Fighter Shahmalarani ends title wait as new star Thevendran emerges in SEAKF
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SEA Games 2027 – A platform to mobilise Malaysia's ambitions
FOR Malaysia, hosting the biennial SEA Games has always transcended the pursuit of medals. It remains a reflection of national identity, a tool of diplomacy, and a platform for mobilising the country's broader ambitions. Since stepping in to host the third South-East Asian Peninsular (SEAP) Games in 1965 – replacing Laos due to financial constraints – Malaysia has used the Games to project unity, capability, and leadership.
The Star
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Versatile Kiwi Ingham can add polish to more than just Sabah's defence
KUALA LUMPUR: Sabah's new Kiwi defender Dane Ingham intends to make his first venture into South-East Asian football a memorable one. The 26 year old, who is Australian-born but represents the New Zealand national team, sees the Malaysian Super League as a great opportunity to challenge himself and make a mark on new territory. ''Joining Sabah provides a new phase in my career and represents opportunities, and I'm quite excited to start this new season as this the first time I get to test my abilities in South-East Asia,'' said Ingham. Having previously played for A-League club Newcastle Jets, Ingham hopes that his presence in Sabah will help to strengthen the team's defence as he is aware that other clubs have dangerous strikers. ''The other clubs in the Super League are of top quality and I don't want to underestimate their abilities.'' Moreover, Ingham describes himself as a versatile player by being able to contribute to the forward line and assist in scoring for the team despite being a defender. ''Whatever it takes, I want to give my best to help the team without missing any games, and if necessary, I have no problem playing up front and assist in scoring. 'I'm a player who never gives up and I will try my best to give positive energy to my teammates,'' he added. Sabah's main aim this year is to create surprises, especially after they impressed last season by finishing third in the Super League with 40 points. The last time the Rhinos won the Super League was back in 1996.
The Star
23-07-2025
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Dion makes a statement on and off pitch with his own jersey design
Celebration of legacy: Dion Cools in action in his adidas kit which has patterns inspired by his birthplace Sarawak. PETALING JAYA: Whether donning the national colours of Malaysia, the pink of Cerezo Osaka kit, or now his very own adidas kit – Dion Cools' mission remains unchanged and that is to represent with pride and inspire through performance. Yesterday, the rightback became the first Malaysian and South-East Asian footballer to launch his own limited-edition jersey in collaboration with global sportswear giant adidas. The unveiling at the adidas outlet in Sunway Pyramid was not just a fashion moment but it was a celebration of legacy. 'Football has given me an incredible platform to represent where I come from and what I stand for,' said Cools, who was born in Kuching before moving to Belgium, where his football journey took flight. 'This jersey is special to me because it includes patterns inspired by my birthplace, Sarawak. It's a proud moment.' The No. 21, emblazoned on the back, adds a personal touch, Cools' preferred number since his early professional days in Europe. Cools currently plays in Japan's top-tier J1 League with Cerezo Osaka and continues to be a key figure for Harimau Malaya on the international stage. Eligible to represent both countries, he chose the Malaysian badge and has been a regular fixture in the Malaysian national setup since 2021. Meanwhile, Cools has left it up to the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and team management to decide on Harimau Malaya's involvement in any friendly matches this September. He said the national squad still had room to prepare for the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers scheduled for in October. This follows Harimau Malaya's withdrawal from the Central Asian Football Association (CAFA) Nations Cup in Tajikistan from Aug 29-Sept 8. 'I think it's bad news (withdrawing from the 2025 CAFA Cup), but at the same time the management have done its best. We have work to do for the Asian Cup qualifiers, and I think that's the most important thing for us. Previously, FAM had announced that Harimau Malaya's withdrawal was due to a change in match dates, with fixtures now starting outside the official international window set by FIFA, making it challenging for the national team, as clubs are not obliged to release their players.
