Different Nationalities, But Perak will always be at their heart!

The impact that they have made is phenomenal and with FAM bound to announce that teams are able to rope in foreign players, here are some players who have earned legendary status among the footballing circle in Perak. Many players have come in and gone out but these players will forever be remembered as players who changed the spectre of Malaysian football and at the same time helped Perak win trophies. Hopefully, we are able to see more foreign players who can emulate these players and bring Perak to greater heights.

Laszlo Repasi

Played only for a season but he clinched the Golden Boot and also won the hearts of Perak fans. The one time capped Hungarian striker is a household name in Hungary and has played for many top flight clubs in the Hungary. In 1997, he decided to try his luck in Asia and what a player he was in the Malaysian League. Having been described as an out and out striker, the Hungarian top scored the Malaysian scoring charts and carved a name among the hearts of Perak fans. His predatory skills and his off the ball movement are off exemplary. Many coaches in Malaysia have described Repasi as a gem of player and he increased the reputation of the Malaysian League through his forays for Perak. After few seasons, he was expected to stay in Malaysia but decided to end his career in Finland. Now at 44, he is coaching the Halasztelek FC Youth team in Hungary and he has expressed his desire to be back in Malaysian football in a non playing role.

Janos Krescka

The current Perlis manager was a feared player during the 90s. The former Ferencvaros defender used to be a menace for many strikers. Upon reaching, Malaysian was feasted with two unknown Hungarians who have now made a name for themselves in Malaysia. Perak fans will never forget them as they have contributed vastly to the Perak football development. He and Repasi were one of the best foreign duos in Malaysia and many teams were in awe of Perak’s management in unearthing these two players. Krescka was tactically adapted to the Malaysian game play and his no nonsense approach endeared well with the Perak fans. He made sure that his stint in Malaysia was worthwhile when he helped Perak win the prestigious Malaysia cup in 1998. His determination, strength and anticipation were valuable and his supremacy in defence was praised by many managers in Malaysia. After his playing career ended, he embarked on a coaching role. He has coached teams in Hungary and currently he is based in Malaysia. He used to coach the defunct KL Plus and now he is coaching Super League team, Perlis. He has always maintained that Perak holds a special place in his heart and many fans are hoping that he will be back in a coaching role in the near future.

Jang Jung

The South Korean lad was the first Korean to play in the Malaysian League. Plied his trade with Lucky Goldstar Hwangso, a Korean club, he impressed Marco Bilic and he was snapped up in 1991. Many were skeptical of his purchase and started questioning Bilic’s ability to snap players. However, he proved everyone wrong by marshalling the Perak defence. He and Aung Naing will always be an inspiration for many Perak fans. Jang Jung’s small frame cannot be downplayed as he displayed strength which belied his size and his work rate is one of the best attributes that he has. The 1990 final against Selangor will never be forgotten as he spurred the fight back against Selangor. His resilience and constant determination saw them notch an upset and made Perak a force to be reckoned with. After his stint with Perak, he went to Singapore and established his career there. He was an idol for many fans in Perak as he was one of the best defenders in the Malaysian league during his time. After retirement, he took up coaching and now he is currently the manager of the Sri Lanka National team. It is hoped that the 4 time capped South Korean would someday come down to our shores and coach any Malaysian side.

Aung Naing

Those days, Myanmar was a force in the South East Asian region and they imported many players to many leagues. Malaysia was lucky to witness some talents from Myanmar. Perak were gifted as they managed to nab Aung Naing, who is a household name in Myanmar. He came to Perak shores in 1990 and has never looked back. He was such an asset to the Perak team that fans used to chant his name in every game. Even the younger generation is beginning to learn about his exploits and is hoping that a player of his caliber would somehow come and ply his trade with Perak. He and Kyi Lwin first came to Perak in 1990 and they immediately got into business. He, Kyi Lwin and Jung Jang earned a cult status among the Perak fans as they helped Perak mount a fight back against Selangor. His never say die attitude, work rate, passes and technique were noticeable during the game and he scored a goal to help Perak down the Red Giants. After his retirement, Myanmar was unable to unearth talents like him and they are currently facing their worst spell in International football. Their recent defeat against Malaysia showed that they lack a player like Aung Naing in their squad. However, we are hopeful that another ‘Aung Naing’ will emerge and bring Myanmar back to their pinnacle days.

Keita Mandjou

When Frank Seator left, Perak fans were seething the prospect of losing another top goalscorer. When a Guinean came in for trials, many knew he was a good player but questioned whether he could replace the Liberian. The question was answered as Keita Mandjou proved to be a hit among the fans and his stint was full of goals. His combination with Khalid Jamlus was one of the best and many defences would always come with a strategy to thwart him but many have failed to do so. In 2005, he helped Perak to win the FA Cup. Since then, he did not look back and he entertained the fans with his goals. He was also a capable team player as he has assisted many of his teammates during his time at Perak. His height, strength, finishing and positional play was fully utilized by Steve Darby and he nearly bagged the best foreign player in 2006 only to be beaten by the indispensable Marlon Alex James. He left Perak at 2007 as he was offered a trial stint with Ligue 1 side, FC Lorient but he did not succeed. He went on to North America as he plied his trade with the Portland Timbers. Currently, he plays for Indian side, Pune FC and he still impresses at the age of 32. With FAM bound reinstate foreign players in the league, it wouldn’t be a surprise if we see Mandjou making a return to Malaysia. This would be a prospect we wouldn’t want to miss!

Avinesh's verdict: We need a 'Mandjou' and 'Repasi' next season!! The TREBLE will be ours!!!