Appeal rejected, Perak will have to move on...

It will most probably be a bleak raya for the Perak FA, as the appeal for the 5 players have been rejected. According to unofficial sources, FAM has rejected the appeal and the 7 game ban will stand.

Akmal Rizal Rakhli, Shahrulnizam Mustapha, Azmeer Yusoff, Mohd Nasril Nourdin and Mohd Syazwan Roslan will never be able to feature in the Malaysia Cup unless the team qualifies for the quarter finals.

Akmal Rizal who voiced his dissatisfaction in Facebook, will be sorely missed by fans and the team. Top scorer for Perak in the Super League, 'Seladangs' will have to rely on loan signing Mohd Failee Ghazali and 23 year old Syafiq Jamal to spearhead the attack. Both of them have impressed in friendlies and Norizan Bakar will be using their abilities to unlock defences.

Skipper, Shahrulnizam Mustapha will also be out of the squad as Perak will be devoid without his inspirational presence. Shahrulnizam who has been the engine for the team will be replaced by the youngsters in the squad. K. Nanthakumar, Veteran stalwart for the team will complimented by youngsters like Nazri Kamal, Wan Hossein Wan Abdul Ghani and Muhd Khalis Ibrahim to run the midfield.

Syazwan Roslan who has been a revelation for the team has made the right back position his own. Now, Perak will have to rotate Syahman Zainuddin and loan signing, Hafisizuan Salehuddin. Hafisizuan looks to be a better bet to start at that position as Syahman has been erratic and is prone to making 'schoolboy' mistakes.

Kamarul Effendi Abdul Rahim will surely thank his lucky stars as he will be getting more game time since first choice keeper, Nasril Nourdin is banned. The 2nd choice keeper who has played in all the friendly games has impressed and Norizan will be hopeful that the 22 year old will maintain his form.

Though, the bans have curtailed the Malaysian Cup preparations but the three loan signings and the current rooster will be able to mount a challenge in the Malaysia Cup. I'm sure fans will protest the decision but my advice will be, we have to move on and place our trust with Norizan Bakar.

Having worked wonders with Perlis, the man known as Cikgu Jan will surely use all his tactical expertise to bring Perak to great heights. Winning their first game in Kota Kinabalu would be a confidence booster and the players look primed and ready for the new season!

Avinesh's verdict: FAM is worst than the English FA...Imagine what would Alex Ferguson say about our FA!! LOL...