to seemingly put his side on course for a much needed first win of the season.

It was not to be however, as a late Sabah rally saw Australian Michael Baird reduce the deficit on 74 minutes.

Mohd Helmi Remeli's own goal eight minutes from time then duly ensured Sabah a share of the spoils.

PKNS GAGAL KAUT TIGA MATA PENUH.

selangor pkns fc harus menyalahkan diri sendiri apabila gagal memanfaatkan kelebihan dua gol apabila diikat sabah 2-2 di Stadium Majlis Bandaraya Petaling Jaya, malam tadi.

pemain import kelahiran perancis, dawood nicoise mencuri tumpuan dengan meledakkan dua gol tetapi aksi longlai dibahagian pertahanan menyebabkan pkns terus kempunan untuk melakar kemenangan pertama dalam kempen sulung mereka di Liga Super.

perlawanan babak pertama berakhir menerusi gol tunggal nicoise seminit sebelum menuju waktu rehat.

masuk babak kedua, pkns sekali lagi menambah gol hasil rembatan kencang pemain import mereka iaitu nicoise menewaskan azizon kadir.

namun pada minit ke-74, gol jaringan michael baird menyentak semangat tuan rumah selepas menerima hantaran tinggi pemain simpanan, sharudin yakup.

pada minit ke-82, tuah mungkin menyebelahi sabah apabila tandukan sharudin yakup yang mengenai tiang kemudiannya terkena kaki pemain pkns lalu menyamakan kedudukan 2-2.

perlawanan terus ke wisel terakhir dengan kedudukan seri dua sama. pkns gagal bawa tiga mata penuh.

KEPUTUSAN PERLAWANAN BOLASEPAK MALAYSIA LIGA SUPER 2012 – PERLAWANAN SELANGOR PKNS VS SABAH DI STADIUM MBPJ KELANA JAYA 27 JANUARI 2012.

North Borneo Ultras (Away) in Action!

official facebook page : North Borneo Ultras

Loss to Young Lions was a huge disappointment

2012-01-27T02:50:00.000-08:00

From left: Sabah players Rosdin Wasli, Azizon Abdul Kadir and Md Fariss during a training session on Wednesday for their match against Selangor PKNS today.

'Live' fear for Ganai

SOME coaches may look forward to their teams playing in matches broadcasted live but not Justin Ganai.

The Sabah coach feels uneasy every time his team are about to play in a live-telecast match and he has every reason to feel that way again ahead of the away match against Selangor PKNS today.

"The game will be shown live on Astro Arena and that cannot be good for us as up until now, we have managed to lose every match we play 'live' on television.

"I am not all that superstitious but I cannot help thinking about this after losing all four live-telecast matches last year (to Kelantan, T-Team, Perak and Kedah) and all those losses were by a solitary goal," he said.

Justin said he had hoped for a different result when Sabah's home match against Lions XII FC was shown live last Saturday.

"But it ended with us losing by a single goal margin and I cannot say that I was surprised by the result.

"Personally speaking, I think we have a live-game jinx and we will have to be at our best if we were to break this jinx tomorrow (today)," he said.

The coach said Sabah did not play badly against Singapore as they dominated possession and created numerous goal-scoring chances.

"But we could not even score a single goal whereas Singapore had a single freekick in the first half and they found the back of our net.

"Defender Mafry Balang, who was red-carded in that match, will not be at the MBPJ Stadium ) but the rest of the squad have promised to end the jinx and walk away with at least a point," he said.

Loss to Lions XII

Sabah's loss to the Young Lions in the Super League match last Saturday was a huge disappointment for Justin Ganai and the management team.

Instead of giving a perfect present to their coach on Saturday who turned 56 a day earlier, the team lost 1-0 and the performances by some of the players really let the coach down.

Justin who was shouting out instructions at the top his lungs to the boys throughout the match was lost for words after the match.

Team Manager Hj Shariman Abdullah and his assistant Yahya Kassim were also in sombre mood and had deep discussions among themselves in the changing room.

The majority of the 10,000 strong crowd that flooded the Likas Stadium were also left disappointed by the result.

Nobody would have predicted that the team would lose the match as on paper Sabah had stood a very good chance of defeating the young Republic team who were handicapped by injuries and suspension to a few of their key players.

The home team meanwhile, were in high spirit after an impressive performance against table topping T-Team in their away game played days earlier, while the young Lions struggled to beat a weak Kuala Lumpur team 2-1 at home.

The match started with the visiting team taking the initiative to attack Sabah's half. Without any notable strikers in the team, Sabah were in no danger of conceding a goal until the 20th minute when the Young Lions were given a free kick at the right flank.

The free kick could have been avoided if only captain Reithuddin Emran did not lose his cool and decided to kick Yasir Hanapi while he was on the ground after the ball was already out of play.

The clinically taken header by Hariss Harun from Shahdan Sulaiman's free kick proved to be decisive in the heated match.

Hariss was given a free header in the box that rebounded off Mafry Balang and into the net with Sabah custodian Azizon Abd Kadir stranded on the ground.

The goal woke the Sabah players up and they responded almost immediately with K.Thanaraj's free-kick just whizzing over the crossbar, before Michael Baird 's shot was denied by Isa Halim with a block.

Both teams were soon reduced to ten men after both Mafry and Irwan Shah received red cards for an off the ball incident.

The home team were in total control of the match but they just could not penetrate the well organised Singapore defence.

Even on several occasions when they managed to have a shot at the Lions' goal, in form keeper Izwan Mahbud was there to deny Sabah's hopes of salvaging a point.

As a result of the loss, Sabah collected only four points from four matches played and are now in tenth place in the league with one win, one draw and two losses.

Ahmad Shakir idam isi ruang kesebelasan utama Olimpik

2012-01-26T07:46:00.000-08:00

Penyerang muda prolifik Negeri Sembilan, Ahmad Shakir Md. Ali yang dipanggil semula ke skuad Olimpik negara berazam kembali menampilkan prestasi terbaik bagi mengisi kesebelasan utama.

Skuad Olimpik kendalian jurulatih Ong Kim Swee mempunyai misi getir memburu mata pertama selepas tewas dalam tiga perlawanan sebelum ini, menjelang aksi keempat Kumpulan C kelayakan Zon Asia menentang Bahrain di Stadium Nasional, Manama, 5 Feb ini.

Pemain berusia 23 tahun itu berkata penggugurannya sebelum ini memberi banyak pengajaran kepadanya.

"Saya sedar pasukan ini memerlukan seorang penyerang ekoran ketiadaan Izzaq Faris Ramlan yang tercedera dan saya berjanji untuk menggalas tanggungjawab yang diberikan jurulatih Kim Swee," katanya kepada Bernama selepas sesi latihan di kem latihan pusat skuad Olimpik negara bersama 24 pelatih di Wisma FAM, Kelana Jaya.

Ketiadaan penyerang tinggi lampai Izzaq Faris, 22, yang masih dalam proses pemulihan selepas pembedahan lutut ACL susulan kecederaan ketika Sukan SEA Indonesia November lepas, membuka ruang kepada beberapa pemain penyerang untuk mengisi kekosongan yang ditinggalkannya.

Shakir yang merupakan bekas penyerang Harimau Muda A dan Kedah adalah penyerang utama skuad Olimpik negara pada pusingan pertama kelayakan Olimpik menentang Pakistan, pada 23 Feb tahun lalu.

Namun beliau disingkirkan selepas prestasinya merundum dan hanya memanaskan bangku simpanan Kedah sepanjang musim Liga Super yang lalu.

Pada musim ini yang masuk minggu keempat, Shakir kerap diturunkan dalam kesebelasan utama Negeri Sembilan dan menjadi gandingan tetap penyerang import Jean Emmanuel Effa Owona serta meledakkan dua gol ketika menewaskan Johor FC 2-0 pada 14 Jan lepas.

"Dulu saya digugur kerana kurang menyerlah tetapi peluang kali ini akan saya gunakan sebaik mungkin, dan saya percaya dua gol dalam Liga Super setakat ini belum memadai untuk memastikan tempat dalam kesebelasan utama pasukan Olimpik,” katanya.

Real Madrid kembali inginkan Wenger

2012-01-26T07:28:00.000-08:00

Arsene Wenger adalah dua calon senarai pendek untuk menggantikan Jose Mourinho sebagai pengurus Real Madrid.

Ketua jurulatih Jerman, Joachim Low adalah calon lain yang dipertimbangkan dengan hubungan Mourinho bersama pemain dan hierarki kelab makin tidak dapat dipulihkan.

Pengurus Portugal berusia 48 tahun itu pada Khamis lalu memberitahu: 'Saya tak tahu jika saya akan berada Real Madrid musim hadapan.'

Wenger menolak peluang berpindah ke Madrid pada tahun 2009 namun kelab pendahulu La Liga itu berpendapat mereka ada peluang yang lebih baik kali ini untuk memujuknya meninggalkan London kerana beliau sedang bergelut bersama Arsenal ketika ini.

The Gunners tewas kesemua tiga perlawanan terakhir Liga Perdana Inggeris mereka dan lima mata di belakang pasukan keempat, Chelsea, slot terakhir Liga Juara-juara – sesuatu yang digelar Wenger sebagai 'malapetaka' – jika mereka gagal memperolehinya.

Khairul Fahmi Che Mat jadi mangsa kekeliruan

2012-01-26T07:26:00.000-08:00

Jurulatih Kelantan, Peter Butler berkata dia tidak menerima sebarang panggilan daripada Ketua Jurulatih skuad Olimpik, Ong Kim Swee untuk panggilan sesi latihan skuad Olimpik yang bermula semalam..

Salah faham Persatuan Bola Sepak Malaysia (FAM) dan Persatuan Bola Sepak Kelantan (KAFA) jadi penyebab penjaga gol negara, Khairul Fahmi Che Mat, tidak hadir sesi latihan hari pertama skuad Olimpik pada Rabu.

Misteri ketiadaan Fahmi di Wisma FAM pada hari tersebut terjawab dengan penjelasan wujud kekeliruan antara KAFA dan FAM dengan skuad negeri itu beranggapan Fahmi hanya perlu melapor diri pada 29 Januari untuk latihan kebangsaan di bawah kendalian Datuk K. Rajagobal.

Presiden KAFA, Tan Sri Annuar Musa bagaimanapun sudah melepaskan Khairul Fahmi bersama skuad Olimpik hari ini namun menegaskan pemain itu perlu kembali ke Kota Bharu pada Jumaat sebelum jam 4 petang bagi mengikuti latihan terakhir Red Worriors.

Sudah pasti Fahmi tersepit antara tuntutan majikan iaitu KAFA dan kepentingan kelibat nya bersama skuad Olimpik. Kelantan bakal menentang Kuala Lumpur pada Sabtu jam 8:45 malam. Perlawanan berlangsung di Stadium Sultan Muhammad ke-IV di Kota Bharu.

FAM dalam penjelasan kepada Nadi Arena, menegaskan bahawa surat panggilan menyertai latihan skuad Olimpik sudah dihantar sejak awal dan tiada pengecualian diminta oleh Kelantan.

Menurut Penolong Setiausaha Agung Persatuan Bola Sepak Malaysia (FAM), Ahmad Fuad Daud, masalah teknikal itu wujud apabila KAFA dikhabarkan lewat membuat tempahan tiket penerbangan kepada Khairul Fahmi.

Ini kerana, KAFA didapati kurang jelas dengan surat panggilan melapor diri pada 18 Januari lalu dan Fahmi dilihat menjadi mangsa keadaan.

Pada masa sama, bagi mengelak kejadian sama berulang, Ahmad Fuad mencadangkan pihaknya agar terus menghubungi pemain berkenaan dan tidak lagi bergantung kepada surat panggilan melapor diri semata-mata.

Maxi Lopez Sertai AC Milan

2012-01-26T07:17:00.000-08:00

Milan telahpun mencapai persetujuan dengan Catania..

Ejen striker Catania, Maxi Lopez yakin pemain itu akan menyertai AC Milan pada Januari.

CEO Milan, Adriano Galliani mengakui Isnin lalu bahawa pasukannya akan cuba menandatangani Lopez sekiranya gagal dalam pengejaran striker Manchester City, Carlos Tevez.

"Kami lakukan semua yang perlu, kini keputusan di tangan Milan," kata Andrea D'Amico. "Kami tahu masa agak terhad, kita akan lihat apa yang berlaku."

"Kami tahu Milan mahu berpegang pada janji mereka berhubung Tevez, tapi kami pasti Maxi akan sertai Milan."

Galliani menyatakan berkemungkinan Milan menandatangani kedua-dua striker pada Januari, namun D'Amico yakin bahawa duo Argentina itu akan serasi.

"Saya rasa mereka berdua pemain berguna, mereka saling melengkapi antara satu sama lain," katanya. "Tevez terikat dalam Liga Juara-Juara dan akan mengambil masa sebulan untuk dia kembali."

"Selain itu, ketibaan Maxi Lopez akan sangat penting, tapi itu pendapat peribadi saya."

M-League 2012: Sabah FA (SABAHAWKS) New Season New Lineup

2011-12-11T13:26:00.000-08:00

Nickname(s) SabaHawks.

The Sabah senior squad has been told to play smart and play to their best abilities while donning the State’s colours at the upcoming M-League 2012 campaign.

“When you play for Sabah, we expect the best from you. You must play smart as well,” Sabah FA Deputy President Datuk Lawrence Gimbang said after chairing the FA’s executive committee meeting that was followed by the contract signing ceremony at their office in Likas yesterday.

He also told the players that the Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman, who is the Sabah FA President, is expecting them to do well in all competitions.

Discipline on and off the field, Gimbang stressed is important and that it must be adhered to at all times.

“And if there is an opponent tackling or punching you during a game, you must not retaliate, as it could put you in trouble as well. So you must play smart and not fall to the opponent’s prey,” said Gimbang.

Gimbang said they are also seeking the players to give their fullest commitment to the team, before adding that they have every reason to try to do their best since this is their bread and butter.

Furthermore, Gimbang said most of the players are highly paid, and that some of them are paid better than that of an assemblyman.

“The people of Sabah are watching, and they know who are not giving their best. We hope you understand.

In football, Gimbang stressed there is no substitude for victory and that the team must try to win all matches.

“If you keep winning, people will come and support you. And if you lose, people will start to lose interest in the game.

“There are some people telling me that they no longer come to the Stadium because the team is not winning. So I want you all to prove them wrong and start winning matches next season.

“As I have said earlier, the Chief Minister has high hopes the team will do well next season, and let’s make it happen,” said Gimbang, while reminding the senior players to lead the young players through their experience.

Yesterday, the executive committee endorsed the recommendation made by the team management committee headed by Vice President I Datuk Osman Jamal, regarding the Sabah squad for the new season.

As reported earlier, Justin Ganai will be the head coach while Andrew Majanggim is the assistant coach. Johnny Dominicus will also be part of the coaching staff, but he is likely to be given the coaching job with the President’s Cup squad, which will also likely be under Justin’s supervision.

Khairul Azman Mohd has also been retained as goalkeeper coach while Matlan Basir as team physiotherapist, and Sulaiman Arman as the team’s fitness coach.

For the new season, Sabah will be banking on a squad of 27 players.

Michael Baird.

Of the 27, five are new faces, including two foreign signings, striker Michael Baird and midfielder Brendan Gan, while another four ex players are making a comeback into the team.

Brendan Gan of Sydney FC poses during the official Sydney FC 2010/11 Hyundai A-League headshots session at Macquarie Uni on July 14, 2010 in Sydney, Australia. .

The three new players are Juffry Omopor from Pensiangan and Naim Ahmad from Putatan while Shahrudin Yaakub from Labuan last played for KL Sime Darby.

The four ex-players who are set to make a return into the State squad are home born Ronny Harun, Bobby Gonzales, Irwan Jamil, and Mohd Fariss Azlan Mat Isa from Kedah, who has gained a permanent move from Penang USM FC.

The rest that have been retained from this season’s squad are Azizon Abd Kadir, Syed Adney Syed Hussein, Mod Reithuddin Emran, Mafry Balang, Rosdin Wasli, Sumardi Hajalan, Alto Linus, Zuraindey Jumai, Radzi Mohd Hussin, Shahrul Azhar Ture, K. Thanaraj, Zainizam Marjan, Julamri Muhammad, Leopold Alfonso Otong, Sabri Sahar, Mohd Safuan Ibrahim and Razlan Oto.

Md Rozaimi Abd Rahman has also been promoted from the President’s Cup squad.

But Rozaimi together with Leopold and Sabri will still be registered with the President’s Cup squad.

Vice President I Datuk Osman Jamal, Vice President II Datuk Yusof Kassim, Treasurer AR Haji Shahriman Abdullah, who has been retained as the team manager, Secretary General Alijus Hj Sipil and Head Coach Justin Ganai as well as the FA’s Executive Secretary Hasbullah Yahya were also present at the function.

chelsea training session malaysia

2011-07-18T21:35:00.000-07:00

Villas-Boas vows to win Champions League.

New Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas on Monday vowed to lead the club to an elusive Champions League title at the first attempt, dismissing suggestions his squad of super stars are past their prime.

"In the next year for sure the trophy will arrive in this club," the former Porto coach declared confidently, in shades of his compatriot Jose Mourinho, the self-proclaimed "special one" who failed to deliver club football's top prize for Chelsea's ambitious owner Roman Abramovich.

"Chelsea have been in a couple of semi-finals and also one final in recent times. I dont see why we cant go on to win it," the Portuguese told reporters as the London team arrived in Kuala Lumpur to kick off their 15-day Asia tour.

The trip will be Villas-Boas' first chance to see his players in competitive action on foreign soil and he said he will make a decision based on that whether to dip into the transfer market.

"We need to get the most information as possible (during the tour). By the time we go to the market, we will know the kind of players we want. Hopefully we can do the deal that we want," he said.

"I will use all 26 of my players in the tour and we will make a decision once the tour is over."

Andre Villas-Boas has promised to do his “proper business” in the transfer market once Chelsea return from the Far East.

And despite being linked with a midfielder to replace the injured Michael Essien, Villas-Boas hinted he would give his ageing squad every chance to show their worth.

"There is plenty of talent in this squad. I believe the players can still find new things in them to exploit and I want to fully potentiate that talent," he said.

The 33-year-old said all the players will have to prove themselves to him, including �50 million star striker Fernando Torres, who only scored once in 18 appearances for the Blues after joining from Liverpool in January.

"I am not a striker. I am just trying to build on their confidence. This comes with the qualities they have. It is them who offer me ideas," he said when asked if he will change the shape of the team to suit Torres.

Providing an insight into how he handles senior players -- some of whom are about the same age -- Villas-Boas said: "It is the players that offer me solutions and we find a balance in between of ideas to put us on the road to success, which is what we want.

"I have to keep the standards high. Any person who sits on the manager's job at Chelsea is expected to win. I cannot run away from that."

After playing against a Malaysia XI on Thursday, the Stamford Bridge club, which has a strong following in this football-mad Southeast Asian country, will go to neighbouring Thailand for a match with the Thailand All Stars.

They then head to Hong Kong, where they play a friendly against Kitchee, a local team, before ending their tour against either Blackburn Rovers of Aston Villa.

Chelsea stars mobbed in Malaysia as Blues touch down for pre-season tour

Chelsea's stars touched down in Malaysia to a hero's welcome on Monday ahead of their pre-season tour of Asia.

The Blues will take on Malaysia XI on Thursday, and Thailand All Stars on Saturday before concluding their tour on July 27 against Hong Kong side Kitchee.

In demand: Blues skipper John Terry is mobbed by fans in Malaysia ahead of Andre Villas-Boas' (below) first pre-season tour

Chelsea are already two games into their pre-season campaign following successive wins against Portsmouth and Wycombe Wanderers.

And new manager Andre Villas-Boas, who has taken a 26-man squad with him to Asia, has urged his players to prove they're worth a place in his line-up when the new campaign kicks off on August 13.

Sign on: Didier Drogba arrives in Malaysia to a hero's welcome as Fernando Torres signs autographs

'I have 15 days in Asia and I think I need those four games to continue to assess,' Villas-Boas said.

'Probably when we get back we have a week running into a game with Rangers and I think from then on decisions will have to be taken to be ready for the first game of the season.

Touch down: Misfiring Torres will be hoping for an improvement this term as Frank Lampard smiles to fans

'I gave them that flexibility from the beginning. Normally people are expected to arrive at Chelsea and make radical changes but we are taking everything on board before taking the right decisions.

'All of these players are experienced and have won a lot in their careers. So it is not just this 33-year-old arriving and showing them the way. It's more them who show the way forward.'

Villas-Boas will put his squad through their paces on Monday evening at the Shah Alam Stadium in Kuala Lumpur, before their first game against a Malaysia XI side, who were soundly beaten by Arsenal last week.

EPL Team New kits for 11/12 Season

2011-06-02T08:37:00.000-07:00

Black and blue: Chelsea's rumoured away kit for the new 2011/2012 campaign.

The smartest gear for next season will soon hit the shops and you can get a first look right here as the Premier League teams unveil their home, away and third kits for the new campaign.

Some supporters will be desperate to pull on their their new strip while some will be thinking 'it's just not me' but will wear it anyway.

How many bigger-built fans have their fingers crossed their club doesn't go down the skinny-fit route Spurs went down a few seasons ago?

And before the official release there's bound to be some dodgy fakes doing the rounds on the internet.

So with a whole host of new strips hitting the stores in the coming weeks - Sportsmail brings you the best - and worst - of what's on offer throughout the summer.

ARSENAL

A fading title challenge aside, Arsenal don't have much to cheer these days (just take a look at the Emirates trophy cabinet) so to make up for it, the kit next season is set to celebrate their 125th anniversary.

This is the official version of the new kit, sported by defender Gael Clichy, and it looks a little lost without a white collar.

Top gun: Gael Clichy sports Arsenal's 125 year anniversary home strip for next season

There also looks to be two away numbers on the way. After getting over the initial shock of what looks like a cut-and-shut kit, fans may take to the blue Monacoesque style shirt that takes the same colour scheme as the club's mid 90s away kit.

Second take: Internet images of what the Arsenal away and third strip could look like next season

The white shirt looks to be a mock-up and Gunners fans will hope so as they won't want to be seen in a colour associated with rivals Tottenham.

The away strips are unconfirmed but fans will be hoping they are more exciting that the home number Sportsmail verdict 6/10

ASTON VILLA

Enlarge

Checkmate: Fans will note the similarity to the home shirt from 2008/09

Following the arrival of £24million Darren Bent in January, Aston Villa fans probably had something else in mind when they heard they would be seeing more cheques in the summer.

Sadly for them it may turn out the ‘checks’ are for their new home strip – with this latest rumoured kit from Nike not stretching too far into innovation.

In fact take away the claret checks and you just have Villa’s home shirt from the 2008/09 season with a slight change to the collar.

In truth it doesn’t look that bad but you just think Nike are scraping the barrel for trying to think of ways to design a Villa kit.

With the existing home strip being sold at a reduced price on the club website, a new home kit looks to be on the horizon – but best leave the checks to the Croatians. Sportsmail Verdict 7/10

BOLTON

Rumours that Bolton’s new home strip was designed by a five-year-old dizzy on lemonade are yet to be founded, either way this is enough to give you a migraine.

The only credit to Reebok is that they have been ambitious with their latest attempt and no fan can complain that it looks remotely similar to any other strip in seasons gone by.

But judging by the look on Kevin Davies’ face, he doesn’t seem overjoyed with the latest design and it's hard to imagine where you can wear this anywhere outside the Reebok Stadium without being laughed at...and that's before you get to the netting/see-through material on the front of the shirt.

Bolton may have got away with this in the fashion-challenged early 90s, but it’s hard to see this being looked back on as being innovative or classic a few years down the line. Sportsmail Verdict 3/10

What do you think lads? Bolton players Chung-yong Lee (left) and Kevin Davies try to keep a straight face modelling the new Bolton home strip

CHELSEA

They may be slightly off the pace with a handful of games to go in the Premier League but Chelsea have stolen a march on their rivals by bursting out of the traps in the fashion race.

The new home kit takes inspiration from Chelsea strips of the early 1980s with the shadow striped design on the front while the white shoulder pad has been added to make adidas' iconic three stripes stand out.

Could you carry this off on the King's Road? We think so. Sportsmail verdict 8/10

Blues brothers: (from left) How Didier Drogba, Frank Lampard, John Terry and Fernando Torres will look

Is that a good idea? Petr Cech models the new ALL-WHITE keeper's kit while Lampard does a catalogue pose

And below is the rumoured design of the Blues new away kit for next season. The change strip takes on a unique patch-work look which the likes Lampard and Torres will hope to stun their opponents.

Black and blue: Chelsea's rumoured away kit for the new 2011/2012 campaign

EVERTON

New shirt or new signing? Everton's Tim Cahill (left) stands with Real Madrid's Kaka

No cooling/performance aiding stuff here. Le Coq Sportif look like they have gone back to basics with a simple blue shirt complimented by golden brown trim and a smart collar to match.

The same amount of thought looks to have gone into the away strip, but looks much less classy. How long does it take to think of sticking three logos on to a standard T-shirt?

Both shirts lack all the usual scientific nonsense that come with your standard football kit, but don’t expect a price drop because of that.

The home shirt is yet to be confirmed by the club but despite its simplicity, does look the part.

We may have to wait until later this summer thought to find out if Tim Cahill's modelling skills have been enough to convince Kaka of a move to Goodison Park. Sportsmail home verdict 7/10.

The yellow strip is not going to be remembered for years to come but Toffees fans will be pleased to see the back of that garish pink strip. Sportsmail away verdict 6/10

FULHAM

There just seems to be no middle ground with Kappa.

After graphite/red and green/gold away kits from this season were considered a step too far in design by some supporters, the Italian company for 2011/12 have opted for a plain black shirt with just their own logos in red to break it up.

Fans once again will be disappointed with a skin-tight design but can take consolation that the strip will contain 'underwiring' technology...or maybe not.

In fairness it's close to being a neat classy number, but the huge and high sponsor logo in the centre spoils the overall look.

Fans looking to wear something a bit brighter at Craven Cottage next term may prefer to purchase the luminous green goalkeeper kit which is also new for next season

LIVERPOOL

If the Liverpool players aren't careful they'll fade into the background during their midweek matches in the winter next season with this new strip.

But then again, maybe that's what the club want, in case they have another disastrous start to the season and find themselves in the bottom half of the table once again.

Joking aside, the Anfield club have chosen a smart number for their new campaign, a top that could even look classy on the right person. They say that grown men shouldn't wear replica tops outside the ground, but that could all be about to change.

Sportsmail verdict 8/10

Black is back: Liverpool have chosen a sleek new design for next season's away kit

MANCHESTER CITY

No doubt the future is bright at Manchester City but despite banishing a painful 35 years without a trophy and securing Champions League football – they just cannot help looking at the past.

A red and black striped away shirt is certainly not new to fans with the inspiration taken from the most famous shirt in the club’s history – the black and red shirt worn in 1969 and 1970 during which time City won the FA Cup, League Cup and European Cup Winners Cup.

Indeed it is a smart design with its simplistic stripes and we think the gold marking on the sponsor and logos are pulled off well.

'The shirt is designed so that when a player celebrates a goal or links arms with team mates, the black and red stripe remains consistent. For this reason, there is no seam on the underarm as traditionally stitching can distort the shape and flow of a stripe.' according to designers Umbro.

City will look good trying to overshadow AC Milan in the Champions League but fans will only have to ask Tottenham and Blackburn supporters about having skin-tight shirts. Sportsmail verdict 8/10

City slickers: Dedryck Boyata, Edin Dzeko and Pablo Zabaleta (l-r) proudly show off Man City's new away kit

MANCHESTER UNITED

Ready to go: Patrice Evra poses in the new Manchester United home strip

Unlike the team, Manchester United kits have been uninspiring in recent years but despite winning a record 19th league title next season will be no different.

After an experiment with the black rugby league-style 'v' last season and a tacky retro number for this campaign, Nike have lost all creativity and plumped for a plain red shirt with a weird black and white collar.

It looks like it was designed in no more than five minutes and for an extra £10 on top of the already pricey £44.99, fans can choose to customise their kit with the lettering 'champions' and No.19 in gold on the reverse.

It probably wasn't the golden touch that fans were hoping for. Sportsmail home verdict 5/10

The away kit, an unofficial picture, looks a lot like a T-shirt with its round collar. Not bad but if you're going for blue and black stripes, do it right like Inter Milan. Sportsmail away verdict 5/10

NEWCASTLE

And now for something completely different. Full marks to Puma for trying to give Newcastle's black and white stripes a new twist.

An interesting addition is the 'go faster' stripes down the front - which neatly incorporates the sponsor's logo - but there is still no hard evidence these work on cars... or footballers.

Newcastle's loyal fans won't be too bothered what it looks like as long as they can easily whip it off to reveal a bare chest on a freezing cold evening at a ground near you.

The most original Toon kit in a long time, a lot better than the cream-cracker effort from two seasons back.

Sportsmail verdict 8/10

STOKE

Stripes are in: Fans will be pleased to see stripes feature on the front and back of the new home shirt

Stoke fans have already been through an identity crisis this season when the traditional stripes were removed from the back of the club's home strip.

But they will be pleased to hear that although they will have to shell out another £45 on a new home shirt, the stripes look set return to the back of the strip.

The club website is taking pre-orders on the kit but has not yet released an official picture.

Adidas have taken things to a new level for the away kit, unveiling a kit that the club believes makes them resemble Inter Milan.

With the club in Europe next term, even captain Ryan Shawcross couldn’t help but notice the obvious link with the Italian giants.

‘Let’s hope we can play like Inter Milan too,' he said. 'It looks very impressive and I am sure it will be a winner with our fans.’

It’s a neat enough effort from Adidas, even with that slightly annoying collar. But despite the optimism of Shawcross, don’t expect the Potters to be challenging for a Champions League place just yet.

Sportsmail verdict 7/10

SUNDERLAND

Judging by the presence of the Premier League badge on the sleeve, the home kit was designed before Sunderland started their alarming slide down the table.

But ignoring the fact that relegation is still a possibility, this is a smart effort from Umbro, who have kept a simple design with the stripes but included a black trim around the collar and sleeves that looks neat and tidy.

Old Trafford or Oakwell - Black Cats fans will certainly look the part. Sportsmail verdict 8/10

WOLVES

Wolves have been hot under the collar trying to beat relegation for much of the season so to combat any future problems, designers Burrda have opted for a simple round neck on a new home shirt – the club’s fifth in as many years.

Much of the heavy black trim has gone from the previous design replaced with faint black lines which look fine until you notice the front of the shirt.

The line going across the chest looks like somebody has made a mistake with a ballpoint pen on the design template and is going to take some getting used to.

However it is a subtle attempt to be unique from the designers which fans could grow to like. Sportsmail verdict 6/10

Better news for supporters (and their purse strings) is that the club have decided to retain this year’s black away kit for next season.

Going for gold: Wolves' George Elokobi, Matt Jarvis and Adlene Guedioura (l-r) show off the new home shirt

PES 2012 Announcement Video

2011-05-28T08:45:00.000-07:00

PES 2012: Real Football Simulation.

KONAMI details focus for forthcoming Pro Evolution Soccer simulation

Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH has outlined its ambitious plans and focus for PES 2012, which it will release in Autumn 2011 for PlayStation®3, Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, Windows PC, Wii, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) and PlayStation®2, and which again boasts exclusive use of the UEFA Champions LeagueTM & UEFA Europa LeagueTM licences.

“For me, the ultimate aim in the ongoing PES series is to match what people see when they go to a match or watch a big game on TV with what they experience on their console,” explains Shingo ‘Seabass’ Takatsuka, the Creative Producer of the Pro Evolution Soccer series. “As such, in consultation with football fans across the globe, we have been working non-stop to isolate and determine how to make our game marry in with how real football is played. This is key to PES 2012, and key to providing the ultimate football experience within a console title.”

To this end, PES 2012 continues KONAMI’s determination to work with fans of both the PES series and football in general, to create a truly realistic, immersive and utterly playable take on the modern game. Thus, the focus in PES 2012 is the instinctive way the game can be played and on teamwork in particular. Seabass and his Tokyo team have worked to recreate the very essence of top-level football, ensuring the new game’s AI engine has undergone a major overhaul and provide an experience akin to being part of a real team.

Attacking play is a cornerstone of PES 2012, and the new game benefits from a more open approach that allows users to dictate the pace of movement, with all-new AI elements incorporated so team mates make runs and offer support in one-on-one situations. Players make useful dummy runs to draw defenders, and this offers users greater options to move the ball around when they are being closed down. Thus, the team works together a more cohesive unit, reacting to the movements of the player with the ball, and working to force the opposing team into mistakes.

Zonal marking and positional defending are also massively enhanced; ensuring players are forced to work harder to split the opposition defence. Meanwhile a new cursor switching system has been implemented using the right analogue stick to switch to any player on the field. This allows users to pick a team mate anywhere on the pitch, thereby allowing players to react to threats faster, and to shut down attacks more quickly. Hold up play is being tweaked to give even greater control. AI defenders are able to hold a much tighter defensive line, position themselves better and track opponents more efficiently. The off-the-ball switching also extends to key set pieces, such as goal kicks, corners, free kicks and throw-ins, and allows users to target a specific player and send them on runs or to drag defenders out of position, and allows for quick breaks and space to be exploited more easily.

The physicality of top-level football is represented as PES 2012 extends the jostling system of its predecessor. Defenders rely on their strength and stature to force a player from the ball as strikers and play makers make use of unique attributes to beat their markers. Tighter, more accurate collisions see players tumbling dependent on how they are knocked off the ball. Crucially, control is not lost, allowing the stumbling player to be brought directly back under control.

The result is a game that, more than ever, truly represents the key attributes of the world’s greatest players, but without sacrificing balance and allowing single players to waltz undefended through a game. Coupled with heavily tweaked animation, more detailed lighting techniques, a wider variety of player styles, improved dead-ball situations, expanded tactics and a new customisable pass feature, means that PES 2012 truly captures the essence of top-flight football.

“Team work is what separates the world’s greatest teams from their peers, and is the hub of everything within PES 2012,” added Takatsuka. “PES 2012 focuses on the core elements of top-level football: attacking play, freedom of movement, the creation of space, and working together as a unit both up field and in defence. These elements combine to create a game that flows and ebbs like a real match, with individual shows of brilliance changing a game, and more control over every aspect of play within a wide-ranging yet instinctive control system. PES 2012 will turn the heads of fans everywhere.”

KONAMI will be detailing further key enhancements to PES 2012 in the coming months.

Chelsea sign Lucas Piazon

2011-05-27T11:56:00.000-07:00

Chelsea paying Lucas Piazon amazing £1M to make London.

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich made sure of landing Lucas Piazon this week.

The Mirror says Chelsea won the race to sign Brazilian starlet Piazon by handing him £1million to join them - a record payment to a teenager.

Roman Abramovich has sanctioned the £5.3m swoop for the 17-year-old Sao Paolo attacking midfielder, who is picking up a FIFTH of that amount as his part of the transfer.

Italian giants Juventus also wanted Piazon, but Abramovich was determined to land him after being advised to buy him by trusted Dutch talent-spotter Pete de Visser.

Bio

Lucas Domingues Piazón (born 20 January 1994 in Curitiba, Brazil), commonly known as Lucas Piazon, is a Brazilian professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for São Paulo youth side and will play for Chelsea as of 20 January 2012 and the Brazil U17. He can play a playmaker role or in the hole just behind the striker.

A tactical player, he is known for his passing, powerful shooting, free-kick taking, reading of the game and goalscoring ability.

Personal life

Piazón was born in Curitiba, Brasil and moved to Sao Paulo at the age of 12.

Club career

Youth years

Piazón joined Coritiba at an early age. Later he joined Atlético Paranaense. He then joined São Paulo from Atlético Paranaense in 2008, showing promise at the tender age of 14. Piazón is a regular player for São Paulo FC's youth side.

Chelsea

On 15 March São Paulo announced that Piazón would join Chelsea during the 2012 January transfer window when he becomes eligible to obtain a work visa and sign a long-term deal, while Chelsea announced 10 days later.It is reported that Chelsea paid in the region of £5 million to acquire Piazon, which could rise to £8 million depending on several clauses. Chelsea is also paying him a £1 million signing on fee when he joins.

Piazón underwent and passed his medical in early March 2011, in London. He will be officially available for Chelsea on 20 January 2012.

International record

Piazón has represented Brazil on a under-15 level, aiding his team to second place in the South American Under-15 Football Championship of 2009 in Bolivia, in which he was the top goalscorer with ten goals.

During an international game for Brazil's U17 squad against Paraguay, Piazón started and scored in bizarre fashion. He kicked the ball with such force that it broke through the side netting of the goal post in the process as Brazil went on to lose 2–1. He is playing with with the Brazil's U17 team in the South American Under-17 Football Championship.

Too early to party!(26/5/2011)

2011-05-26T12:11:00.000-07:00

BATTLING IT OUT … Sabah striker Razlan Oto (right), fights for the ball with a Felda United player, while Zainizam Marjan (left) gives chase during the Malaysian Super League match at the Likas Stadium last night..

Justin Ganai refused to take anything for granted after his side nicked a 2-1 victory over KL Felda United FC at the Likas Stadium on Wednesday.

He said there is no room for celebration just yet, not when all their remaining matches are nothing less than ‘win or bust’ cases!

“We must stay focused and try to win our remaining games. To the players, they must keep up the spirit and continue fighting. We have four more games to play, and none of these games will be easy.

“If they have the belief, I don’t see why we cannot get what we want. The determination (to win) was great against Felda, and I am proud of what they have done,” the Sabah head coach said before predicting that the relegation race will go down to the wire and that it will be decided on July 6, which is the final fixture of the Super League.

“We just have to win our games, and forget the rest because only victory will keep us in the Super League and nothing less, and I hope the players realise this,” he added.

Justin also wants his charges to be able to handle the pressure they are in.

“We cannot run away from it. In this game, we must be able to cope with pressure, and if we can do that we’ll do fine,” said Justin who believes that winning their remaining games is something that his team can achieve.

“If we know how to take our chances well, I’m very optimistic of getting the results. When you look at the other teams, they are not too far away. In fact we are of the same level.

Against Felda, Justin said: “It was a game with not so many chances, but I’m delighted to see that we took our chances well. It could have been the same ending for us against Harimau Muda and T-Team, but unfortunately it was not because we blundered far too many scoring opportunities that eventually saw us being punished.

Against Harimau Muda, Sabah lost 0-2 and bowed out 1-3 to T-Team, both home ties.

On Wednesday, they were forced to fight back from a goal down after Md Hasmarul had put Felda into the lead with a 31st minute header.

But Sabah came back strongly in the second half and managed to score the equaliser through Zainizam Marjan’s 58th minute effort before Shahrul Azhar Ture scored the winner four minutes later.

“If we take our chances well, our chances of winning will always be greater. So I really hope they stay on their feet and score more goals.

“We have a tough away game against Harimau Muda A on Saturday and I want them to focus on this game. This will be a tough game, but I still believe we can walk away with full points.

“We have played them recently, and although the result did not favour us, but this time we will be better prepared.

“We will be more solid at the backline for this game because we will have the services of Reithuddin (Ag Emran) and Mafry (Balang). They will make it straight into the first team … no doubt about it.

“Although we are not going for an all-out attacking game, but we are going there to get the maximum points. If not, a draw will still be fine I guess,” added Justin.

Crucial win

Sabah kept their slim hopes of surviving in the Malaysian Super League alive after notching a 2-1 victory over KL Felda United at the Likas Stadium last night.

The three points gained could see them move out from the relegation zone, if other results elsewhere, involving Kuala Lumpur and Pahang favour them.

Sabah fell behind in the 31st minute when Md Hasmarul rose unchallenged inside the box to head home a Chow Chee Weng’s corner past goalkeeper Azizon Abd Kadir, who appeared to be obstructed.

However, referee Abdullah Abu Bakar saw nothing wrong and allowed the goal despite a protest from the home players.

Sabah never really threatened the visiting side for most of the first half, thanks to some neat display from the Felda United to keep them at bay.

The first half ended 0-1.

If Sabah were below par in the opening period, it was a totally different side that played in the second half.

Rozaimi Abd Rahman’s introduction for Radzi Hussin added some firepower into the home midfield and it was not long after that the equaliser came.

Striker Zainizam Marjan again was the hero as he sent a lob shot from just outside the box that beat the outstretched arm of Mohd Hamsani Ahmad in the 58th minute.

Sabah then took the lead in the 62nd minute when Rozaimi’s clever free-kick found Sharul Azhar Ture who let fly a powerful shot to give Sabah the lead.

Felda United attacked in numbers late on but Sabah stood firm to protect the three points, which could be crucial in their relegation battle.

‘Football changes peoples' lives’

FIRST STEP … Lawrence (seated centre), is flanked by Annathurai (left), and Lim taking a group photo together with the 18 participants. Mr Kok from the FA of Malaysia is seated extreme left and Hasbullah at right.

Football is a school of life. It will make you a better person, giving you better knowledge.

And children need to be taught the right way from the start as we nurture them to become better players in the future.

To do that, we need coaches who are equipped with special talent and special knowledge, as it is not easy to handle children.

Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Festival Project Manager Dr Annathurai Ranganathan said this at the opening of the AFC ‘C’ Certificate of Coaching Course held here yesterday.

The course is being held in conjunction with the AFC Under-13 Football Festival that is set to officially begin here for the sixth year running early next month where nine nations have confirmed their participation.

Annathurai said the festival is not a competition, but more to giving young players the opportunity to taste international action.

The coaching course, he pointed, is one of the seven programmes that have been underlined for the festival.

Besides that, he added is the Preparatory Course for referees, Workshop for all head coaches for the participating countries, Football Medicine Course for physiotherapists for teams, S2S Programme for the participants of the coaching course as well as matches involving the participating teams and skill tests for the players.

Annathurai also revealed that nowadays players are getting better and that coaches need to be better and more knowledgeable than players.

In this modern game, he also stressed on the importance of science and technology.

“We cannot run away from science and technology, it is part and parcel of the game in this era of modern football, and that is why we have decided to include S2S Programme,” he said.

Elite coach Lim Kim Chon, who is attached to AFC and FIFA, and the man that will be conducting the coaching course, said the C Licence is all about basic of football before stressing it is the most important aspect of the game.

Without it, it is almost impossible for anyone to reach the top in the sport.

“This is the most important step in coaching,” he said before adding if any of the participants wishes to become a top coach, they need to sacrifice for the game.

“Football changes peoples’ lives. Football takes you places.”

The regional festival here will be the fifth and last one for this year after the earlier ones – in Doha (Qatar), Tashkent (Uzbekistan), Beijing (China) and Yazd (Iran) – were successfully held for AFC member associations from the West, Central, East and South regions respectively.

This time around, with the exception of Australia and Timor Leste, who decided to opt out, and Brunei, still banned, the rest of the seasoned campaigners will be coming, including the host Malaysia.

The other eight nations are Indonesia, Singapore, Myanmar, Philippines, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand.

Sabah FA Deputy President Datuk Lawrence Gimbang was there to grace the opening of the course yesterday accompanied by the FA Executive Secretary Hasbullah Yahya.

Judgement Day

K. THANARAJ … one of the players that have been left out in the cold by former coach Gary Phillips but has started for Sabah in the last two games and did quite well.
Tonight is the night that could decide Sabah’s fate in the Malaysian Super League.

Although there are another five matches left to play, including tonight’s date with KL Felda United FC at the Likas Stadium, but their relegation battle could be over tonight!

This is a fact admitted by its head coach Justin Ganai, who stated that only victory would help keep their slim hope of survival alive.

“This is going to be a decider whether we are staying up or going down,” he said, when contacted yesterday.

Justin is right in saying so as there is nothing more one can expect from the team if they cannot get the better of KL Felda United FC.

Furthermore, their remaining matches are not going to get any easier either. Even a victory will still leave them living on the edge.

To be saved, Sabah need at least 12 points from the possible 15. However, nine points could still be enough! But things are not in Justin’s favour.

He is not having his best squad. He is missing key players, out either due to injury or suspension.

But he is a strong believer that if the players are willing to fight for their lives and stay united they will get through this test.

“If our players stay united and are willing to fight tooth and nail, I’m not too worried about the outcome of the result tomorrow because I believe that we can produce the result we need. But if they don’t, there is not much I can do because they are the ones who will battle it out on the field.

“So it is them who will decide our future. The morale is a little bit low in the squad, but it is something that we can change. It is all about mentality. As long as they have the will, they will get through this,” he added.

He also hinted that major changes to the side that went down 1-3 to T-Team in their previous game are unlikely.

“We have a small squad, and we have limited options, so we just need to pick the players who we think will be the best options to spearhead our charge.

“Although Felda United are only a club side, but they have experienced players under their ranks, but even so, we can match them if we can play the way that we did against T-Team or even Harimau Muda in the opening 45 minutes.

Justin hinted that if there are any changes, it will be in his attack where he is likely to bring in either Mohd Farid Ideris or Razlan Oto for Leopold Alfonso Otong.

“I have not made up my mind yet, but if there are changes, it will be the attack or maybe the midfield. As we all know, we need to score goals, so it gives me the motivation to field more attacking players.

“If I decide to have more attacking players, I might drop Zainizam Marjan to play behind two strikers. That would mean I would have to sacrifice one midfielder, otherwise I will stick to the same side that played against T-Team,” Justin said.

Sabah are currently languishing second from bottom in the standings.

They are currently three points behind the safe zone occupied by Kuala Lumpur and Pahang, who are level on 22 points to Sabah with 19.

Sabah’s remaining matches will be three home ties – against Felda United, Kuala Lumpur and Kelantan – and two away – to Harimau Muda and Perlis.

Didier Drogba may quit Chelsea favour for Galatasaray

2011-05-22T01:27:00.000-07:00

Off: Torres (right) is replaced by Drogba at Craven Cottage (PA).

Didier Drogba of Chelsea Benched: Didier Drogba was unhappy at being given the axe from the Chelsea line-up (Getty)

Didier Drogba could be on his way out of Stamford Bridge in the summer, after Carlo Ancelotti admitted the Galatasaray target was annoyed at being dropped by Chelsea in favour of Fernando Torres for the draw at Fulham.

The Ivory Coast international is rumoured to have become increasingly unsettled in west London this season, which goes some way to explaining his poor form.

However, it has been suggested that being relegated to the bench for Monday's goalless draw at Craven Cottage - and new signing Torres putting in another below-par performance up front for the Blues - could be the last straw for Drogba.

The 33-year-old was linked with a host of clubs in January, including the Turkish giants, Marseille and even Real Madrid.

Sources close to the club also suggested manager Ancelotti held talks with the veteran to see if he wanted to remain in west London or leave during the transfer window.

And although Drogba insisted he was committed to Chelsea, he is now reassessing his options because he sees the latest snub as a sign Ancelotti wants £50m Torres, 26, as his main striker for the future.

'I don't know if Didier was happy,' Ancelotti admitted afterwards.

'But every player knows every game is important. It doesn't matter [about individual players].'

The Italian manager said Drogba's axe from the starting XI was part of a routine squad rotation - but also cast doubt on the African star's fitness by hinting he needed a rest.

'We wanted to rotate to maintain his condition and to give everyone great motivation,' he added.

'Maybe in the next game we will use both.'

Drogba has shown signs of discontent at various points this season, admitting there is a 'bad mood' around the squad because of inconsistent results, while speculation persists Ancelotti could also be shown the door in the summer - regardless of how his team performs down the stretch.

Didier Drogba's jilted but no spark for Torres as Chelsea held by Fulham

Chelsea's Premier League title hopes took a hammer blow as they were held to a heartbreaking goalless draw by Fulham at Craven Cottage.

Chelsea's Fernando Torres was substituted after 70minutes at Craven Cottage (Getty Images)

And coach Carlo Ancelotti’s gamble of leaving Didier Drogba on the bench backfired as the champions failed to overcome a passionate Fulham side who made it a Valentine’s night to forget for misfiring Blues new-boy Fernando Torres.

The £50million deadline-day signing from Liverpool gave a woeful display after being controversially preferred to Drogba before he was hauled off after 70 minutes.

Drogba was eventually thrown on but was unable to provide the winner and Chelsea were lucky to survive a last-gasp penalty miss from Clint Dempsey as they remained fifth, two points behind Tottenham but 12 adrift of leaders Manchester United.

President’s Cup challenge: Sabah FA 3-1 KL Sime Darby (20/5/2011)

2011-05-20T19:46:00.000-07:00

SPOT KICK … Mohd Adiafandi Dullah (red) easily converts the penalty..

Our boys deliver

It was double joy for Sabah football yesterday!

The first joy came when their junior squad clinched their quarter-final berth in the President’s Cup challenge.

This is after they defeated KL Sime Darby 3-1 at the Likas Stadium (yesterday).

Not long after, news of their senior side emerged. And it was not a bad one either. They managed to snatch a point from their away tie against Perak that was played at the Lumut Stadium albeit they had to do it the hard way.

They fought their way back from a goal down before notching the equaliser at the dead.

It was youngster Md Rozaimi Amir who turned hero for his side after his injury time freekick deflected off a defender before it went into the back of the net.

Perak drew first blood from the spot after defender Rosdin Wasli fouled Akmal Rizal inside the penalty box.

Perak captain Shahrulnizam Mustapha easily converted the 49th minute spot kick, defeating the hapless Sabah top custodian Azizon Abd Kadir.

It was quite an equally contested tie with not many chances. Both sides had numerous chances at each other’s goalmouths with the best for Perak coming through Akmal, whose attempt hit the Sabah crossbar.

Sabah too had their chances. The best one came from a K. Thanaraj effort, but unfortunately, he only managed to see his attempt hit the goalpost.

No matter what happens to the tie between Pahang and Kuala Lumpur at the Darul Makmur Stadium in Kuantan (playing last night), Sabah will still maintain their 12th placing.

Back to the President’s Cup – a sluggish first half did not stop Sabah from getting full points.

Playing under the scorching sun, it was difficult for both sides to really strut their stuff.

They obviously struggled to play under the hot sun.

The opening 45 minutes was so sluggish that none of them could create any decent chances at each other’s goalmouths until late in the half.

The homesters were presented with the first one when Zackallani Antanom ballooned the ball wide from the left side of the Sime Darby goalmouth.

However, the striker was not to be denied from putting his name on the scoresheet when he easily slotted home the opener in the 40th minute after picking up a loose ball inside the box.

It started from Muis Mursalam, who unleashed a powerful low drive from just outside the box when the ball deflected off a defender and the loose ball fell in front of Zackallani before he slammed it home.

Early in the second half, Zackallani could have made it 2-0 for Sabah, but unfortunately this time his attempt hit the crossbar.

Sabah was not to be denied from extending their lead when they were awarded the spot kick in the 60th minute. Mohd Adiafandi Dullah converted the spot kick with ease.

It was 3-0 for Sabah in the 73rd minute. This time it was Didie Arizal Ibrahim who scored.

Muneswaren A/L Subramaniam scored the consolation for Sime Darby 10 minutes from regulation time.

“Well done and congratulations to the boys. They have done well and now we are in the quarter-finals,” a delighted team manager Juil Nuatim commented after the tie.

“Now our focus is the semi-final,” he added, while stressing that despite already clinching their quarters spot, they will not take their remaining preliminary round matches lightly.

“We want to keep our winning momentum going. We will not take our remaining matches (three) lightly. We want to conclude our preliminary round challenge top of the group,” he added.

“There is no point of playing well only in the preliminary round. We are targeting the championship, but we will do it one step at a time.”

Assistant coach Burhan Ajui was also happy with the three points.

However, he was a little bit disappointed with his chargers for not giving 100 per cent focus in the game.

“It is all about mentality. They know they are playing under the hot sun, but they shouldn’t have thought about that. Instead they should have focused on the game instead of worrying about the hot sun.

“This is the thing that we want them to learn. In football, if you are not focused, you will be punished. But we are lucky because our opponents also struggled playing under such a situation,” said Burhan.

Sabah play their next two games away, taking on Perak on Monday and Johor FC on Thursday.

Juniors give Justin a ‘winning send-off’

KUNG FU ACTION … Sabah skipper Mohd Azlan Shah Hassan Nor (red/black) clashes with a T-Team player as teammate Florencius Larim (right) looks on during their President’s Cup Group A clash at the Likas Stadium yesterday.

Sabah fought their way back from a goal down before sealing a narrow 2-1 victory over T-Team to eventually give their Head Coach Justin Ganai a ‘winning send-off’.

Yesterday was Justin’s last match with the team after being promoted to take charge of the senior side, replacing Australian Gary Phillips who was removed from his dual role as coach cum manager, obviously due to the team’s poor showing in the Malaysian Super League, late on Wednesday night.

After a shaky start where they were trailing by one goal at half time, the Sabah young chargers played their hearts out in the remaining half to collect all the three points that kept their unbeaten home record intact.

In fact, they won their last seven home games. Yesterday was the eighth.

The result also helped them edge closer to the quarter-finals.

It also assured them that their pole position in the Group A standings of the President’s Cup challenge was also secured unless their closest rivals registered a big victory (by at least six clear goals) in another clash elsewhere.

Both teams will be level on 34 points should Kelantan win.

T-Team took a shock lead on the stroke of half time through Mat Hafiz Mat Ariffin, who dribbled past Dendy Lowa before slotting home a grounder from inside the box that left custodian Endre S. Tipay hapless.

But after a scrappy first half, Sabah started the second aggressively as they launched a wave of attacks at the T-Team goalmouth.

However, it was not until the 54th minute when they found the much needed equaliser despite numerous attempts earlier on which failed to find the net.

Mohd Adiafandi Dullah was the one who put his side on level terms after slotting home the equalizer, picking up the rebound ball from the keeper who failed to make a clean catch from a first attempt by striker Zackkalani Antanom, who was outstanding for his side.

Then in the 66th minute, Adiafandi set up Muhammad Nazrin Mansur to score Sabah’s second by sending a low cross from the left for Muhammad to make the simplest of finishes by tapping the ball into the back of the net from close range.

Late on, Sabah had several more attempts to extend their lead. They had two goals disallowed for off-side while T-Team had one.

Justin when met after said despite a scrappy win, he refused to blame his chargers, saying that playing without their ‘star’ player Md Rozaimi Abd Rahman seemed to have an impact on the team.

“Yes we looked a little ‘weaker’ without him. We seemed to wonder where to find that weapon that could help us score the goals, but in the end the three points is all that matters,” said Justin.

He refused to admit that yesterday’s match was his last game by saying: “This is not my last. I will still be there for the team if they need my help.”

He then went on to say that as long as the team plays to the way they usually do, they can achieve something big this season.

“Winning the last two home games will assure the team their quarter-final berth. I fully believe that they can do it even without Rozaimi,” Justin said.

Sabah have another five matches to play to complete their preliminary round fixtures, and another six points would assure them a place in the last eight.

They take on KL Sime Darby and Kedah at home and play three away games against Bandar Penawar Sports School, Perak and Johor FC.

Juniors on a double mission

Sabah will be on a double mission when they take on KL Sime Darby in a President’s Cup challenge at the Likas Stadium today.

Besides avenging their 1-0 defeat to the same opponents in the first round, victory over the club side would also see them clinch their place in the quarter-finals.

Team manager Juil Nuatim hopes the players know how important the game is for the team.

“We lost narrowly to them in the first round, and it is good for us to get the better of them this time around. And more importantly, the win will help us book a place in the quarter-finals,” said Juil yesterday.

He believes that the two factors will be good enough to motivate the players to give the best they could in the game.

“At the same time, we would also like to keep our 100 per cent home record intact. We have won all our home matches thus far, and it would be great to keep it that way,” he added.

Sabah is currently leading the pack on 37 points after 16 matches. They registered 12 victories, one draw and three defeats enroute.

There are four more remaining matches for Sabah including today’s tie.

For the record, the top four teams in each group of the two-group tournament will make the quarters.

“We have another four matches to play (including today’s battle), but it is better for us to do it now rather than to wait. Forty points would put us through into the last eight for sure,” said Juil.

According to Juil, his chargers are in the best of condition, and are ready to deliver.

“With the exception of Rozaimi (Abd Rahman), the rest are all available for options,” he added, pointing out that they will not have the services of their star player as the latter is with the senior squad facing Perak, also playing today.

“This will not be an easy match for us, and we have to be at our best. Sime Darby also wants to win the tie in order to have any chance of making the quarters.

“Rozaimi’s absence will definitely be felt, but I don’t want the team to make that as an excuse because we have more than enough players to do the job. It is important we stick to our plan and play as a team,” said Juil.

Juil also called on the fans to come and support the team.

Juniors need you!

COME ONE, COME ALL … Sabahawks Fan Club members showing their support for the team.

Juil Nuatim called on the Sabahawks Fan Club to give undivided support towards the State Reserve League squad who are currently on song in the ongoing President’s Cup challenge.

He said the team need the support from the fans to keep them going in the Under-21 competition.

“I hope the Sabahawks Fan Club could also play their role and support our junior team. Their support means a lot to the players, and here I would like to say a big thank you to those who turned up for our first home match last week,” the State Reserve squad team manager said referring to their tie against Kelantan which they won 3-0 at the Likas Stadium. Then about 1,000 fans turned up for the clash.

Today, Sabah take on Perak in their second home game of the season, and are eyeing victory to consolidate their position at the top of the 11-team Group A standings.

The squad under the watchful eyes of Justin Ganai remain unbeaten after three games into the season.

They drew three-all with Selangor in the opener before they tamed Kelantan followed by their 1-0 victory over Penang on the road in their last outing.

“We play a home game tomorrow (tonight – 8.15pm) so I really hope more fans will turn up to support the team, especially those from the Sabahawks Fan Club,” said Juil.

Juil said the fan club should not support only the senior squad, but also the junior team as they are the back-up for the senior squad and they need backing as well.

“I believe the presence of the official fan club of the Sabah squad could give a positive impact to the junior side,” said Juil, adding that entry into the stadium is free.

After years of underperforming, the State Reserve League squad are riding high and lead the pack in the standings on seven points, one ahead of second-placed KL Sime Darby.

They are one of the only three sides to have kept their unbeaten record intact. The other two being Perlis and Terengganu’s T-team, who both played one match lesser than Sabah.

Another interesting note is the squad have scored seven goals in three games and conceded three.

Kelantan are also one point behind Sabah, but stay in third as KL Sime Darby have a better goal difference.

“When we look at the standings, only victory will help our cause of staying at the top. So we need to win to strengthen our position,” said Juil.

“I’m fully confident of our Head Coach (Justin) and I believe he has his own strategy on how to tackle Perak.”

Sabah will miss the services of two key players, defender Fandi Linik and striker Zul Mansshah Aling for the Perak tie.

Both players will be serving a one-match automatic suspension after getting their third yellow cards against Penang.

Meanwhile, Justin said that he would only make up his mind on the replacement for the duo after their training (late yesterday).

He, however, hinted that Zackkalani Antanom would likely come in for Zul while Azuan Azmah would fill in the vacuum left by Fandi.

Md Rozaimi Abd Rahman, who is the team’s leading scorer with five goals under his belt, will certainly be in Justin’s first-team squad.

credit to Sabahawks sumandak pic : Augustine Photography

MSL 2011: Sabah FA v Perak FA(19/5/2011)

2011-05-19T00:30:00.000-07:00

DEPLETED SQUAD … Mohd Farid Ideris (centre) will miss the match.

Fair game

Sabah will take on Perak with a depleted side, missing at least four key players due to either injury or suspension, but head coach Justin Ganai remains optimistic of snatching one point from the away tie to be played at the Lumut Stadium today.

The Super League fixture was initially supposed to be played at the Perak Stadium in Ipoh.

However, the Perak home den was being used by the Perak Schools Sports Council Track and Field Championship that prompted it to be switched to Lumut.

The switch will also see the match played in the evening with the kick-off time set for 4.45pm.

Justin said striker Mohd Farid Ideris, flanker Julamri Muhammad, defender Alto Linus and midfielder Zuraindey Jumai will all miss the game.

Sumardi Hajalan, he added despite making the trip, is also a doubtful starter as he is not 100 per cent fit, also due to injury.

Farid is suffering pain on his right foot while Julamri is having muscle pain on his thigh.

As for Alto and Zuraindey, the duo will be serving an automatic one-match suspension after collecting their third yellow cards in the 0-2 defeat to Harimau Muda last Sunday.

“Although we have four players out due to either injury or suspension, we will still have 11 players on the field. So it is still a fair game. Furthermore, the spirit is still high in the team, and if we can take one point from the game, it will be a good result for us,” said Justin yesterday.

He also hinted on making changes to his game plan.

“There will certainly be some changes to our game plan. There will also be switching of positions to some of our players. We lost four key players, and we don’t have so many utility players in the team.

“But I hope that the players I field tomorrow, whoever they are, will do a good job for the team.

“We have only one utility player that we can really rely on … Mafry (Balang). He is the only player who can play in several positions. Besides that, we also have one or two more, but they can only play in two positions at the most.

Justin said he is likely to stick to Azizon Abd Kadir as his number one goalkeeper with both Syed Adney Syed Hussien and Mohd Salawi Jasad starting from the bench.

In the backline, he plans to switch Mafry from the left back to the right back and play Hariri Mohd Safii while both skipper Md Reithuddin Ag Emran and Rosdin Wasli will be at the heart of the defence.

Justin said, he will also stick to Shahrul Azhar Ture at the right of midfield while both Radzi Mohd Hussin and Sabri Sahar at the centre (midfield), but is still tinkering on whether to stick to Md Rozaimi Abd Rahman at the left of midfield or replace him with K. Thanaraj.

“I don’t know yet. I will only decide tomorrow (today), because I’m also thinking of using him (Rozaimi) as a back-up striker.

If that is the case, Justin said Rozaimi will play behind Zainizam Marjan, but if not, he will have to choose between Razlan Oto and Leopold Alfonso Otong to pair Zainizam.

“But tomorrow (today) we will have a young line-up especially in midfield, but we will try to play smart football, and will not go for an all out attack, but will rely more on counter attacks,” said Justin, who is into his fourth game in charge of the team since taking over from Gary Phillips.

In the last three games, the team recorded two victories and a defeat.

Sabah is currently lying in 12th placing in the 14-team standings on 18 points. But they could drop back to the danger zone if they fail to collect any points away from Lumut and Kuala Lumpur, who is in 13th placing, wins their away battle against Pahang.

First loss under Justin(16/5/2011)

SANDWICHED ... Sabah's Alto Linus tries to get past two Harimau Muda A players in the Malaysian Super League fixture at the Likas Stadium last night.

Misfiring Sabah suffered their first defeat under head coach Justin Ganai, going down 0-2 to Harimau Muda A here last night.

Playing in front of what was the biggest crowd at the Likas Stadium this season, Sabah just could not turn it into victory as striker Izzaq Faris Ramlan put Sabah to the sword with two goals.

The teams went into the game on the offensive mood and after two early misses at either end of the pitch, Zainizam Marjan’s headed effort was just wide of the target after a good cross from Rozaimi Abd Rahman.

Sabah who dominated the early exchanges, were given a rude shock when Izzaq Farris Ramlan scored a brace against the run of play..

Sabah fail to tame Harimau Muda A

The visiting team too were unlucky shortly after when the unmarked Abdul Shukor Jusoh’s effort was destined for the goalmouth until the interference from Mohd Reithuddin Emran who diverted the ball to safety.

In the 21st minute, Zainizam was guilty of missing the best chance of the half when he was put through on goal only to shoot straight at the goalkeeper.

Izzaq Farris Ramlan then put Harimau Muda A in the lead when he headed past goalie Azizon Abd Kadir in the 34th minute.

Sabah could have fallen behind further had Azizon not pulled off two outstanding saves just before the half time whistle to keep the scoreline within the homesters reach.

Harimau Muda A made the first substitution at the start of the second half bringing in Nazirul Naim Che Hashim for Mohd Affize Faizal Mamat but it was Sabah who had the first chance.

Zainizam volleyed from just outside the box but Zamir was not required to make a save.

However, Sabah could not build on that as Harimau Muda A took control of the match that forced head coach Justin Ganai into making substitutions, bringing in Sabri Sahar for Radzi Mohd Hussin and Razlan Oto for Md Farid Ideris.

The move nearly paid off as the fresh legs enabled Sabah to push forward and on one occasion Rozaimi was unlucky to see his goal-bound shot saved by Zamir.

Local import K. Thanaraj, who was initially dropped before being reinstated after making an appeal, was introduced for Rozaimi for his first appearance this season.

Thanaraj’s debut however was greeted with Harimau Muda A’s second goal through Izzaq in the 79th minute, taking advantage of the off-balance Reithuddin to slot into an empty net.

Kelantan FA Akan Bina Stadium Yang Baru

2011-05-18T09:40:00.000-07:00

Lakaran stadium baru Kelantan FA.

Kerajaan negeri Kelantan akan membina sebuah stadium yang memuatkan 40,000 orang di samping ruang masjid di merata-rata bahagiannya di Bukit Merbau, Pasir Puteh. Perkara ini diumumkan oleh Menteri Besar, Tuan Guru Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Mat dalam satu kenyataan media yang dibacakan selepas Mesyuarat Exco kerajaan negeri hari ini.

“Saya ingin membuat pengumuman pada hari ini satu berita gembira buat rakyat Kelantan khususnya peminat-peminat sukan tanahair di mana Kerajaan Kelantan telah bersetuju untuk membina sebuah kompleks sukan bersekali dengan Bandar baru untuk kegunaan aktiviti sukan di negeri ini. Kompleks tersebut yang antaranya akan menempatkan sebuah stadium utama dengan kapasiti 40,000 tempat duduk bertempat di atas tanah milik kerajaan di Bukit Merbau, Pasir Puteh,” kata beliau.

Katanya, kerajaan berhasrat agar stadium yang akan dibina ini turut memuatkan ruang masjid di merata-rata bahagian yang akan membolehkan penonton-penonton solat berjemaah dengan mudah di dalam stadium.

Ini bagi merealisasikan hasrat kerajaan negeri yang mahukan aktiviti sukan di negeri ini tidak berpisah dari roh Membangun Bersama Islam yang menjadi dasar pentadbiran kerajaan negeri.

Bagaimanapun rekabentuk secara terperinci terpulang kepada arkitek yang akan diberikan tanggungjawab ini nanti, katanya. Menurut Nik Aziz, cadangan pembangunan stadium dan kompleks sukan ini terbuka kepada mana-mana pemaju menghantarkan cadangan atas dasar BOT iaitu bina, operasi dan pindah.

“Saya berharap dengan pembinaan kompleks sukan ini nanti, aktiviti sukan di negeri ini dapat berdaya maju dengan lebih baik ke arah membentuk masyarakat yang sihat jasmani dan rohani insya-Allah,” katanya.

Sabah FA : Nostalgic Hall of Fame

2011-05-17T10:14:00.000-07:00

Sabah FA


Full name	Football Association of Sabah (Persatuan Bola Sepak Sabah)
Nickname(s)	SabaHawks
Founded	1977
Ground	Likas Stadium, Kota Kinabalu Sabah (Capacity: 30,000)
Chairman	Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman
Manager	Justin Ganai
Coach	Justin Ganai
League	Malaysia Super League
2010	Malaysia Premier League, 2nd

The Football Association of Sabah (Malay: Persatuan Bola Sepak Sabah) is a registered football association affiliated with the Football Association of Malaysia. The association's football team competes in Malaysia's football league representing the state of Sabah in Borneo. Sabah FA is a professional football club and one of the big name teams of the Malaysian football structure. They were in the Malaysia Premier League but promoted to Malaysia Super League in 2011. The team's home matches are played at the 30,000 capacity Likas Stadium in Kota Kinabalu, the capital city of Sabah.

Credit kepada: Md Razee Rossoneri,Leonardo Sr De Jones, SabahRhinos.com,

SABAH (The Rhinos) - 1996 DUNHILL Premier League Champions

History

The North Borneo Football Club(NBFC) changed its name to Sabah Amateur Football Association(SAFA) in 1977 prior to joining the Malaysia Football League. Past players include James Wong, Hassan Sani, Peter Rajah, and striker Matlan Marjan who scored a double against England 12th of June 1991

Sabah Selection Vs Manchester United 1980 (Likas Stdium)

Amateur Era

Sabah was a well known team during the Malaysian football semi-pro era as state team produced many quality players namely the trio of James Wong, Hassan Sani, and Peter Rajah. These players during their time led Sabah to become one of Malaysian football's most feared teams during the 80's.

One fine example was during the 1979 Malaysian League where Sabah started slowly. After a run of 8 matches, they stood with 3 wins, 2 draws and 3 losses but, during the later stages they stepped up a gear or five by winning all their remaining 8 matches with most of them by huge margins, including an incredible 8–0 thrashing of Sarawak, 7-0 hammering of Perak FA and the 6–1 beating of Terengganu FA. At the end of the season, Sabah finished as runners-up behind Singapore and became the highest scoring team with 49 goals in 12 games, which is an average of 3 goals per game.

Professional Era

When professional football was introduced by Football Association of Malaysia, Sabah also made a reputation of being one of the Malaysian League's most competitive teams. Quality professional players were produced from the ranks during the 1990s, most notably Matlan Marjan who helped Sabah finish as runners-up during 1993 and 1994 Malaysia FA Cup, and who at one time was appointed as the national team captain by the then Malaysian national team coach Claude LeRoy.

The positive results gained from the beginning of professional era however was cut short by the match fixing scandal that rocked Malaysian football in 1994. The scandal almost destroyed Sabah and Malaysian football in general. Sadly, Matlan was the one of several players found guilty for being involved in the scandal. As a punishment for their involvement in match fixing, he and the other players were banned for life by FIFA from being involved in football.

After the scandal, Sabah began its rebuilding process to regain their reputation in Malaysian football. Sabah won their first professional trophy, the Malaysia FA Cup in 1995. In the 1996 season, Sabah won their first league title and went through to the final of the Malaysia Cup for the first time but, unfortunately were beatened by Selangor FA through penalties.

The 2000 season could be considered as Sabah's worst since joining the Malaysian professional league. They were relegated to the second division and could not get past the group stages of the Malaysia Cup. However, Sabah quickly regained its performance in the 2001 season where they finished as runners-up behind Johor FC.

In the 2002 season, Sabah lining up players of calibre such as Zainizam Marjan, Khairul Azman Mohamed, and foreign striker Josiah Seton, finished third in the league and again managed to get through to the final of Malaysia Cup by beating Selangor Public Bank and Perak FA. Sabah however finished as runners-up yet again by losing to the same team that beat them in 1996 final, Selangor FA. This time, Sabah lost by 'golden goal' scored by Mohd Amri Yahyah.

In 2003, Sabah again finished third in Malaysia Premier League One. Sabah again reached the final of Malaysia Cup. Unfortunately again, this time they lost to club-side Selangor MPPJ by 3–0, with hattrick from Juan Manuel Arostegui.

When Malaysian Super League was introduced in 2004, Sabah struggled to be competitive against other teams in the top league. Sabah only managed to stay in Super League for two seasons as they were relegated to Malaysia Premier League for the 2005/06 season.

After the relegation to 2nd tier league, Sabah continued to struggle for promotion to get back into the top division. They lost to Pahang FA in the 2006/07 season play-off for a place in 2007/08 Malaysia Super League.

For the 2009 season, due to Football Association of Malaysia's new ruling of not allowing teams to hire foreign players, Sabah fielded an all-local team with home-grown talent and home-based players with two local imports to strengthen the squad and to compete in Malaysia Premier League, Malaysia FA Cup, and Malaysia Cup.

After 6 years playing in the 2nd tier Premier League, Sabah gained promotion to Super League and will play on the top division in 2011.

Honours

Title	Winners	Runners-up
Malaysia Cup		1996, 2002, 2003
Division 1/Premier 1/Super League	1996
Division 2/Premier 2/Premier League		2001, 2010
Malaysia FA Cup	1995	1993, 1994, 1998
Malaysian Charity Shield		1996

Achievements

Year	Position	League	FA Cup	Malaysia Cup
1995	5/15	Premier League	Champion	Semi Final
1996	Champion	Premier League	2nd Round	Runner-up
1997	3/15	Premier League	2nd Round	Group Stage
1998	5/12	Premier League	Runner-up	Semi Final
1999	4/10	Premier 1	Semi Final	Group Stage
2000	11/12	Premier 1	1st Round	Group Stage
2001	Runner-up	Premier 2	Semi Final	Group Stage
2002	3/14	Premier 1	Quarter Final	Runner-up
2003	4/13	Premier 1	Semi Final	Runner-up
2004	6/8	Super League	Quarter Final	Semi Final
2005	8/8	Super League	Quarter Final	Group Stage
2006	4/8	Premier League (Group B)	1st Round	Group Stage
2007	6/11	Premier League	Quarter Final	Semi Final
2008	4/13	Premier League	Quarter Final	Group Stage
2009	9/13	Premier League	1st Round	Group Stage
2010	2/12	Premier League	1st Round	Group Stage

Performances In The Regional Tournaments

Asian Cup Winners' Cup: 1 appearance

1996: Second Round

Liga M-Sabah FA 2003

Former players

Local players

Import players

Manager

Year	Manager
1999	Goh Thian Chuan
2000-01	Osman Jamal
2004-05	Mohd Joehari Mohd Ayub
2006-09	Abdul Rahman Datuk Mohd Zakaria
2009	Mohd Asyraaf Fong Abdullah
2010-	Gary Phillips

Coaches

Year	Manager
1989-90	Frank Upton
1990-92	Roy Lorenson
1992-95	Oldřich Sedláček
1995-96	Kelly Tham
1996-97	Ron Smith
1998	Ken Shellito
1999	Justin Ganai
1999	Ken Worden
2000-01	David Woodfield
2001-04	Peter Butler
2004-05	Jose Antonio Rocha Garrido
2005-06	Justin Ganai
2007-08	Drago Mamic
2008-09	Wathiq Naji Jasim
2009	Mohd Asyraaf Fong Abdullah
2010-	Gary Phillips

External links

Sabah lose to Harimau Muda 0-2 A at Home Match(15/5/2011)

2011-05-15T20:01:00.000-07:00

Sabah who dominated the early exchanges, were given a rude shock when Izzaq Farris Ramlan scored a brace against the run of play..

Sabah fail to tame Harimau Muda A

Sabah failed to tame Harimau Muda A at their own backyard when they lost 2-0 in a Super League match at the Likas Stadium here today.

He headed in the first goal in 34th minute and added the second in the 79th minute after a costly mistake by defender Md Reithuddin Emran who gave away possession inside the box.

The Sabah-Harimau Muda A match was the only Super League match played today.

Gunning for a hat-trick

Sabah head coach Justin Ganai said he has no special strategy, but will treat Harimau Muda A like any other team when they meet the national side in a Malaysian Super League challenge at the Likas Stadium tonight.

Nevertheless, he added, the spirit of wanting to win is pretty high in the squad following their back to back victory over Negeri Sembilan and Pahang respectively.

Justin has recorded a 100 per cent record since taking over the hot seat from Gary Phillips, who was removed from his dual role as head coach and team manager.

They defeated Negeri Sembilan and Pahang with an identical scoreline of 2-0 at home.

“There will be no special plan or strategy, but we will play our usual game,” said Justin, while hinting that he is likely to stick to the same line-up in the win over Negeri Sembilan.

“If there is any change, it will be a minor one and will involve one player,” he added, pointing out that he is uncertain whether Julamri Muhammad will be fully fit for the clash after limping out with cramp against Negeri Sembilan.

“He reported for training after the game against Negeri Sembilan, but I have asked him to take a good rest. I’ll see how it goes today (yesterday), and if he is cleared to play, then I think we are likely to stick to the same players.

“If not, then I’m thinking about playing Rozaimi (Abd Rahman) at the left of midfield, but he prefers playing at the centre of midfield.

“I also thought of using Leopold (Alfonso Otong), but he has not been so promising in training. He needs to take things more seriously in training. I’m also thinking of Razlan (Oto), but he is not so convincing playing the role. We have one who is looking good at the position in Hariri (Mohd Safii), but he is a little bit too hot tempered, and could have seen red in our last game.

“In our position, we just could not afford any blunder or blunders, and need all 11 men on the field and try to win the match, so when it comes to picking up the first team, we will try to pick the best for the team, who we believe can deliver the points,” he added.

“As I have said earlier, we are still determined and have high spirit to continue with our winning run.

Our expectations of winning is high, but I firmly believe that if the players can play like they did against Negeri Sembilan and Pahang where spirit and determination were high, I’m quite confident of another victory,” said Justin.

Ask on Harimau Muda A, he said: “I do know the team, but I don’t really know much about their players. Nevertheless, we have to give them some respect, but not to the extent that we have conceded defeat.”

“But we respect them because they are above us in the standings, and this is another good reason for us to double our efforts and get the victory tomorrow,” he added.

The tie is the only Super League match tonight. It is a first round tie that was initially cancelled by the match official, but Sabah won their protest for the replay. The match kicks off at 8:15pm.

Harimau Muda is currently seventh in the 14-team standings on 23 points after 18 games, while Sabah in 12th with 18 points.

A victory over the Harimau Muda A will see them move three points clear from the relegation zone.

Man Utd win Barclays Premier League 2011

2011-05-14T14:54:00.000-07:00

The youngster showed why he is so highly rated with an excellent display as he anticipated United attacks and snuffed out danger with well-timed tackles.

Wayne Rooney shed his own tears before breaking the hearts of Blackburn supporters with the penalty that not only earned Manchester United a record-breaking 19th title, but also kept Rovers lingering on the threshold of relegation.

And later the schoolboy Everton fan and former Goodison Park star confessed his personal satisfaction at the triumph because it removed Liverpool's name from the record books, saying he was overcome with emotion at the final whistle.

Roll with it: Javier Hernandez goes down under the challenge of Blackburn keeper Paul Robinson

United announce title parade

Manchester United will hold a victory parade in the city on May 30 to celebrate winning the Barclays Premier League title after a 1-1 draw against Blackburn.

The event will take place at lunchtime and the open-top bus parade will give fans the chance to join in the celebrations of a record-breaking 19th league title and also a potential Champions League success.

United's chief executive David Gill has revealed the club has been inundated with pleas from fans for a parade and he feels that it is a perfect way to honour this season's achievements.

'Breaking the record of league title wins is a big day in the club's illustrious history,' he said. 'We have received many letters and e-mails from fans encouraging us to hold a public celebration of that achievement and we believe this is a fitting way to mark it.'

Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council, said: 'Manchester United winning their 19th top flight title is a remarkable and historic achievement.

'We're sure fans will come out in their droves to celebrate and acclaim their heroes and that 30 May will be a memorable day for the whole city.'

'It was a long time before I actually took the kick and I was a nervous wreck,' said Rooney. 'Of course, it was always on my mind that this kick could win us the 19th title. It was a great personal satisfaction for me after all the ups and downs of the season.

'Winning the Premier League is a great feeling for us. And it's even more special for me because we have passed Liverpool. It is a great achievement for the whole club and for the players.

'We're now the most successful team in English football. And obviously being an Evertonian, it is all the more special for me that it is United's 19th title - and the one that has taken us past our main rivals Liverpool.

'It was terrifying standing there, just waiting to take the penalty. I just had to try to compose myself.

'The main thing was I knew where I was putting it - I had been practising them all week in training.'

It has been a rollercoaster 12 months for Rooney, who threatened to quit the club in November and for a long time struggled for form after injury and his disappointing World Cup campaign with England last summer.

Rooney's team-mate Ryan Giggs, who celebrated winning his 12th title, insisted being crowned champions was as special as ever. 'This is the trophy you want to win and I am so pleased,' he said.

Focused: Wayne Rooney runs up to take his penalty

'Twenty years ago nobody would have imagined we could ever reach 19. To overturn that sort of deficit on Liverpool is a great credit to the club, the manager and all the players who've been involved.

'It's great, obviously, to put one over our biggest rivals. This is what you live for and this is why I'm still playing.'

And Giggs was quick to dismiss the socalled experts who have criticised Ferguson's class of 2011 for not being up to the standards of previous United sides.

Relief: Wayne Rooney celebrates scoring his goal from the penalty spot

He said: 'We've just won the title and we're through to the Champions League final. Yes, we're a rubbish team, aren't we?

'Maybe earlier on in the season, we weren't playing great football, but since the turn of the year we've played some great stuff and deserve to be champions.'

Done it: Top scorer Berbatov joins the party as Alex Ferguson salutes the fans

Wayne Rooney shaves 19 into his chest to celebrate United's record title triumph

Wayne Rooney celebrated Manchester United's record Premier League title success by shaving '19' into his chest.

The striker, a boyhood Everton fan, took great delight in helping secure the title which took United ahead of Liverpool in the all-time list.

Cut above: Rooney put the picture on Twitter

Rooney scored from the penalty spot to earn United a 1-1 draw at Blackburn Rovers and claim the point needed to wrap up the title.

He said: 'Winning the Premier League is an incredible feeling and to get that 19th title to become the most successful English club is brilliant.

'Of course for me personally, being an Everton fan, it's even more special 19 times. It's a great feeling for the whole club, the team, the fans, everyone.'

Team-mate Michael Owen was stunned by Rooney's new look.

He tweeted: 'None of us thought Wazza would send that picture! He is madder than we thought!!!'

Man City Win FA Cup 2011

2011-05-14T14:45:00.000-07:00

Controversial Italian swears when describing his season to reporters but joined Joe Hart, Vincent Kompany, Micah Richards & Nigel De Jong in praising fans after cup triumph.

Thirty-Five years, two months and 17 days ago Manchester City won the League Cup. A generation has passed in which this famous football club had been reduced to being the punchline of everybody's favourite football joke, their capacity for calamity unrivalled throughout the leagues.

It may be the most expensive makeover in history, coming in at around £300million on players alone, but yesterday Manchester City finally shed their status as the comedy club of England, possibly forever.

For on Sunday, they won the FA Cup and the fact that their most bitter rivals from across the city had clinched a record-breaking 19th league title shortly beforehand mattered not a jot to those long-suffering supporters who celebrated at Wembley.

Trophy hunter: Yaya Toure smashes the ball past Stoke goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen

When Yaya Toure struck from inside the penalty area on 74 minutes, after some superb work from David Silva and Mario Balotelli, he broke what sometimes had seemed to be the longest curse in football history.

Even as the net bulged, the infamous banner at Old Trafford which celebrates the length of City's trophy drought was being dismantled.

For by that stage, there was no doubt that City would complete the task. So utterly had they dominated possession, so poorly had Stoke played, that it seemed inconceivable that City, even with their reputation for catastrophe, could concede the game.

Hounded out: City's David Silva (2nd right) is challenged by Stoke trio Ryan Shawcross (left), Robert Huth (2nd left) and Andy Wilkinson (right)

So it proved. Though there was a brief flurry of activity from Stoke in the three minutes of injury time, with a Jermaine Pennant cross almost meeting the head of Ryan Shawcross, there was little for City to worry about.

It was not one of the great finals; Stoke will be desperately disappointed with their performance, even allowing for the huge disparity in resources between the clubs.

Their best player by far was goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen, which tells its own story. But for the Dane's excellence, Stoke would have suffered a humiliation, yet the significance lay in the result rather than the performance.

Up for the Cup: Manchester City's Gareth Barry (left) challenges Stoke City's Jermaine Pennant

Roberto Mancini, a man who has been doubted by his own employers at key points in this campaign, has delivered Champions League football next season and a major trophy in an extraordinary week for the club. And that represents a seismic change in City's fortunes however stratospheric the ambitions of owner Sheik Mansour may be.

Mancini's infuriating commitment to caution is unparalleled in the Premier League. But by starting with Carlos Tevez - a captain whose last significant act at the club could well be lifting the FA Cup - Silva and Balotelli, an altogether different side to the man was revealed.

Balotelli was the principal gamble and how he repaid his manager, his backheel that indirectly led to the only goal being the game's delight.

City slickers: Rock star and City fan Liam Gallagher (left) and manager Roberto Mancini

When he had received an elbow to the throat on 15 minutes from Robert Huth that went unpunished, you feared the worst for the volatile Italian. Mancini winced when reminded of the incident.

'This was difficult for him,' said the manager with a wry smile. 'But I said to him before the game ''If I see that you are nervous and don't think about the game, then you will come off''. I think it is now important he realises he has a big talent and he can't lose his big talent.'

His talent rather than his temperament dominated. His stunning firsthalf strike from 25 yards that forced Sorensen to dive left and tip it over with his right hand - Stoke boss Tony Pulis called it 'save of the season' - was the best of several first-half contributions from wide left. Tevez and Silva played admirable supporting roles, yet the Spaniard's embarrassment was acute on 36 minutes.

Smash hits: Manchester City's Yaya Toure (right) celebrates scoring against Stoke

Tevez played in Balotelli and though Sorensen pushed the ball away from the City striker, it fell invitingly for Silva. Eight yards out with the goalkeeper stranded, Silva drove the ball into the ground and saw it bounce high over the bar.

The accumulation of chances continued. To the first-half strikes of Tevez, turned away by Sorensen on five minutes, Toure, a swerver from 45 yards which flew just wide, and Vincent Kompany, parried by the Stoke keeper, were second-half efforts from Aleksandar Kolarov, into the side-netting, and Tevez, just wide.

Yet, with an hour gone and City utterly dominant, Kenwyne Jones got the wrong side of Joleon Lescott on to a long ball from Matthew Etherington and was through. Joe Hart blocked, but it was a tense moment.

Super save: Stoke keeper Thomas Sorensen somehow pushed away Mario Balotelli's strike

'This is a problem we've had all season,' said Mancini. 'Many times we've dominated games and deserved to score three or four in the first half. We should be happy for our supporters for this trophy after many years but I think we need to improve.'

The best you could say of Stoke was that Sorensen's excellence apart, Huth and Shawcross defended manfully in the face of serial trickery from City's front three. But overwhelmed in midfield, it took 21 minutes to register a shot, from Jones, which was easily blocked.

More consistent with the flow of the game was Balotelli's impish backheel, which released Silva for a return pass. Though Balotelli's shot was blocked, it fell to Toure and his left-footed strike was clean and finally defeated Sorensen.

We had been waiting an age for it to come. Then again, half of Wembley had been waiting a generation.

'My season was s***' - Mario Balotelli swears in TV interview after winning FA Cup with Manchester City

Manchester City’s FA Cup-winning front-man Mario Balotelli rejoiced in Wembley with a host of team-mates after the 1-0 victory over Stoke City, but told reporters in no uncertain terms that he wasn’t happy with his season up until the triumph.

The striker completed the full course of the fixture and had a major hand in breaking the deadlock when his effort rebounded kindly for Yaya Toure to smash home.

But when quizzed on the day and the occasion by reporters on the Wembley pitch, the Italian described his season in a sensational manner.

“My season was s***, can I say that? My season was not very good, so today maybe I played more for the team," Balotelli told ITV.

"[Eric] Cantona was really a big player, but I am different, I am Mario.

“I’m happy, I said to the guys before the game that we are better than them but we have to respect them because they are a team unit. I said you have to give everything and if we give everything we will win. “

City’s players went about their business professionally on the day, controlling large parts of the clash and remaining solid and controlled after eventually taking the lead, a factor which pleased anchor man Nigel De Jong.

The Dutchman told ESPN: “We deserved it, from the first minute we dominated. Of course you know they’re going to come back with long balls and set pieces but I think we did a terrific job, dominated them and deserved the win today.

“The feeling is unreal. We worked so hard this year to win a trophy and to win the FA Cup, that’s just the end of a beautiful year and not only for the team but also for all the fans, they’ve been waiting for 35 years but to come out like this, I think the city will be blue for a very long time.”

The ending of a 35-year wait for a trophy seemed at the forefront of City minds as both Vincent Kompany and substitute Adam Johnson celebrated the victory.

Kompany said: “Look at our fans, 35 years, I don’t think people realise, it’s unbelievable and everybody is happy and in my personal opinion this is the first hopefully of many to come in the future. This is the target - we’ve laid won the first brick and now we can build the house on it.”

“It’s the biggest cup competition in the world, we’ve won it today and look what it means to the fans. Thirty-five years wait for it and we did it,” added Adam Johnson.

Despite wrapping up a week in which the club secured both their first domestic trophy in 35 years and Champions League qualification for the first-time, England men Micah Richards and Joe Hart were keen to look to the future.

Hart was adamant the day belonged to the blue half of Manchester, despite rivals Manchester United wrapping up Premier League glory earlier in the day.

“I couldn’t care less what they do at Old Trafford, it’s nothing to do with Man United today, it’s all about Man City and these fans, players and staff,” said Hart.

“We deserved to win the cup, we beat the best, we beat a very good Stoke City side. I know we’re brilliant, a bit more consistency next season and you never know.”

His compatriot Micah Richards added: “It’s unbelievable, I can’t describe it, we’ve worked hard all season and we’ve won it, I can’t believe it, look at the fans, they’ve been there from day one, it’s unbelievable.

"This is the start, this is the first one and this is most important one, it’s about building from this, it’s exciting times and we’ll get bigger each year.”

LIVE: Manchester City end 35-year wait for silverware with FA Cup triumph over Stoke - as it happened

FA CUP FINAL

Man City 1 Stoke 0 FT

FULL TIME: Manchester City 1 Stoke 0

Man City end their 35-year wait for silverware courtesy of a Yaya Toure strike deep into the second half.

Stoke were never really in it, it was more a matter of Man City working out a way to break them down.

A thoroughly deserved win, but you fancy this is just the start of a very exciting journey for Roberto Mancini's side. Oh, and that means a City v United clash back at Wembley in early August for the Community Shield... should be a cracker!

Winner! Toure wheels away after scoring the goal which secured City's first silverware in 35 years

90+2min: Change for Man City: David Silva is replaced by Patrick Vieira. Stoke win three corners but they fail to threaten the goal.

90min: We'll have three minutes added on. To be fair we could play for another three hours and Stoke wouldn't score.

88min: Huge ovation for Carlos Tevez who is replaced for the last couple of minutes by Pablo Zabaleta.

86min: Midfield change for Stoke: Glenn Whelan is replaced by Danny Pugh.

85min: Great save Sorensen! Silva thumps a low drive from the angle across the keeper who does well to get down and palm the ball away from goal.

83min: Nowt doing for Stoke, Man City are retaining the lion's share of possession and win a corner which they decide to hold down in the corner for as long as they can to run down the clock a few agonising seconds.

81min: Substitution for Stoke: Rory Delap is replaced by John Carew.

79min: What have Stoke got? Can they fashion just one chance to get themselves back into this final? Their record over the previous 80-odd minutes suggests they probably won't.

Goal! Toure slams home from 12 yards out to hand Man City the lead

76min: Yep, there's that now famous celebration from the Man City fans: backs to the pitch, arms link over the shoulders of those stood next to them. Bouncy, bouncy!

74min: GOAL! Manchester City 1 Stoke City 0 (Yaya Toure)

Who'd a thunk it, Toure finds the back of the net at the same end he scored the winner against United in the semi-final. Balotelli's neat backheel on the edge of the box finds Silva who loses control of the ball, but the Italian lashes a shot goalwards. The effort is blocked and falls kindly to Toure who fair thrashes home from 12 yards out.

73min: First change for City: Adam Johnson replaces Gareth Barry. Very attacking move from Mancini.

69min: Man City deal very well with another Delap throw in. In fact, they've dealt with everything Stoke have thrown at them, but the longer this game progresses, the greater the chance that just one goal will seal the trophy. Just saying, like.

65min: A Rory Delap throw booms into the box, City clear. By the sound of it, Arsene Wenger's comments that Stoke play 'rugby football' is sticking. The Potters fans belt out Swing Low Sweet Chariot. Amusing.

Hart of the defence: The City 'keeper makes a confident claim as Stoke press

63min: First change of the afternoon - Matthew Etherington is hooked and Dean Whitehead comes on in his place.

61min: Kenwyne Jones, one-on-one with Joe Hart... but the keeper spreads himself and block. Fine, fine save. Credit to Matthew Etherington whose through ball was inch-perfect. Big moment.

56min: Balotelli slams his shoulder into Pennant's back and Stoke win a free kick down by the corner flag. They work a short routine and the ball flashes around the box but Man City clear their lines.

City scream upfield and Tevez finds Silva in acres of space but he dallies an aaaage on the ball and Stoke clear. The Argentina striker then angles a shot on goal which flies a yard or so wide. This game is very much alive and well!

54min: Ouch. Toure arrives late on Wilson and rakes his boots down the back of the Stoke defender's calf. Ref misses it.

53min: Worrying signs for Stoke. Looks like Pennant has had as recurrence of the ankle knock he suffered in the first half. he's stepping around the pitch gingerly.

Safety in numbers: Stoke throw defenders around Silva to halt his progress

50min: Better from Stoke. Pennant fluffs his lines when well placed on the edge of the box, skewing his shot into bodies rather than at goal. And Etherington escapes his marker momentarily, but his cross is blocked.

47min: Much consternation over the tardy return of hundreds of fans in the posh seats. I'm inclined to agree, there are thousands of Stoke And Man City fans who would have loved to take those seats.

46min: Early chance for Man City: Kolarov escapes the offside trap down the left and with players lining up to take the cut back, he decides to slam the ball into the side netting.

SECOND HALF: No changes to either side which means Jermaine Pennant has shrugged off his ankle knock and Matthew Etherington has convinced Tony Pulis he is fit despite all the evidence to the contrary. City get the game back underway.

HALF TIME: Manchester City 0 Stoke City 0

An entertaining game, enough goalmouth action to keep you interested, but I fancy both sides have a couple more gears they can move up to make this game worthy of its billing. I'll have the second half for you in a bit.

Net result: Sorensen's flying save denies Balotelli

45+1min: Forget that, think we'll have a bit longer at the end of this game - Jermaine Pennant has gone over on his ankle and looks in quite some discomfort. Worrying times for Stoke, Pennant has been their best attacking outlet so far.

45min: We'll have one minute added on...

43min: De Jong side-foots a timid drive wide from 25 yards out. Ho, hum.

40min: Yellow card. Robert Huth - who is lucky to still be on the pitch following his earlier clash with Mario Balotelli - is cautioned for a double-footed lunge on Micah Richards.

39min: Another decent chance for City: Tevez through the inside right channel cuts the ball back to Balotelli who aims to shoot just six yards out but Stoke get bodies in the way.

No way through: Balotelli's route to goal is blocked by Sorensen

38min: Pennant - who has been Stoke's best player today - picks the ball up wide right and heads goalwards. With options left and right, he opts to roll the ball in to Jones who fluffs his lines and skews an ambitious drive from just outside the box well wide.

35min: Silva five yards out with the Stoke goal gaping... but he sends it over! An absolute sitter. An exquisite clip over the defence from Tevez finds Balotelli who really should shoot first time, but he takes a touch. The ball bounces away from him but only to Silva who slams his shot down into the ground, his effort sails high over the bar when he really should have scored.

30min: Handball shout as the ball bounces up on to Vincent Kompany's arm, ref says nothing doing. Correct decision. Man City break up the other end and guess who's to receive the pass form De Jong? Yep, Kompany arrives on cue but sends a rather tame shot in Sorensen's arms.

29min: More trickery in the box from Tevez, the striker very nearly fashions a yard for the shot but Stoke swarm defenders around the ball and clear.

24min: Fine shot, great save. Brilliant piece of football all round as Toure finds Balotelli on the edge of the box, the Italian skips inside his marker and bends an exquisite right-foot curler towards the corner of the goal but Sorensen's fingertip save sends the ball around the post. Super stuff.

Jermain men: Tevez and Pennant have been the most threatening players for their teams so far

21min: Great link-up play from Walters who find Jones in the box, the noise levels rise at the Stoke end but his shot is blocked by Kompany.

18min: Man City continue to impress on the break. Toure's 50-yard crossfield pass finds Tevez who screams into the box, Sorensen hesitates and the Argentinian skips past the keeper, but the angle is too tight for a shot. He rolls the ball back to Balotelli who is blocked out.

15min: Now then, real controversy here. Whistles rain down from the Man City fans as Mario Balotelli writhes on the floor after a 'coming together' with Robert Huth. And the replays aren't kind to the German who clearly sticks an elbow into the Italian's jaw. Neither the ref or his assistant saw the incident so we move on.

13min: Stoke didn't need him in the semi-final for any of their five goals, but Delap has an early chance to send a long throw in to test the Man City defence. But nowt comes of it, ironic jeers from the fans in blue as it is easily nodded clear.

11min: Boom! Yaya Toure thumps a venomous drive from a good 25 yards out which zips past junction of post and bar.

Early chance: Stoke's John Walters has a shy at goal

9min: It's all Man City so far: They're first to the loose balls and are finding passes with ease. De Jong earns jeers from the Stoke end after booming a speculative rive from the edge of the box high over the bar.

4min: First chance of the match falls to Man City. Tevez profits from a slip in the Stoke defence, cuts across the back line and fires in a venomous right-foot drive which Sorensen does well to parry away.

KICK OFF: Stoke get us underway (a couple of minutes late) in their famous red and white stripe kits, Man City facing them in their light blue kit....

2.58pm: City fans doing their Poznan/backward/jumping celebration. They tend to save that for after goals... they will hope they haven't jinxed it.

2.56pm: Stacey Solomon singing God Save the Queen in an faux-American accent... 'Gaaaaad say-ay-ay-ay-ve aaaaar graaaaycious Queeeeeen'. Oh dear.

2.55pm: Ahhhh, the nervous wait in the tunnel, players, officials and respective managers look tense. What's the only thing that can make that wait any worse? The news that you have to walk out on to the pitch to face 90,000 screaming fans!

Here they come, the players are on their way out.

Wembley way: Manchester City fans (above) and Stoke fans (below) soak up the pre-match atmosphere

2.50pm: Your attention please, turn to the back of your matchday programmes where you will find the word to Abide With Me.

2.41pm: Time for the team news then... quite a few surprises in there, let me tell you: Carlos Tevez has been handed a place in the starting line-up in the FA Cup final against Stoke at Wembley.

The Argentina striker proved his fitness in midweek after a hamstring injury by stepping off the bench in the win over Tottenham. Tevez partners Mario Balotelli up front with City aiming to win their first major trophy in 35 years.

Man City v Stoke - teams

Man City: Hart, Richards, Kompany, Lescott, Kolarov, De Jong, Barry, Toure Yaya, Silva, Tevez, Balotelli. Subs: Given,
Zabaleta, Milner, Dzeko, Adam Johnson, Vieira, Boyata.
Stoke: Sorensen, Wilson, Huth, Shawcross, Wilkinson, Pennant,
Whelan, Delap, Etherington, Walters, Jones. Subs: Nash, Collins, Pugh, Diao, Whitehead, Carew, Faye.
Referee: Martin Atkinson

There is also good news for Stoke, who are appearing in the final for the first time, with both Matthew Etherington and Robert Huth in the team after hamstring and knee injuries respectively.

2.40pm: Erm, I'll mention this quietly for all you Manchester City fans... United are Champions. That's it, I won't mention it again. I promise.

2.36pm: So, will today’s match rate up there as one of the all-time classics? Lord knows, this famous old trophy has served up a mixed bag in recent memory. But what has been your favourite final of all time?

2.30pm: Whatever happens today, we are guaranteed an historic afternoon. Remarkably, these two sides have been waiting a combined 74 years, four months and 28 days for some silverware.

That wait ends today, for one of them, at least.

Afternoon everyone and welcome to Sportsmail's coverage of the FA Cup final between Manchester City and Stoke City from Wembley Stadium.

The bookies make Roberto Mancini's side clear favourites to take today's final but, in truth, both of these teams arrive at the showpiece event in very good form.

Tony Pulis's side have lost just once in the last nine and put Arsenal to the sword by way of an entree to this clash in the capital.

And if anyone is uncertain as to just how bad the underdog's bite is, may I direct you to this season's Carling Cup final between Birmingham and Arsenal. Form goes out of the window on days like these.

But Mancini has been quick to fend off any thoughts of complacency from his team this afternoon.

‘Arsenal against Birmingham is a perfect example,’ he said. ‘I will remind the players of that but they know that against Stoke it will be very hard. I’ve played against Stoke three or four times in one year and we’ve had a problem in every game. Every game! They’re not easy to play against.’

Tuesday's victory over Tottenham means the fans at Eastlands will be watching Champions League football next season, but winning an actual trophy today would round off a very rewarding season for the Italian.

It's the big one and its sure to be a cracker. I'll bring you all the team news as we get it and you can direct your thoughts on the day's action in this direction:

Wembley way: City won the battle with United last month, now can they seal the trophy?

Exclusive: He was a nine-year-old rebel but now Vincent is the ideal Kompany man

Bad news for Manchester City ahead of the FA Cup final. They have another rebel in their midsts. The better news is that Vincent Kompany has the rage under control these days.

‘As you get older you learn how to lead,’ Kompany told Sportsmail. ‘When I was younger it was not like that. I would storm in to see the manager and say, “You have got your team wrong. You have got to do this instead”. And when I mean younger, I mean really young. I was eight or nine when I was doing this!

‘Then I would walk out of training when I had the feeling that the team wasn’t doing things right. I was just too angry that people couldn’t be bothered and stuff. I was always bothered. I always had to win. So I would just walk off midway through. Go home.

Happy days: Vincent Kompany celebrates after Manchester City beat Manchester United to reach the final

‘When you get older — I am 25 now — you learn that you can’t just walk out of training if you are angry or start shouting at everyone. You have to try and contain it and think of something you are going to say that’s going to make a difference.’

It's the dressing room at Wembley 10 minutes before City’s FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United last month. Vincent Kompany is preparing to make a difference.

‘I wanted to say something, so I kept it simple,’ recalled Kompany, who has recently been captain in place of the injured Carlos Tevez. ‘I said to the lads that when we won we would go and do the “Poznan” celebration with the fans. I said not “if” but “when” because that’s what I believe before every game. It’s a distinction. It’s important. I wanted the others to think that too.’

City’s victory over United that day remains fresh in Kompany’s mind. It’s cherished, and with good reason. Two months earlier, Kompany had the best view of all of one of the goals of the season as Wayne Rooney’s bicycle kick won a tight Barclays Premier League derby at Old Trafford.

‘It was an unbelievable goal,’ he recalled. ‘But a couple of weeks after the defeat we learned that we would play United again in the Cup semi-finals. I thought that was the best thing. We just needed to get that image of Rooney’s goal out of our heads.

Stunned: Kompany (left) watches Wayne Rooney score against City

‘It was a defeat and whether people want to play them down or not, derbies are really big for the people in Manchester. The derby at Wembley was more than just football, so to beat them meant everything to us. Symbolically it was unbelievable. There is no point saying it didn’t mean the world to us, because it did.’

Kompany is an intelligent man. He speaks four languages, follows politics and is an obsessive reader, while his three years in Manchester have seen him grow to understand the city’s sporting culture. How interesting, then, that he could feasibly have been playing for the other side.

A prodigious teenage talent at Anderlecht six or seven years ago — he was once known as the ‘Belgian Desailly’ — Kompany was contacted by several large European clubs about a possible move. United were one of them.

Kompany was tempted but said ‘no’, choosing instead to stay in Belgium to complete his studies at a Flemish-speaking school.

‘Just because I had played one first-team game it didn’t mean I was going to be safe in football all my life,’ he said. ‘I had to have something to fall back on.

‘At City, I feel I have done a lot so far and I feel I am pretty much part of what is happening. At another club I could have three or four titles but I wouldn’t have been there from the start. So what would that have meant? Not much.’

Vincent Kompany’s story began in Brussels in 1986. Born to Pierre, an immigrant from the Congo, and Jocelyne, he grew up in the red light district behind the main railway station.

His father was a taxi driver who studied to become an engineer. He lost his mother three years ago to cancer. His attitude is simple.

‘My father didn’t come all the way he did to give me chances and for me to fail,’ Kompany said. ‘I owe it to him and to myself to do well.

‘These are the things that define personalities. These are the things that have defined mine.

‘Where I come from, not a lot of people have been successful. It’s always been pretty difficult to get out. I know that hard work and a strong mentality have helped me.

Rising star: Kompany attracted plenty of attention while at Anderlecht in Belgium

‘But, as I talk to you now, I am still quite far from where my goals are. We are able to say we are in a good club and doing good things. But I am nowhere near to where I want to be.

‘You only have so long in football, so probably what I want will be unachievable but I always think: “Let’s try it”.

‘Why not win a Champions League? Why not win a Premier League? I am not saying that these things sound realistic right now. But why not set it at as a goal? From there we can work towards it and see how we go.’

Kompany’s decision to stay at Anderlecht as a young player was soon followed by a two-year lay-off with injury. As a result his eventual move from Belgium saw him end up at Hamburg in Germany.

A more modest destination than those put before him earlier, he eventually got his move to England in the summer of 2008.

Stepping stone: Kompany starred for Hamburg before joining City

‘Some people said Hamburg was wrong,’ he said. ‘I disagreed and eventually I got to where I wanted to be. England.’

The last signing made by City prior to the club’s purchase by Sheik Mansour, Kompany cost a club that has subsequently spent £350m on players a modest £6m. Having grown up as a defender, Kompany actually arrived at Eastlands as a central midfielder.

But the subsequent signings of Nigel de Jong, Yaya Toure and Gareth Barry, coupled with some defensive problems at the club, saw Kompany gravitate once more towards the centre of defence.

Literally and metaphorically, he rarely looks back now.

‘When I was a centre back in some teams it was a problem,’ he said. ‘If you are playing in that position for a team that isn’t strong enough, all you are doing is running for others. I don’t enjoy that.

‘But when you play in a good team like ours, it’s actually very enjoyable to play at the back.

‘Sometimes what I didn’t like at centre back was that as soon as something went wrong, everybody blamed the defence. In midfield you are protected from the blame. But ever since I have played in this position at City I have completely enjoyed it.

‘I also think that, as a player, one of the biggest compliments and marks of respect is when you are playing and there are big players — talented players — on the bench. You have to appreciate that and I do.’

Recently described by some pundits as the Premier League’s best central defender, Kompany’s rise to prominence at Eastlands has been steady. It hasn’t always been easy, losing his mother and also his place in the team when a foot injury required surgery last season.

City is a club where players don’t always take setbacks very well. Some have taken their ball home rather than stay and try to impress coach Roberto Mancini.

Kompany, who has previously described Mancini as a ‘genius’, had a different attitude.

‘Yeah, I have had a period when things went wrong in my life,’ he said. ‘I have had injuries and I lost my mum. But I must say also that sometimes if you want to be strong it’s best not to think of anything at all.

‘Coming from me, that sounds weird I know, because I tend to think about a lot of stuff. But sometimes you just don’t have to think.

On the up: Kompany (centre) helped secure City's place in the Champions League next season

‘I knew when I was injured, for example, that a team only has two centre halves and two central midfielders and if those positions are taken by players who are doing fantastically well, then you are struggling.

‘Like anybody, I can count and I knew my name didn’t fit in that equation at that time. But I wouldn’t let myself dwell on that.

‘I could have spent the whole of my rehabilitation and preparation thinking of another club, but that was never an option for me.

‘My approach is that if anyone is better than you, then you must look at what they have got and then try eventually to match it and then become better than them.

‘In my situaton now, I have made a lot of progress. So that’s good. But ultimately we will all be judged by what we achieve for this club. Those fans will be our judge.’

Having been at City during perhaps the most remarkable three years of the club’s history, Kompany has witnessed great change. Not all of what he has seen has been good. City’s training ground has been a lively place.

Community spirit: Kompany attended the opening of new football pitches

He does benefit from perspective, though. Not only does he believe Mancini’s squad is tighter than it was when the likes of Robinho and Craig Bellamy were in it, he even has a little sympathy for the current media villain, Mario Balotelli.

‘Sometimes (laughs) he’s a bit unlucky,’ he said. ‘Sometimes we are all a bit unlucky if the stupid things we do are caught on camera.

‘I was thinking recently about the problems he had and that I have had. I was in a situation like Mario once in Belgium. I arrived late for something. It got into the wrong people’s ears and it became a silly story.

‘I was actually late because I had been to my grandmother’s funeral. But it blew up.

‘At the time it fitted the picture that people wanted to have of me. But I thought to myself that whatever happened it wouldn’t really change the world. That’s what I thought. Mario must think like this.

‘Things have happened [with other players] here in my time but it’s more of a problem if you feel a situation isn’t going to eventually evolve in a positive way.

‘You very much know what to tell people to try and win a game and if they take it on board then they do and if they don’t the manager or other people will take care of it. I let them take care of it and they did.

‘I really believe that when you have a situation where someone is not right for the group then the manager or director has to take care of it. It’s not up to the players. We have a strong group now, though.

‘Myself, Nigel, Carlos, [Joleon] Lescott, Shay [Given] ... and I could go on. Patrick [Vieira], obviously. It makes it easier for a manager when they have strong personalities in the squad. Having said that, everything is in some way related to how you perform.

‘If you have a team of supposed winners and you are not winning then it can be tricky sometimes. You have a problem.’

At a Manchester City community event on the day we meet, Kompany is relaxed.

City’s community scheme has teamed up with the Manchester Sport and Leisure Trust to transform the under-used Regional Tennis Centre next to Eastlands into a facility also suitable for football.

In the spring sunshine, Kompany poses with children who will be able to use the new pitches.

Our conversation is about a serious business, though. The FA Cup Final will, after all, be perhaps the biggest day of Kompany’s burgeoning career so far.

Over to you: Kompany (centre right) will let Carlos Tevez (centre left) lift the trophy if City beat Stoke

City will start as favourites against Tony Pulis’s Stoke side. Lose and the victory over United will mean nothing.

‘The one thing we can say for sure is we will not underestimate them and we will take this game just as seriously as the United game,’ he said. ‘There is no one in our team thinking that we are favourites and that we just have to go there and wrap it up and lift the Cup.

‘I remember when I went to a supporters’ meeting in Stockport before the semi-final they were saying that if we beat United that is all that matters. They said they didn’t care what happened after that.

‘Now, though, we realise the final is much more important. People maybe don’t realise how much this means to us. We want that cup and we’ll do everything we can to get it.’

And if City do win, then who collects the trophy? Tevez and Kompany with one hand each?

‘No way,’ he smiled. ‘Carlos lifts the cup. He is the club captain. I will be following with the champagne and I will be celebrating. Don’t worry.’

2011 UEFA Champions League final ball unveiled

2011-05-14T14:33:00.000-07:00

Representatives from the three London clubs still involved in the UEFA Champions League – Arsenal FC’s Samir Nasri, Salomon Kalou of Chelsea FC and Jermain Defoe from Tottenham Hotspur FC – today helped UEFA and adidas unveil the official match ball for this season’s final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 28 May.

The Finale London, official match ball for the 2011 UEFA Champions League final, has been launched by adidas with a helping hand from Samir Nasri, Salomon Kalou and Jermain Defoe.

The Finale London becomes the 11th in the series of match balls supplied by adidas for the UEFA Champions League final – marking the latest milestone in the sports-apparel manufacturer’s partnership with UEFA – and will make its competitive debut in the conclusion to the European club season in the English capital. The red-and-white design of the Finale London reflects the cross of St George, the patron saint of England, while the ball also includes an orange top star and the final logo of two lions holding the UEFA Champions League trophy.

The famous stadium will host the final for a record sixth time, and UEFA competitions director Giorgio Marchetti said the prestigious fixture “needed to come back to Wembley after 19 years’ wait”.

He added: “We expect a great night of football here with close to 90,000 spectators and two major European teams. The starball is an icon of the Champions League and it’s an incredible privilege to play with it. Every year we have a new ball and every final we have a new ball. It’s important to mark the uniqueness of every final we play by blending the elements of the Champions League into the elements of the city where we play.”

Tottenham’s Jermain Defoe kicked off the launch with an unannounced visit to a local school, handing out signed balls to delighted pupils. He also played football with the children, who revelled in having their photo taken with the England striker.

The hope for Arsenal midfielder Samir Nasri and Chelsea forward Salomon Kalou, meanwhile, was that their sides would meet in the final. “I would love an Arsenal-Chelsea final because it’s two clubs from London,” Nasri said, before adding: “I like the ball – red and white is Arsenal colours so maybe it’s a sign for us to get to the final. I have a dream about the Champions League – it’s the best competition for a club, we’re still in it and we want to come back to Wembley.”

Kalou said: “I prefer [to play Arsenal in the final] because we have a good record against them. But every time we’ve been to Wembley we’ve had a good game – hopefully we’ll get to this final and do it again. It’s a great stadium with a great atmosphere, playing here is always special, so I’m looking forward to it.”

The Finale London follows the pattern established by last season’s Finale Madrid, where the technology of the ball was adjusted to fit the star panel design, making the ball an even more significant icon of the event. Its star panel and hexagonal design ensure the truest possible flight, while the ball retains the goose-bump texture of previous editions to guarantee more power, swerve and control.

KEDUDUKAN SEMASA Liga Super & Liga Perdana Malaysia 2011(14/5/2011)

2011-05-14T14:20:00.000-07:00

KEDUDUKAN SEMASA Liga Super & Liga Perdana Malaysia 2011.

Sabah FA : Nostalgic Hall of Fame

2011-05-14T13:17:00.000-07:00

Persatuan Bola Sepak Sabah atau Sabah FA adalah sebuah kelab bola sepak profesional yang mewakali negeri Sabah dalam kejohanan bola sepak di Malaysia. Stadium utama pasukan ini ialah Stadium Likas yang terletak di Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

Sabah FA

Nama penuh

Persatuan Bola Sepak Sabah (SAFA)

Gelaran

SabaHawks

Ditubuhkan

19xx

Lokasi

Stadium Likas,Kota Kinabalu
(Kapasiti 30,000)

Pengerusi

Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman

Jurulatih

Gary Phillips

Liga

Liga Perdana Malaysia

2010




Kit tuan rumah




Kit tempat lawan

Hassan Sani
-Lahir pada 12 Mac 1958.Beliau merupakan bekas pemain bola sepak negara kita yang pernah bermain bersama Sabah FA dan Kuala Lumpu FA pada sekitar tahun 1970-an sehinggalah penghujung 1980-an.Digelar sebagai lipas kudung oleh para peminat kerana beliau merupakan pemain paling pantas dalam skuad Malaysia.Wow.!

* Super header dari beliau bagi menghasilkan gol penyamaan ketika Malaysia menentang Korea Selatan

Sabah merupakan pasukan yang paling berjaya di Malaysia Timur. Pencapaian Sabah dalam Liga mahupun Piala Malaysia belum dapat ditandingi jirannya Sarawak FA.

Beberapa pemain kebangsaan Malaysia telah dilahirkan dari pasukan ini seperti Matlan Marjan dan penyerang kembar Malaysia era 80-an Hassan Sani dan James Wong.

Sabah Selection Vs Manchester United 1980 (Likas Stdium)

Sejarah

Sabah merupakan salah satu pasukan yang begitu dikenali di Malaysia. Zaman kegemilangan Sabah bermula pada penghujung tahun 1970-an. Pada masa inilah beberapa pemain berkualiti dilahirkan. Pemain seperti Hassan Sani dan James Wong merupakan tonggak yang membantu Sabah menjadi naib juara liga dan layak ke separuh akhir Piala Malaysia pada tahun 1979 dan paling menarik Sabah menjadi pasukan yang paling banyak menjaringkan gol.Tidak cukup dengan itu, status Sabah semakin melonjak apabila gergasi Inggeris Manchester United berkunjung ke bumi Sabah pada tahun 80-an untuk mengadakan satu perlawanan persahabatan. Perlawanan tersebut menyaksikan Manchester United menewaskan pilihan Sabah dengan jaringan 0-2.

James Wong

-Beliau lahir pada tahun 1952.Bekas pemain lagenda bola sepak kebangsaan kite & Sabah ini berada dalam kancah Liga Malaysia pada era 1970an sehinggalah ke pertengahan 80-an.Dikenali dan dipanggil sebagai Ah Fook oleh team-matesnya serta King James oleh para peminatnya.Allahyarham Mokhtar Dahari pula memberi gelaran "balak" kepadanya.Balak ?

Still remember ? Beliaulah yang menjadi penjaring gol kemenangan kepada negara kita menewaskan Korea Selatan 2-1 dan sekaligus membawa negara kite layak ke Sukan Olimpik 1980.

Apabila liga separuh profesional diperkenalkan pada awal 1989. Sabah menjadi antara pasukan yang sering mencabar pasukan elit seperti Selangor dalam kancah bola sepak Malaysia. Pemain seperti Matlan Marjan yang ketua pasukan kebangsaan pada masa itu, membantu Sabah memenagi pertandingan profesional pertama mereka iaitu Piala FA Malaysia pada tahun 1995 setelah menewaskan Pahang 3-1. Meskipun skandal rasuah bola sepak berlaku pada 1994 dan 1995 yang melibatkan beberapa tonggak Sabah seperti penyerang berbisa kebangsaan Matlan Marjan, bola sepak Sabah kekal pada prestasinya. Sabah berjaya memenangi Piala FA Malaysia pada 1995 dan Liga Perdana (kini Liga Super Malaysia) pada 1996. Sabah juga muncul selaku naib juara Piala Malaysia 1996.

Pada era 2000, prestasi Sabah mula merosot. Mereka sekadar menduduki tangga ke 11 liga dan tersingkir ke Liga Perdana 2. Sabah cuba bangkit pada musim berikutnnya dan berjaya menjadi naib juara liga. Sabah kembali ke pentas utama bola sepak Malaysia dan mereka berjaya menduduki tempat ketiga liga. Sabah juga muncul selaku naib juara Piala Malaysia 2002 buat kali kedua.

Musim berikutnya, Sabah berjaya menduduki tempat keempat liga dan mereka sekali lagi kecewa apabila tewas buat kali ketiga di perlawanan akhir Piala Malaysia.

Apabila Liga Super Malaysia 2004 diperkenalkan, prestasi Sabah mula dilihat menurun. Sabah terpaksa berhempas pulas menyelamatkan diri dari penyingkiran ke Liga Perdana pada musim pertama Liga Super. Pada musim berikutnnya Sabah terpaksa akur apabila tersingkir ke Liga Perdana meskipun mempunyai penyerang berbisa Julio Rodriguez yang menjaringkan 18 gol.

Selepas tersingkir ke Liga Perdana, Sabah gagal untuk kembali ke Liga Super meskipun memasuki pusingan kalah mati untuk ke Liga Super. Meskipun bermula baik pada awal musim 2007/08, Sabah hanya sekadar menduduki tangga keempat.

Ketibaan jurulatih baru Gary Phillips memulakan kebangkitan prestasi Sabah FA. Dalam masa 7 bulan sahaja khidmat beliau yang bermula pada Disember 2009, Sabah berjaya menduduki tangga ke 2 Liga Perdana sekaligus mengakhiri 6 tahun penantian Sabah FA untuk beraksi di Liga Super.

Stadium

Stadium Likas merupakan stadium utama Sabah untuk perlawanan Liga, Piala FA, dan Piala Malaysia. Pada perlawanan suku akhir Piala Malaysia 2007 Sabah menggunakan Kompleks Sukan Tawau yang berkapasiti 15,000. Sabah terus menggunakan Kompleks Sukan Tawau untuk pusingan awal Liga Perdana Malaysia 2007-08. Selepas itu, Sabah kembali menggunakan Stadium Likas.

inilah pasukan kebanggaan kita suatu masa dahulu..

Pencapaian

Kejuaraan	Juara	Naib Juara
Piala Malaysia		1996, 2002, 2003
Divisyen 1/Perdana 1/Liga Super	1996
Divisyen 2/Perdana 2/Liga Perdana		2001, 2010
Piala FA Malaysia	1995	1993, 1994, 1998
Piala Sultan Ahmad Shah		1996

Rekod Pencapaian Domestik

Musim	Liga	Posisi	Piala Malaysia	Piala FA
Amatur
1978	-	-	Separuh Akhir	-
1979	Piala Malaysia	2	Separuh Akhir	-
1980	Piala Malaysia	6	-	-
1981	Piala Malaysia	15	-	-
1982	Piala Malaysia	8	Suku Akhir	-
1983	Piala Malaysia	10/16	-	-
1984	Piala Malaysia	5	Suku Akhir	-
1985	Piala Malaysia	16	-	-
1986	Piala Malaysia	Menarik Diri	-	-
1987	Piala Malaysia	10/17	-	-
1988	Piala Malaysia	15/17	-	-
Semi-Pro
1989	Liga Bahagian 2	3/8	-	-
1990	Liga Bahagian 1	8/10	-	Separuh Akhir
1991	Liga Bahagian 1	7/10	-	Pusingan Awal
1992	Liga Bahagian 1	8/10	-	Separuh Akhir
1993	Liga Bahagian 2	3/8	-	Naib Juara
Profesional
1994	Liga Perdana	4/16	Peringkat Kumpulan	Naib Juara
1995	Liga Perdana	5/15	Separuh Akhir	Juara
1996	Liga Perdana	Juara	Naib Juara	Pusingan Ke-2
1997	Liga Perdana	3/15	Peringkat Kumpulan	Pusingan Ke-2
1998	Liga Perdana	5/12	Separuh Akhir	Naib Juara
1999	Perdana 1	4/10	Peringkat Kumpulan	Separuh Akhir
2000	Perdana 1	11/12	Peringkat Kumpulan	Pusingan Awal
2001	Perdana 2	Naib Juara	Peringkat Kumpulan	Separuh Akhir
2002	Perdana 1	3/14	Naib Juara	Suku Akhir
2003	Perdana 1	4/13	Naib Juara	Separuh Akhir
2004	Liga Super	6/8	Separuh Akhir	Suku Akhir
2005	Liga Super	8/8	Peringkat Kumpulan	Suku Akhir
2005/06	Liga Perdana (Kumpulan B)	4/8	Peringkat Kumpulan	Pusingan Awal
2006/07	Liga Perdana	6/11	Separuh Akhir	Suku Akhir
2007/08	Liga Perdana	4/13	Peringkat Kumpulan	Suku Akhir
2009	Liga Perdana	9/13	Peringkat Kumpulan	Pusingan Awal
2010	Liga Perdana	2/12		Pusingan Awal
2011	Liga Super

Rekod Pencapaian Asia

Piala Juara Piala Asia: 1 penyertaan

1996: Pusingan kedua

Bekas-Bekas Pemain

Pemain Luar Negara

Ahmed El Sayed El Fatih

Charles Obi

Udensi Christopher Ikechukwu

Pemain Tempatan

Pemain Luar Negeri Sabah

Wong Sai Kong

Khairul Azman Mohamed

Mohd Fareed Shah Hassan

Mohd Gadaffi M Karim

Sunder Selveraju

Kalasigaram Sanbagamaran

Asmawi Bakiri

Sharil Arsat

Mohd. Nafuzi Zain

Ahmad Tharmini Sarbian

SABAH (The Rhinos) - 1996 DUNHILL Premier League Champions

Jurulatih

Tahun	Jurulatih
2009-	Gary Phillips
2008-2009	Wathiq Naji Jasim
2007-2008	Drago Mamic
2007	José Luis
2005-2006	Justin Ganai
2004-2005	Jose Antonio Rocha Garrido
2001-2004	Peter Butler
2000-2001	David Woodfield
1999	Ken Worden
1999	Justin Ganai
1998	Ken Shellito
1996-1997	Ron Smith
1995-1996	Kelly Tham
1992-1995	Oldřich Sedláček
1990-1992	Roy Lorenson
1989-1990	Frank Upton
1987-1988	Stanley Chew
1986	Azah Ezrein
1985	Stanley Chew
1984	James Wong
1980-1983	Gerd Schmidt
197?-1979	Stanley Chew

Sabah's sensation & hot shot > Scott Ollerenshaw...

Inter wants Lille's Eden Hazard

2011-05-12T12:20:00.000-07:00

The Belgium international's good performances have not gone unnoticed outside of France and a move to Serie A could be on the cards for the winger.

Eden Hazard could be on his way out of Ligue 1 table-toppers Lille at the end of the season as Italian powerhouse Inter are interested in signing the winger, Sky Sport 24 reports.

The Coppa Italia finalists are looking to add some fresh impetus to their attack in the summer transfer window and they consider the 20-year-old to be the perfect addition to their squad.

Hazard joined the Lille youth academy from Tubize in the summer of 2005, and has made over 100 official appearances for the French side since making his official debut in November 2007.

The versatile attacker is one of the most sought-after players in Europe, and has previously been linked with clubs such as Juventus, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Arsenal.

The Belgian has an ongoing contract with Lille and an offer in the region of €20 million could be needed to secure his services.

Hazard has climbed to 106th spot in the Castrol EDGE Rankings following his outstanding performances in the past few months.

Sabah Not safe yet (11/5/2011)

2011-05-10T21:08:00.000-07:00

FIRST BLOOD … Shahrul Azhar Ture celebrates after netting the opener for Sabah.

Justin Ganai refused to take the credit despite successfully turning Sabah’s fortunes around since taking over the hot seat less than a week ago.

Instead the newly appointed head coach tributes the team’s back-to-back victory to his chargers, insisting it was them who fought their hearts out for victory.

While happy with what the team has achieved thus far, but Justin was quick to point out that their fight for survival is not finished yet, and that it will only get tougher.

Justin knows, come Sunday, it will be a big game, not only for him, but for the team, as they will be pitted against the energetic Harimau Muda A side.

This is a tie that could be the real turning point for the team that has been struggling from day one of the league while under the watchful eyes of Gary Phillips, who was removed from his dual role as head coach cum manager last week.

This was the first round match that was initially cancelled by the match official, but Sabah won their protest for a replay.

A victory over Harimau Muda A will see Sabah three points clear of the relegation zone.

Although they are currently sitting a rung above the relegation zone, but they are level on points with Kuala Lumpur on 18 points but separated by goal difference.

Perlis languish at the bottom of the standings on 10 points.

Tenth placed Negeri Sembilan and ninth placed Pahang are only two and one point ahead of Sabah.

“I’m happy, but for me, the credit must go to the players. They fought hard on the field and they deserved to be given a pat on the back for what they have done to the team.

“Although we have made some minor changes since I took over, but I’m happy with the development that we have made as you can see last night (Monday) we managed to create many goalscoring chances.

“Before they found it hard to score, but this time we managed to score and defend rather well. Although if we took all our chances well, it could have been more goals, but I’m not complaining because what matters most is we are scoring goals and winning matches.

“On Sunday, we are facing Harimau Muda A and this is a game that we cannot take lightly just because they are a young side. You see this (Harimau Muda A) is a squad that is being trained to compete and we must play our best.

“I believe that if we put extra effort into it on the field, then we will get the reward.

Justin also thanks the fans for rallying behind the team.

“I hope more will be coming for our future matches, starting this Sunday.

On Monday, Shahrul Azhar Ture netted the opener for Sabah in the 36th minute before Zainizam Marjan made it 2-0 after the break.

In another development, Justin, also hopes his young side will triumph in their away outing to Johor this Thursday.

The State junior side is facing Bandar Penawar Sports School at the Kejora Bandar Penawar Stadium in a President’s Cup Group A tie.

“Although I’m no longer with the team, but I hope the team will do well in Johor. I’m confident they can do it as long as they put effort in the game,” said Justin.

Midfielder Md Rozaimi Abd Rahman, who featured for the seniors by coming in as a second-half substitute in the win against Pahang, will also be travelling with the team.

“He played for only about 30 minutes against Pahang, and I think he will still be good for this trip,” Justin said.