Monday, January 30, 2017
Tuesday, January 24, 2017
Potential FAM Sec Gen Candidates
While the focus of attention is on the battle for presidency of the Football Association Malaysia, this blog wants to divert attention to a more serious proposition - who will be the Secretary General of FAM after the elections on March 25.
The position of the Secretary General is the prerogative of the President who has the absolute power to appoint the Secretary General as provided for in the FAM Statutes.
For the purpose of discussion we shall assume that HRH Tengku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim and Tan Sri Annuar Musa will decide to opt out of the race leaving a two horse race between Khairy Jamaluddin and Tan Sri Aseh Che Mat.
With current Secretary General Dato Hamidin Mohd Amin going for the Deputy President , there will be an opening for the Secretary General post.
Below is a list of candidates for the position based on their ability, knowledge of Football and close affiliation to some of the candidates for President.
The list however is not based on preference by just in order of alphabet.
Ahmad Khawari Mat Isa
The current chief of staff at Astro Arena was a former media officer at FAM. He was also a journalist at Berita Harian and is currently the President of Sportswriters Association of Malaysia and Vice President of AIPS Asia. His vast knowledge in Football will be an asset for Football.
Dato Alex Soosay
The former Secretary General of Asian Football Confederation and served at the NSFA and has good insights on Malaysian Football.
Mohd Rizal Hashim
The host of the "infamous" talk show Dengan Izin. Served as media officer at FAM and was former Malay Nail sports journalist.
Muhammad Firmansyah Aang
The right hand confidante of KJ who was a key figure in the formation of NyTeam FC and the NFDP.
Safirul Abu Bakar
The CEO of the NFDP and had strong marketing skills. Shares a cordial relationship with government agencies.
OKS headed for QPR?
It is learnt that national Football coach Dato Ong Kum Swee will be attending an attachment stint with English Division One side Queens Park Rangers.
The month long attachment program was initially planned for last year but a busy calendar for the 47 year old Malacca born coach meant that it had to be put off to this year.
And the stint is expected to materialise next month.
QPR were a Premier League side and ate owned by Tan Sri Tony Fernandes, once touted as a candidate for the Football Association of Malaysia presidency.
Prior to this several coaches have had brief attachment stints with overseas clubs, most notably Dato K. Rajagobal and B. Sathianathan.
Managed by Ian Holloway, QPR play at Loftus Road and Kim Swee is said to have gained attachment to the first team.
Wednesday, January 04, 2017
Chong Wei takes a break.
Having played Badminton continuously for the past 17 years, with exception of his enforced rest due to a doping violation, Lee Chong Wei will skip all events until the All England this March.
The 34 year old world number 1 is not overly concerned about slipping down the rankings, rather feels that this rest period will not only allow him to work on his game and physical condition but at the same time give him the hunger and desire to do well in the World Championships in Glasgow this August.
Chong Wei did not discount the possibility of using the German Open as a warm up event before his assault for yet another All England crown.
" It is time I took a break from the sport but it's for competitions only as I will be on court undergoing training as usual," said Chang Wei when contacted by this blog.
" It is the World Chanps title that I am after and the planning is geared towards that tournament.
" At present the plan is to make a return to competitive Badminton at the All England and I may consider playing the German Open."
Chong Wei has yet to make an appearance in the MPL, a private Badminton league this season where he is donning the Colours of Petaling BC.
He is however expected to take to the court this Saturday, playing in the mixed doubles partnering Zhao Yunie against Ampang BC.
" I have yet to play in the MPL and it should be a entertaining match this Saturday," said Chong Wei.
" I have yet to decide if I will play in the knockout stage as it depends if we qualify and other factors as well.
"As I have said in the past I will be playing in selective tournaments and that is what my plan is right now."