Big Bet Preview: Kelantan to mesmerize home fans, Perak in for a feisty encounter in Bukit Jalil

The 2012 Malaysian Super League is upon us and the Goal team analyses the second round of matches! T Team proved to be the surprise package, while the fancied teams proved their points by beating their opponents. Here is preview of the matches to come.

Kelantan VS Selangor PKNS

Defying the odds by beating Singapore, Kelantan will surely take this opportunity to win in their home soil. PKNS who were defeated by Johor FC last Tuesday, will not have any foreign players in their side and will rely heavily on local talent. Kelantan look strong for this tie and expect, Norhsharul and Ghaddar to terrorise the PKNS defense led by skipper, Fadhil and new signing, Azlan Zainal.

Prediction: Kelantan 3 – 0 Selangor PKNS

Selangor VS Perak

Selangor didn’t get off to a good start as they had to come back to snatch a draw against Negeri Sembilan. Irfan Bakti, has started his ‘hair dryer’ treatment by urging his players to step up to the plate. Perak will surely be relying on the Kubala-Popovic combination as both of them proved to be the difference against Terengganu. However, Selangor will be eager to bounce back and expect skipper, Amri to shine in this tie

Prediction: Selangor 2 – 1 Perak

Kedah VS Lions XII

The Singapore side is back in Malaysian soil after 18 years. V.Sundramoorthy, who used to be a legend for Kedah in the 90s, will want his side to bounce back from their defeat against Kelantan. Kedah, who were surprisingly beaten by T Team last Tuesday, will be relying on home support to boost up their confidence. Kedah will be without inspirational playmaker, Baddrol Bakhtiar as the Lions will surely exploit the absence of Badd.

Prediction: Kedah 1 – Lions XII 1

Kuala Lumpur VS T Team Terengganu

T Team, will be travelling to Melaka with much needed confidence. Thrashing Kedah in their first game, Yunus Alif is looking for his 2^nd win. The local lads will play key role in this game and expect Zachariah Simukonda to bang in the goals against the weak ‘City Boys’. Razip Ismail’s side looked clueless against Sarawak as he needs to regroup his team for this tie. However, Kuala Lumpur looks likely to be the next whipping boys of T Team.

Prediction: Kuala Lumpur 1 – 4 T Team Terengganu

Sabah VS Sarawak

After 2 seasons, the Borneo derby is back! Sarawak will be off to Kota Kinabalu to face the wounded Rhinos. Sabah who lost against Felda amidst in controversial circumstances, will be looking to cheer up their home fans. Sarawak in the mean time, are in a buoyant mood after defeating Kuala Lumpur in Kuching. However, Sabah looks stronger for this tie as their Australian player will bring cheers for the home fans

Prediction: Sabah 2 – 0 Sarawak

Terengganu VS Felda United

A David vs Goliath game! Terengganu, the reigning FA Cup champions will want to get the three points from this tie. Having lost against Perak, expect the likes of Kallang Tie and Ashaari to bamboozle the Felda defense. Nazri and Favano will have a tough time facing the attacking trident of Terengganu. Felda who started off their campaign on the right foot will look to snatch the points but it will be tough against the east coast side.

Prediction: Terengganu 2 – 0 Felda United

Johor FC VS Negeri Sembilan

Back to their fortress, the JCorp Stadium, K.Devan will look for his 2^nd win this season. However, facing his former team, it is a tough prospect. Negeri Sembilan will be relying on their only foreign player, Effa Owona who has been sensational so far. He will be a constant menace for the Johor FC defense but K.Devan will surely have something up in his sleeves. This will be an exciting encounter as two of the nations best coaches will pit against each other for bragging supremacy.

Prediction: Johor FC 2 – 2 Negeri Sembilan

Post Game reactions...

Perak's coach, Norizan Bakar was delighted with the victory against Terengganu as his team gained valuable three points against much fancied side, Terengganu. Slovakian midfielder, Michal Kubala who scored the winning goal with a 25 metre piledriver impressed in his debut game and helped Perak notch a victory against the Turtles.

"This is a great start for us as I'm happy with the players commitment and drive to win this game"

"However, we still have a long way to go as we have to go through many matches in this tough league" stated the 50 year old coach

Norizan claimed that the team had a shaky first half but regrouped themselves in the second half as they created numerous chances and sealed the tie with a brilliant goal.

"The important thing is that we got the three points and we will improve ourselves in the coming games"

Also known as Cikgu Jan, the coach also stated that he will rectify the weaknesses in the team before they face off against close rivals, Selangor at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium.

"The players will have to improve themselves in the next game and it is hoped that they would be able to maintain their concentration for 90 minutes as we saw some lapses of concentration against Terengganu" said the former National coach

Former Harimau Muda A defender, Mohd Muslim Ahmad stated that he is still adapting to his new surroundings and he will improve his performances in the coming games for Terengganu.

"Today, I managed to gel with my teammates but I still need time to adapt with the coach and his tactics as I'm still adapting to the surroundings in Terengganu" said the 22 year old defender who recently won the SEA games gold medal in Palembang

Mat Zan Mat Aris, Terengganu's coach, cut a desolate figure as his team were outplayed by their opponents. He claimed that the foreign players proved to be the difference in the tie.

"The foreign players proved decisive in today's game as they combined to score the only goal of the game. They proved to be the difference for both sides today"

However, he was happy with the players commitment but warned other teams that his players have yet to reach their peak form yet.

"Most of the players in the squad have yet to find their form yet but in the coming games, we will surely find the right combination and you will see the true colours of Terengganu in coming games" said the former KL Plus coach

He vowed that the team will come back stronger in their next game against club side, Felda United.

"Come 2nd match, we will surely improve our gameplay as we want to win our next game and grab the three points"

Perak v Terengganu Match Report

Perak's new foreign signings proved to be the toast for the side as Michal Kubala and Lazar Popovic and Michal Kubala combined to score the only goal against reigning FA Cup champions, Terengganu.

Perak, who fielded all their new signings were impressive in the second half as they dominated the proceedings and had a flurry of chances during that half. However, the first half was a nervy one as both teams played cautiously but Terengganu proved decisive as they created chances and capitalised on defensive errors made by the Perak defence.

The team were certainly inspired by the presence of Sultan Azlan Shah, Sultan of Perak as they piled on the pressure on Terengganu who were defensively stout for the first 45 minutes.

Perak were on the offensive earlier into the first half as birthday boy, Lazar Popovic could have bagged his debut goal only to see hit audacious shot going wide off the bar.

Terengganu tricky winger, Joseph Kallang Tie caused problems for the Perak's defence as his combination with Ashaari Shamsuddin proved to be a hit as both of them created numerous chances in the first half.

In the 21st minute, 2010 Super League top scorer, Ashaari Shamsuddin could have bagged the first goal of the game after a defensive mishap by Perak. However, he blew his chance by placing his shot over the bar.

Young right back, Noor Hazrul Mustafa proved his capabilities as a set piece taker as he nearly scored two goals from his free kicks only to see his shots being parried away by National goalkeeper, Sharbinee Allawee.

In the closing minutes of the first half, Akmal Rizal Rakhli could have bagged his first goal of the season after receiving a brilliant pass from Slovakian, Michal Kubala but his shot was parried away by the on form Sharbinee.

Come 2nd half, Perak were much stronger as they piled on the pressure for Terengganu. They dominated possession and created numerous chances only to be thwarted by the impressive defense led by Muslim Ahmad and Marzuki Yusoff.

Skipper,Shahrulnizam Mustapha, Serbian striker,Lazar Popovic and winger, Fahrul Razi Kamaruddin constantly bombarded Terengganu's goal only to be disappointed by their own composure and the inspired performance of goalkeeper,Sharbinee Allawee.

Perak broke the deadlock in the 75th minute, when Popovic's pass found Kubala, who hit a ferocious shot from 25 metres out which beat the sprawling 'Turtles' goalkeeper, Sharbinee Allawee. It was his first goal in Perak's colours as the former Slovan Bratislava midifielder proved his credentials as a capable import signing.

Perak could have sealed the tie with a second goal but Shahrom Kalam's header off a Shahrulnizam corner hit the bar as Perak were finding for the second goal to kill the game.

After 90 minutes, Perak held on with their lead and ensured that they bag the 3 points. Perak will be off to Bukit Jalil as they will face Klang Valley giants, Selangor in their 2nd match for the Super League campaign.

MSL Matchweek 1 Review...

Last season’s strugglers, Sarawak started off on the right note as they beat Kuala Lumpur in a one sided game. Goals from new signing, P.Ravindran and captain, Hairol Mokhtar delighted the home fans as they proved too strong for the ‘City Boys’. Razip Ismail, who lost most of his key players, will need to get his team back on track as they were outmuscled by the experienced Sarawak side. Robert Alberts will be delighted with this victory as his new signings have acclimatized with the playing style of Sarawak.

T Team Terengganu, who was heavily fancied to lose against Kedah, stunned everyone by beating Kedah, 3-0. 2 goals from Mohd Faiz Subri and Zairo Anuar Zalani in the first half jolted the Canaries. Kedah led by the likes of Kyril Muhymeen, Faizal Abu Bakar and Baddrol Bakhtiar were outclassed by the home side. Faiz Subri proved to be the inspiration as the former Perlis winger impressed in his first game and scored two classy goals to seal the tie.

Game of the day, which was held in the Jalan Besar Stadium saw Kelantan silencing the Singaporean fans as they came back from behind to beat Lions XII, 2-1. Baihakki Khaizan, drew first blood by scoring the 1^st goal of the game after a brilliant free kick from Shahdan Sulaiman. However, Norhsharul Idlan Talaha scored Kelantan 1^st goal before Mohammad Ghaddar’s penalty sealed the tie for the Red Warriors. Kelantan’s performance proved to be the difference as the mustered more chances than their opponents who were relying on a lone targetman.

Selangor’s gallant fightback in the second half saw them coming back to drew with Negeri Sembilan, 2-2. Negeri Sembilan’s only import signing, Jean Emmanuelle Effa Owona continued his scoring form as he scored 2 goals in the first half to give his team the lead. However, Selangor came back strongly in the second half as Amirulhadi Zainal and Safiq Rahim scored as both teams go back with a point.

Perak’s Michael Kubala brilliant strike in the 75^th minute saw Perak triumph against East Coast giants, Terengganu. Terengganu, who had the likes of Muslim Ahmad, Marzuki Yusoff and Abdul Manaf Mamat couldn’t dominate the game as Perak grew stronger as the game went on. Kubala proved to be the toast as his scorching drive from 25 metres beat the sprawling Terengganu goalkeeper, Sharbinee Allawee. Perak could have scored 2 to 3 goals, but the players weren’t clinical enough in front of goal.

Felda United started off with a win albeit in controversial circumstances. Goals from Raimi Mohd Nor and new signing, Yong Kuong Yong ensured that E.Elavarasan start the campaign with 3 points. However, the game was marred by the match referee as he disallowed three goals from Sabah. Australian striker, Brendan Gan who was impressive in this game was denied 2 clear goals as they were deemed offside by the referee.

PKNS started their campaign in a sour note as they were beaten by club side, Johor FC, 2-1. K.Devan, who is back in the hot seat after being sacked by Selangor, saw Riduan Maon and new signing, Azi Shahril Ami scoring. 3 penalties were awarded in this game and one Johor FC player was sent off in a heated game between both sides 

Matchweek 1 Previews and Predictions..

Negeri Sembilan vs Selangor

Fresh from their success in the recent Charity Shield, Hoben Jang Hoben will come in as the favourites for this tie. Azraai Khor Abdullah, has been pinnacle towards the team's success as he is able to utilize the youngsters who were brought in this season. Though they might have lost the likes of Aidil Zafuan Abdul Razak and Hairuddin Omar, Negeri Sembilan can count on the likes of Jean Emmanuel Effa Owona and G.Mahathevan to spearhead the squad. Both of them were phenomenal against Kelantan and they helped their side to shock the Red Warriors. Mohd Shukor Adan and Idiris Karim who were not able to play against Kelantan, might be back for this tie as Azraai would surely rely on their experience to improve the team. 

Selangor, touted as the favourites for the title this season will be eager to kick off their season by beating the Charity Shield winners. Selangor, who didn't win any titles last season, will have a new coach on board. Irfan Bakti, who had a successful season with Terengganu last season has brought in youngsters to bolster the already experienced squad. K.Gurusamy, Famirul Asyraf Sayuti and Wan Hoesne Wan Hosein will have a key role to play this season. Fresh from his exploits in the SEA games, K Gurusamy will be partnering with National skipper, Safiq Rahim. Both of them will be pivotal in midfield as they will provide the chances for the likes of Amri Yahyah and Lelo Mbele. Ramez Dayoub, will have to be on his toes for this game as he will be marking the mercurial, Effa Owona who vowed to bang in the goals for Negeri Sembilan.

This will be a hotly contested tie as both teams have looked strong in pre season. The import players will be key in this tie but the likes of Safiq Rahim, S.Kunalan and Amri Yahyah will surely play a key role in this tie. Negeri Sembilan will go in as the favourites but expect Selangor to come out all guns blazing for this tie

Prediction: Negeri Sembilan 2 - 1 Selangor

Perak vs Terengganu

What s start for Perak! The team who finished sixth last season would never have wanted such a start. Facing the FA Cup champions, Perak will surely want to win this tie to gain some valuable momentum. Perak who has retained most of their players from last season have added 7 players into their ranks. Norizan Bakar, who has been retained to chart the fortunes of the team has been given the ultimatum by the management to win at least a trophy this season. Skipper, Shahrulnizam Mustapha, fan favourite, Akmal Rizal Rakhli and defensive linchpin, Khairi Zainuddin will star in this tie as the new players will also get their debut in this game. Foreign signings, Slovakian, Michal Kubala and Serbian, Lazar Popovic, will be the players to watch as they have impressed the fans during pre season. Popovic will be the player to watch as he has been phenomenal during pre season.

Terengganu will be the favourites this season as they have kept the core of the team and brought in promising youngsters. Muslim Ahmad, Abdul Shukor Jusoh and Faizal Muhammad, gold medal winner in the 2011 SEA games have been roped in by new coach, Mat Zan Mat Aris. Three of them have what it takes to bring this to another level. However, new foreign signings, Francis Doe and Baiano will not be able to play in this tie as they were registered after the stipulated deadline. Mat Zan will surely feel the loss of both players but he can rely on the likes of Ashaari Shamsuddin, Joseph Kallang Tie and Abdul Manaf Mamat for this tie. Muslim's combination with veteran defender, Marzuki Yusoff will be the key for this side as both of them will surely man mark Perak's key players, Akmal Rizal and Popovic.

Held at the Perak Stadium, the home fans will be pushing Perak to nail this tie but Terengganu have quality in depth though without their foreign players. It will be Mat Zan Mat Aris's first game with Terengganu. Expect him to make quite an impression with his tactics. Norizan, known for his tactical astuteness will be relying on the home support as he will start his season with a win

Prediction: Perak 2 - 2 Terengganu

Lions XII vs Kelantan

After an 18 year absence, The Lions are back into the Malaysian league fold. However, they will be off to a tough start as they will be facing reigning Super League champions, Kelantan. The team which will be featuring in all the competitions in Malaysia has added some zest into the competition as they have brought in their best players for the League. Hariss Harun, Syahril Ishak and Agu Casmir have been tasked to help this team create an impression in the Malaysian League. Singaporean legend, V.Sundramoorthy is the coach of the side as he will be ably assisted by another legend Kadir Yahya. Hariss Harun will be the key man for this side as his telling passes and ability to shield the defense will be important towards this team's progress in the Super League. Agu Casmir will be the marked man as the Nigerian born striker looks impressive with his goals and workrate.

Super League holders, Kelantan will be off to the Jalan Besar Stadium after their lost against Negeri Sembilan. Underperforming against the Deers, Peter Butler needs to find a solution to rectify this situation as the players have yet to find their real form yet. The likes of .Subramaniam, Syakir Syaari and Norfarhan Mohammad looked far their best as they were just outclassed by the hardworking Negeri players. Dennis Antwi and Mohammad Ghaddar have yet to impress the fans yet as both of them are still finding their footing with the team. Kelantan are also facing an internal crisis as Badhri Radzi has been rumoured to have been stripped off his captaincy post. Badhri Radzi who refused to take the captain's armband from Syakir Shaari during the game against Negeri Sembilan certainly showed signs of a crisis in the team itself.

This will be a feast to watch. Singapore will come in as favourites for this tie as they are used to the conditions of an artificial pitch whereas Kelantan will be playing on this surface for the first time. V.Sundramoorthy will place his best players and will surely want to inflict Kelantan's second straight defeat for this campaign

Prediction: Lions XII 2 - 0 Kelantan

Felda United vs Sabah

E.Elavarasan's side will face off against Sabah in their first tie in the Super League. In their 2nd season, Felda have bolstered their side with few interesting signings. National U-23 player, Yuon Kuong Yong and veteran midfielder, Hardy Jaafar is expected to play a key role in Felda's challenge this season. Having released key players like Khaironnisam Sahabuddin, K.Rajan and Mohammad Zamri Chin, Elavarasan has brought in interesting youngsters into his squad. The loan signings of Nizad Ayub and Khairan Ezuan Rosli from Kelantan and National striker, Ahmad Fakhri Shaarani will surely bolster the attack line. They will surely cause problems for Reitahuddin Emran and Fariss Azlan. Matias Favano, their only import signing will spearhead the defense as his experience playing in many leagues will put him in good stead.

Sabah FA, who have brought back Justin Ganai back into the fold have bolstered their options with 6 new signings. The return of Ronny Harun has bolstered the defense whereas the signing of Brendan Gan and Michael Baird has been well received by the Sabah fans. Brendan Gan, who has played for Sydney FC will partner with his country mate, Michael Baird in attack. Rethauddin Emran will be the key defensive player in this tie as he will have to stop the likes of Ahmad Fakhri and Nizad Ayub. Justin Ganai, who helped Sabah to qualify for the quarter finals of the Malaysia Cup has steadied the ship and will rely on his current batch of players to create an impression in this tough league.

Felda United will deliver in this tie but the likes of Gan and Baird might spoil the show as they have been impressive the friendly matches so far. However, with the quality in depth that Felda has, we might see Elavarasan getting the 3 points for his team.

Prediction: Felda United 2 - 1 Sabah

Sarawak vs Kuala Lumpur

Sarawak will be the team to beat entering this tie. Runners up in the Premier League last season, the Hornbills will want to get back their glory days. Long gone are the days of Ramos Sari, Ramles, Bobby Pian and Sapian Wahid. Now, it's new era for the Ngap Sayot squad. Robert Alberts will be the man tasked to keep this team in the Super League. Mostly comprised of young Borneo players, they have since added few experienced players into the squad this season. K.Rajan, Yosri Derma Raju and Sani Anuar Kamsani have been roped in to add some experience into the squad. They have also signed two Cameroonians, Guy Bwelle and Kalle Sone. Kalle Sone looks to be a decent signing as the striker has looked impressive in pre season. Zamri Morshidi will continue to become the pillar of the team as his performances in the Premier League were of exemplary. He ha expected to continue his fine form in the Super League albeit facing a bevvy of top class defenders.

Kuala Lumpur are the early candidates for relegation as the team is facing a financial crisis and they have lost most of their key player. Former captain, Shahrom Abdul Kalam, Fahrul Rzi Kamaruddin and Norazlan Razali are the key players who have left the City boys. The only notable players in the squad are Ahmad Dashilla Tajuddin and Badrul Hisyam Azami who have remained with the team. Stanley Bernard, Azrul Azmi and Khairulanuar Jamil are the key signings for the side. The squad looks weak and Razip Ismail has stated that he has to start all over again. Razip Ismail has proven himself to be a good coach as he managed to keep the team safe from relegation last season and they nearly toppled Selangor from the Malaysia Cup only to lose the game in the dying minutes. He has what it takes to mould this team again but with the players he has, he would surely look for a draw from this game

Sarawak will go guns blazing for this tie as they will want to exploit the situation faced by Kuala Lumpur. Kalle Sone and Guy Bwelle will want to create a lasting impression and this game will be vital for them. Robert Alberts will want to utilise the home ground advantage and he will surely win his battle against Razip Ismail

Prediction: Sarawak 3 - 0 Kuala Lumpur

T Team Terengganu vs Kedah

T Team, one of the most feared clubs in the Super League will want to start the new year with a bang. Yunus Alif, in his 3rd year with T Team will look forward to the upcoming season as the expectations are getting higher for the T-Team. What used to be a feeder team for Terengganu, this team the scenario has changed as T Team has roped in several experienced lads for their side. Fadzli Shaari, Suhardy Alby and Faiz Subri are the new signings made by Yunus and they are expected to be fielded against Kedah. Zachariah Simukonda will make his long awaited come back in Malaysian football he will be partnering Fadzli Shaari in attack. Bojan Petric will be the man to watch as he will be marshalling the defence with Hasbullah Awang. Yunus will want Bojan to fully utilise his height and imposing presence in this tie.

Kedah, who had a mediocre season last year, will have the youngest squad in the Malaysian league as they have brought in many youngsters into the side. The team which possesses the likes of Baddrol Bakhtiar, Khyril Muhymeen and Amar Rohidan will be no pushovers for T Team. New signings like See Kok Luen, Syazuan Ashraff Matthews and Azmizi Azmi will be given their debut for this game. Brazilian signings, Danilo Vivaldo and Daniel Baroni will also be given their first start. It is hoped that the 2 Brazilians will bring the kind of impact that Marcos Magno and Marlon Alex James created in Kedah. For this tie, Nizam Adzha will be taking charge of the team as Wan Jamak Wan Hassan is suspended for this tie. Baddrol will be the key man for this side as the nippy midfielder has been Kedah's main man since 2009. Rejecting the overtures of playing in the Indonesia, the 23 year old will want to help his beloved side win at least a title this season

It will be an interesting tie but Kedah will give T Team a run for their money though they are playing at home. Kedah would want to win this tie for their coach, Wan Jamak Wan Hassan and expect youngsters like Shazuan Ashraff Matthews and Mohd Syamim Sobri to seize their chance by getting on the score sheet.

Prediction: T Team Terengganu 1 - 1 Kedah

Selangor PKNS vs Johor FC

PKNS, Champions of the Premier League will make their long waited debut in the Super League. The Selangor based team led by veteran coach Abdul Rahman Ibrahim will want to kickstart their season with a win against Super league veterans, Johor FC. Having made significant signings like Helmi Remeli, Rudie Ramli, Ahmad Azlan Zainal  and Remezey Che Ros, Abdul Rahman has set his sights on staying in the Super League. Mohd Fahdil Hashim who was inspirational last season has been kept by team and he has also been appointed as the captain. One player which will cause problems for Johor FC's defense is Guadeloupe forward, Dawood Nicoise. The 27 year ols striker who last plied his trade with Al Masry of Egypt has been dubbed as the key signing for PKNS. 

Johor FC, who have brought in a new coach in the form of K.Devan will be devoid of foreign players as their foreign players registration have been rejected by FAM. However, K.Devan remains optimistic as he has brought in new players to bolster the club side. The Pasir Gudang based side has signed players like Haris Safwan Kamal, Ahmad Fauzi Shaari, Shafizan Hashim and Khaironnisam Sahabuddin to bolster the squad. Though they may have lost the likes of Rezal Zambri Yahya and Mohd Hamzani Omar but their new signings looks solid as they have been impressive in pre season games. Eddy Helmy Abdul Manan will be the key man for this side as he has been a loyal player for this team. He certainly gives the team's attack an extra edge and he can help the likes of Syahrizal Saad and Haris Safwan Kamal to improve their own game play. Azi Shahril Ami is the man to replace Rezal Zamberi Yahya. The 26 year old former National player will look to cement himself in the squad as he and Ahmad Fauzi Shaari will be manning the midfield.

Johor FC are the favourites for this tie as their pre season preparations have looked much better than PKNS. PKNS will be hoping for a draw from this game but if Haris, Syahrizal and Eddy hit top gear, then they can kiss this tie goodbye. The will surely rely on the presence of Dawood Nicoise to penetrate the Johor's defense led by Khaironnisam.

Prediction: PKNS 1 - 3 Johor FC

Owona proves to be hit with N9!!

Negeri Sembilan's coach, Azraai Khor Abdullah couldn't hide his joy as his team won the Charity Shield Cup by beating favourites, Kelantan, 2-1. Azraai, who took over the team last season after Wan Jamak Wan Hasan's resignation, has won 2 trophies in the space of four months.

Nailing the Malaysia Cup last season, the former National player expressed his delight by stating that the youngsters proved themselves to the fans by showing great determination and tenancity against Kelantan. 

"We may have lost our star players but the youngsters certainly proved to be the toast tonight as they fought against all odds to beat Kelantan"

"We looked nervy in the first 15 minutes but after Owona's first goal, the team settled down and that's where things started to change" stated the former treble winner with Kedah

He is optimistic that the new players and Jean Emmanuele Effa Owona would get better in the games to come and with Shukor Adan and Idris Karim recovering from injuries, things look bright for the Deers.

Man of the moment, Jean Emmanuel Effa Owona expressed his delight by stating that he was happy to have helped his team to win their first trophy of the season

"For me, the two goals didn't matter but seeing my team win the cup is a happy moment"

"It is very important to start with a cup and I'm optimistic that the youngsters would come good in the Malaysian Super League" said Owona, who used to ply his trade with Metz FC, Hatta Club and Ankaragucu.

Negeri Sembilan will now start the season with much needed confidence after the team lost it's star players like Hairuddin Omar, Zaquan Adha, Aidil Zafuan and Ahmad Fakhri Saarani. Kelantan will need get their groove back  as they will be facing Lions XIII at the Jalan Besar Stadium on the 10th January.

Negeri Sembilan will be facing Selangor on the 10th January to start off the Super League campaign.

Players looking forward to the upcoming season..

The Perak squad is eager to get themselves into the action as they have completed their pre season preparations for this year's Malaysia Super League.

Led by talismanic coach, Norizan Bakar, the team played several games in the Klang Valley and also went to Medan, Indonesia. Playing against high profile opponents like PSMS Medan, Kelantan and ATM, they have looked impressive in these games and they only lost one game which is against Kelantan.

Perak have made several signings to bolster the squad next season. Defenders, Shahrom Abdul Kalam and Badrul Azam Zamri, midfielders, Rafiuddin Roddin, Fahrul Razi Kamaruddin and Michal Kubala and strikers, Failee Ghazali and Lazar Popovic have been roped in to strengthen the current squad assembled by Cikgu Jan.

Having played two friendlies in Ipoh, they beat Pos Malaysia and USM FC in a convincing manner. Lazar Popovic stood out in both games as he scored two goals in each game. The Serbian is certainly getting into the good books of the fans as he is being fondly called as 'Popo' and his languid style has endeared well with the fans.

The 28 year old former Daegu FC forward will be partnering either Failee Ghazali or Akmal Rizal Rakhli in attack. The Serbian is happy to have joined the Kinta Valley as he is impressed with the fans in Perak and also the people.

"Perak has a huge fanbase and applaud them for showing their passion and will to support this side"

He added that Perak is a beautiful state with lots of lovely people.

Popovic's personal aim is to score as many goals as possible and also to help the management achieve their target of nailing at least a trophy for this season

"To appease their needs, I will do my best to score many goals as I've been brought in to bang in the goals and help the team win at least a trophy for this season" 

Malaysian National team defender, Shahrom Abdul Kalam comes in with bags of expectations as he will be expected to partner veteran defender, Khairi Zainuddin in defense.

"My hope for this season is to help the club improve their position in the Super League and also to get a trophy which has eluded them for many years"

"I've manage to acclimatised with my teammates and the foreign players have also adapted well to the surroundings as they can speak good english and we can communicate with them in the pitch" stated the former Kuala Lumpur skipper.

Nippy Fahrul Razi Kamaruddin has set his eye on earning his first cap with the National squad. Having represented Malaysia in Universiade and several university based tournaments, the 26 year old former UiTM student hopes that the team will play well this season and he wants to repay Norizan Bakar's trust in him by performing in every game.

"Like my teammates have said, we want to help the team wit at least a trophy as this side have been craving for a trophy for many years" said the winger who will be donning the number 7 jersey.

Veteran midfielder, K.Nanthakumar, who at the age of 34 still looks strong is more realistic on the team's chances as he said that the team is in for a difficult season.

"Many team have roped in 2 foreign players and they have also made significant changes by reshuffling their squad for the upcoming season"

Claiming that Terengganu and Kelantan will be their potential rivals, he is aiming a top 3 finish for the 'Kejor Yeop Kejor' side this season and also a trophy for his hometown side.

He also stated that this might be his last season with the club side as he is planning to hang his boots after the season ends. Having received offers to play in the Borneo, the former Allan Harris favourite stated that he has got family commitments and would like to spend more time with his family after the season ends.