The Beginning of Semi-Pro Football League Until It Turns Professional

     The idea of the establishment of Semi-Pro Football League was born out of the idea of HRH Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah (Sultan of Pahang) who was the president of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) in 1988 and then was raised to the FAM officials. All the FAM officials include the son of HRH the Sultan of Pahang, HRM Tengku Abdullah felt that the idea of HRH Sultan of Pahang was relevant and the efforts toward the establishment of the Semi-Pro Football League has begun. Finally in 1989, the Semi-Pro Football League was officially established and its theme was "Excellence". The Semi-Pro Football League was a form of semi-professional football league that was newly established in Malaysia by FAM and operated from 1989 until 1993. The league was run by FAM. It consists of two parts, namely Semi-Pro Football League Division 1 and Semi-Pro Football League Division 2, which was a football competition for football team in Malaysia to qualify for Malaysia Cup. British American Tobacco (Malaysia) Berhad and Perusahaan Otomobil Nasional Sdn Bhd (EON) were the main sponsors of this Semi-Pro Football League. 

     The establishment of this football league was a smart moves in shaping the future of the football league in Malaysia from semi-professional status to the professional status by FAM. In the early days of this football league in 1989, 17 football teams took part in the Semi-Pro Football League and the teams were divided into two divisions. Nine teams are in Division 1 and eight teams in Division 2. Under the new format, only the top six teams in Division 1 and the winner and runner-up in Division 2 that will took part in Malaysia Cup.

     Semi-Pro Football League was a competitive football league until it was replaced by the establishment of the Professional Football League in 1994 and was known as the Premier League by FAM. Selangor became the champion of Semi-Pro Football League Division 1 for two consecutive years from 1989 to 1990. While in 1993, Selangor was the champion of Semi-Pro Football League Division 2.

Semi-Pro Football League logo that was first introduced in 1989 with a theme of "Excellence" and its main sponsorship came from British American Tobacco (Malaysia) Berhad and Perusahaan Otomobil Nasional Sdn Bhd (EON).

Match fixtures book for Semi-Pro Football League 1990.

Match fixtures book for Semi-Pro Football League 1991.

Match fixtures book for Semi-Pro Football League 1992.

Match fixtures book for Semi-Pro Football League 1993.

Match pennant that was used by Selangor in Semi-Pro Football League 1992.

HRH Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Al-Haj who was back then was the Crown Prince of Selangor was talking to Datuk Dr Nordin Selat and on the of HRH Sultan of Selangor was Tan Sri Muhammad bin Muhammad Taib during a photo session with the players and officials of the Football Association of Selangor in 1990.

Promotion for Semi-Pro Football League in 1990 at Sungei Wang Plaza, Kuala Lumpur by FAM with the football actions from the Selangor players worn Selangor jerseys sponsored by Mizuno Corporation.

Trophy for Semi-Pro Football League Division 1 winner.

Trophy for Semi-Pro Football League Division 2 winner.

Fair-Play Trophy for Semi-Pro Football League Division 2.

A Wrong Reproduction of Merdeka Cup 1958 Replica Trophy

     This Merdeka Cup 1958 replica trophy  was displayed in one of the exhibition programme held in National Museum, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Although it was a replica trophy, but its must be similar exactly like the genuine one. This is because this trophy was displayed to deliver correct informations about the history of that trophy and the unique designs or craftsmanship of that trophy. That's why it must in the accurate detailed. Not just perfunctory in producing this trophy. We did noticed a few incorrect informations that can be found on this trophy and it was ashamed that this thing can happen. This can tarnish the image of National Museum because it displayed an incorrect replica trophy. Further details can be seen below:-  

The Merdeka Cup 1958 replica trophy.

 

The genuine Merdeka Cup 1958 trophy.

Description about this Merdeka Cup 1958 replica trophy.

Front close up of Merdeka Cup 1958 replica trophy.

Below, the wrong informations about the Malaysia and Myanmar flag on the Merdeka Cup 1958 replica trophy..

Close up of Malaysia flag (left) and Myanmar flag (right).

     For our informations, in 1958, Malaysia was known as Malaya, but not Malaysia !!! Malaysia came into existance in 1963. Flag attached on this trophy was a Malaysia flag with 14 stripes, but not a Malaya flag with 11 stripes. Furthermore, in Merdeka Cup 1958, Myanmar did not participated. How come Myanmar flag was attached on this trophy ??? Participating countries in this Merdeka Cup 1958 were Malaya, South Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore and Hong Kong. This proof can be seen on the picture of  Merdeka Cup 1958 shield below:-

Merdeka Cup 1958 shield.

*photo credit man Olimpik

Merdeka Cup 1958 mini shield.

     Last but not least, this serious mistake should not be done on this Merdeka Cup 1958 replica trophy. Although it just a replica trophy, but in delivering 100% correct informations and accuracy of facts are most important because this is related to our football heritage and history pride. Any responsible organisation should take IMMEDIATE action to recall back this trophy and correct back all the mistakes that has been done !!!

*Reminder: Anyone who wants to contribute their sources/artifacts to be review in this blog, do not hesitate to contact Aizusan the curator at this e-mail address: faiz_mapy07@yahoo.com

Malaysian Tiger Never Exist In Malaysia Football

     On 16 September 2016, Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) launched a new FAM and Harimau Malaysia logo. Previously on 2 February 2016, FAM President launched the new name for Malaysian football team known as Harimau Malaysia. This new name of Harimau Malaysia automatically replaced the old name for Malaysian football team known as Harimau Malaya. Harimau Malaya in English spelled out as Malayan Tiger and Harimau Malaysia in English spelled out as Malaysian Tiger. How did this Malayan Tiger name sticked to Malaysian football team ? As far as we know, its related to Dollah Don story whereby he was given this title by the previous Indonesia President, that was President Sukarno who did amazed by Dollah Don football talents and his title sticked to Malayan football team because at that time, he played for Malayan football team also. This title sticked to Malaysian footbal team also until it was changed lately to Malaysian Tiger.

     However, this was not the only story how the Malayan Tiger name came into picture. First of all, let us see the evolution of FAM logo below starting from its existence day till today:-

 Football Association of Malaya 

1933-1956

 Football Association of Malaya 

1957-1961

Football Association of Malaya 

1961-1963

 Football Association of Malaysia 

1963-1987

Football Association of Malaysia 

1987-2016

     Then, photo below was the new FAM logo launched on 16 September 2016:-

New FAM logo

16 September 2016

     From all the evolution of FAM logo photos above, what did we see was a symbol of tiger. It was the symbol of Malayan Tiger, a subspecies of tiger that inhabits the Malaysia Peninsular. Its scientific name was Panthera Tigris Jacksoni and it was an endangered species of animal. FAM has used the Malayan Tiger symbol since ages because of some reason, to show the strength of its organisation and the football team under it. But there is no Malaysian Tiger and its not even exist in the animal kingdom species.

     Therefore, before we change something, we must study its history, do not bulldoze just like that. It will show that we are POOR in knowing our history. Malayan tiger name its not about Dollah Don only, its about FAM logo and FAM identity itself since the FAM existance. Since the name has changed to Malaysian Tiger, there is no need anymore to put the Malayan Tiger image inside the FAM logo because the tiger symbol itself was not the Malaysian Tiger species and most important, Malaysian Tiger do not exist !!! 

*Reminder: Anyone who wants to contribute their sources/artifacts to be review in this blog, do not hesitate to contact Aizusan the curator at this e-mail address: faiz_mapy07@yahoo.com

The History Of Football Association Of Selangor Administration Building

Since the beginning of the establishment of the Football Association of Selangor (FAS), FAS already have a building that was used to govern all matters related to the FAS. However, the source of history of the administration building used by the FAS was very limited and can only be traced back from 1960s. In the 1960s, FAS administration building was located in Jalan Conlay, Kuala Lumpur. Below was an official photo of the FAS officials at the FAS House located at Jalan Conlay, Kuala Lumpur in 1963 : -

The FAS officials group photo was taken in front of the FAS, located at Jalan Conlay, Kuala Lumpur in 1963. Spotted there was Datuk Harun Idris, the Selangor team manager and in front of him was a Malaya Cup that was won by Selangor in 1963.

Then on 24 June 1973, His Royal Highness Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj Ibni Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Alhaj at that time was HRH Raja Muda Selangor inaugurated the new FAS administration building located at Jalan Maharajalela, Kuala Lumpur. The building was named as Wisma FAS.

Wisma FAS at Jalan Maharajalela, Kuala Lumpur.

After that, the FAS administration building once again moved to a new building at Wisma FAS, Kelana Jaya, Selangor in the 1990s.

Wisma FAS at Kelana Jaya, Selangor.

After several years of FAS administration building was based on Wisma FAS, Kelana Jaya, Selangor, there was a plan to build a new larger FAS administration building with a sports complex and two soccer fields namely FAS Sports Complex located at Section U15 , Shah Alam, Selangor. The construction of this FAS Sports Complex has completed but not yet ready to be occupied.

*Reminder: Anyone who wants to contribute their sources/artifacts to be review in this blog, do not hesitate to contact Aizusan the curator at this e-mail address: faiz_mapy07@yahoo.com

Grenemisk Live Streaming Of Kelab Jersi Kita,Selangor Ex-Player And Saturday Jersey Gang

     On 10 September 2016 there was a live streaming aired by Grenemisk involving Kelab Jersi Kita, Selangor ex-player and Saturday Jersey Gang in Soccerhouze, Damansara Perdana, Petaling Jaya, Selangor. In this live streaming there were members of Kelab Jersi Kita (Aizusan and Fitrie), Selangor ex-player (Sharil Arsat) and join together member of Saturday Jersey Gang (Sahrin). This live streaming was held to share knowledge of the Selangor football collections and heritage such as football jerseys, match books, maflas, medals and many more. Through this sharing knowledge, we managed to educate and cultivate the passions and proud of our own heritage especially about Selangor football.

The live streaming advertisement.

     Below were the link to watch the live streaming through online (a must watch for Selangor football collectors):-

http://livestream.com/accounts/9020749/events/6308141

Football Assoc. of Malaysia Selection vs PSV Eindhoven 1971

     In 1971, PSV Eindhoven, a football club from Holland made a tour to Southeast Asia for the football tournaments. Its include Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia. On 8 June 1971, PSV Eindhoven came to Malaysia for a  football tournament against Football Assoc. of Malaysia (FAM) Selection team. The match between PSV Eindhoven vs FAM Selection was held on 9 June 1971 at Merdeka Stadium. 

     FAM Selection coached by Jalil Che Din and consist of Rahim Abdullah, M.Chandran, V. Krishnasamy, Soh Chin Aun, Chow Kwai Lam, Wong Choon Wah, Radagopal, Harun Yusoff, Inrahim Mydin, Zulkifli Norbit, Shaharuddin Abdullah, Hanafiah Mohsein, Ali Bakar, Wong Kam Fook and Awang Essa. PSV Eindhoven team was coached by Kurt Linder and consist of Jan Van Beveren, Johan De Vrindt, Wim Van Den Dungen, Willy Heyink, Guus Hiddink, Peter Kemper, Adrie Van Kraay, Willy Van Der Kuijlen, Harrie Lubse, Eef Mulders, Lazar Radović, Bent Schmidt Hansen, Jac Van Stippent, Pleun Strik, Gerrit Van Tilburg, Wietse Veenstra and Harry Vos. In this match, FAM Selection lost to PSV Eindhoven with the scores of 2-5. Five goals from PSV Eindhoven were scored by Johan De Vrindt (2 goals), Eef Mulders (2 goals) and Wim Van Den Dungen (1 goal). However, from FAM Selection, 2 goals were scored by Zulkifli Norbit and Shaharuddin Abdullah. 

     Two PSV Eindhoven players who played in this tournament known as Harry Vos and Pleun Strik were later on played in the World Cup Final 1974. Then, Guus Hiddink who was also played in this tournament was later on became a Chelsea Club coach nowadays. FAM Selection has fought till the end a great team known as PSV Eindhoven and only got minimal lost of scored which proved that this FAM Selection was a great team and they lost with pride.

FAM Selection team in white shirt.

Stand from left: Rahim Abdullah, M.Chandran, V. Krishnasamy, Wong Kam Fook (dark goalkeeper shirt), Soh Chin Aun, Awang Essa (dark goalkeeper shirt) and Chow Kwai Lam.

Sitting from left: Wong Choon Wah, Radagopal, Harun Yusoff, Inrahim Mydin, Zulkifli Norbit, Shaharuddin Abdullah, Hanafiah Mohsein and Ali Bakar.

PSV Eindhoven tournament mini pennant given to FAM Selection players.

PSV Eindhoven mini pin badge given to FAM Selection players.

*Reminder: Anyone who wants to contribute their sources/artifacts to be review in this blog, do not hesitate to contact Aizusan the curator at this e-mail address: faiz_mapy07@yahoo.com

Asian Cup Central Regional Football Tournament 1971

     Asian Cup Central Regional Football Tournament 1971 was held in Bangkok, Thailand. It was part of AFC Asian Cup 1972 qualifier round. Supposedly it was participated by seven countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia (Khmer), Vietnam (South Vietnam), Hong Kong, Thailand and Brunei. However, Vietnam withdrew from this tournament. Malaysian team under the leadership of Dato Haji Harun Bin Haji Idris and coached by Jalil Che Din was consist of Wong Kam Fook, Osman Abdullah, Chow Kwai Lam, Lim Kim Lian, Soh Chin Aun, M. Chandran, V. Krishnasamy, Au Yoon, Ali Bakar, Rahim Abdullah, Mahadi Yusof, Shaharuddin Abdullah, Yap Eng Kok, Wong Choon Wah, Zulkifli Norbit, Mohd Noor Bin Yusof, Ibrahim Mydin, Hanafiah Mohsein, Awang Isa, Ng Kon and Mohd Baker. The opening ceremony started on 21st May 1971. In order to determine the grouping for each countries, three matches was held on 21st and 22nd May 1971. On 21st May 1971, one match was held and the result was Cambodia draw with Thailand 1-1. Then, on 22nd May 1971, two matches were held and the results were Malaysia won against Brunei 8-0. Goals from Malaysia scored by Zulkifli Norbit (3 goals), Shaharuddin Abdullah (3 goals), Wong Choon Wah (1 goal) and Soh Chin Aun (1 goal). Second match won by Indonesia against Hong Kong 2-1.

     After these results of early matches, Indonesia, Thailand and Brunei were in Group A and Malaysia, Cambodia and Hong Kong were in Group B. In Group B, Malaysia won two matches consecutively. The first match against Cambodia, Malaysia won with 2-1 scores and scored by Shaharuddin Abdullah and Wong Choon Wah. The second match against Hong Kong, Malaysia won with 2-1 scores that was scored by Shaharuddin Abdullah (2 goals) and Malaysia qualified to the semi final round.

     In the semi final round, Malaysia lost to Thailand 0-1 and met Indonesia for the third place determination. Malaysia won against Indonesia 3-0 and won the third place. Thailand became the champion of this tournament after they won against Cambodia 4-2 in the final match. 

Asian Cup Central Regional Football Tournament 1971 Match Book

Fowarded message by Tunku Abdul Rahman (President Football Assoc. of Malaysia) 

Malaysian players line up.

Malaysian players faces.

Asian Cup Central Regional Football Tournament 1971 commemorative ribbon pin badge given to participant.

*Reminder: Anyone who wants to contribute their sources/artifacts to be review in this blog, do not hesitate to contact Aizusan the curator at this e-mail address: faiz_mapy07@yahoo.com