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The Star
19 hours ago
- Sport
- The Star
Young defender Ubaidullah ready to face AFF test head-on
SUBANG JAYA: Malaysian defender Ubaidullah Shamsul Fazili (pic) knows it will not be a walk in the park at the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Under-23 Championship in Indonesia from July 15-29. Drawn into the challenging Group A alongside tournament hosts Indonesia, the Philippines and Brunei, the 21-year-old is bracing for a tough campaign – but he's not backing down. Instead of being overwhelmed, Ubaidullah is embracing the challenge as a learning experience. 'I would like to thank my coach Nafuzi Zain for giving me the opportunity to play. It is a great honour to represent the country, and I see this as a valuable chance to grow,' said Ubaidullah. 'I think the tournament will be an opportunity to gain valuable experience for our team as we will be facing teams that will parade quality players. 'Hopefully, this will also be a platform for us to improve ourselves in the game.' Ubaidullah said the game against hosts Indonesian would be the most exciting. 'Indonesia will be making full use of their home advantage. The fans in this country are well know for their passion in the game. 'There surely will be some pressure considering Indonesia have quality players but we aim to enjoy the game and achieve good results.' Ubaidullah added that he had been learning from his senior teammates, who have done well in recent tournaments, ahead of their games in Jakarta. He had a chance to brush shoulders with the seniors as he stole the spotlight briefly when he was named man-of-the-match during an international friendly against Cape Verde at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium in Cheras last month, which ended in a 1-1 draw. Ubaidullah stressed that having experience with the senior squad does not guarantee an automatic spot in this young squad. 'First of all, I was lucky to be selected for this camp. But there is no guarantee of final selection. I see two or three players vying for the same position in the team. So I'm taking it seriously to fight for a berth,' he said. ''I'm inspired by the seniors' results. I will try to follow their lifestyle and disciplined routines to improve myself.'
Straits Times
14-06-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
Football sisters Nurhidayu and Natasha reunite for Singapore-Hong Kong friendly
Sisters Natasha Naszri (left), 17, and Nurhidayu Naszri, 21, will be representing Singapore for the international football friendly against Hong Kong. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM SINGAPORE - The last time sisters Nurhidayu and Natasha Naszri were on a football pitch together was Dec 5, 2024, when the Lionesses played the third-place play-off at the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Women's Cup. Then, the team posted a 1-0 victory over Timor-Leste to claim the final qualifying berth for the 2025 Asean Women's Championship – a first for the Singapore women's football team. Though the team later withdrew from the competition, the qualification remains a cherished memory for the sisters. 'We really sacrificed a lot and put in a lot of effort to play for that competition. So having to really win it, and achieve something, was a really happy moment for us,' said Nurhidayu, 21. The duo are looking forward to more happy moments on the field together on June 15, when the Lionesses play 80th-ranked Hong Kong in an international friendly at Choa Chu Kang Stadium. This is the world No. 139 Singaporeans' first international home fixture of 2025. Both players are among the 23-member squad picked by national women's team head coach Karim Bencherifa for the game. Left-back Nurhidayu and central midfielder Natasha, 17, have not spent much time together as the latter has been training in Spain's LaLiga academy as part of the Unleash the Roar! (UTR) overseas scholarship programme, while Nurhidayu trains here with the Lion City Sailors women's team and Temasek Polytechnic. Nurhidayu said: 'We have known each other our whole life, so we understand each other. If I have a problem, I go to her; if she has a problem, she goes to me. This stuff helps us to develop as a player as well.' Natasha has followed keenly in her older sister's footsteps, joining her first in their Telok Kurau Primary School football team, and then to the national youth team. During the 2024 Women's Premier League (WPL) season, they both played for the Sailors, who topped the league. When Natasha was called up to the national senior team in 2023, Nurhidayu was out due to a knee injury. Nonetheless, she still had advice for her younger sibling, telling her to 'just play, don't have to be nervous'. Family support is important for the pair as their parents, two siblings and other relatives will show up in the stadium to cheer them on during their games. Though they may be four years apart, the sisters share a close bond, as seen in their banter and teasing during the interview with The Straits Times. They bicker about their favourite football teams – Natasha supports Liverpool and Real Madrid like their father, Nurhidayu is a Tottenham Hotspur fan – and who is better at mathematics. Though they may be four years apart, the sisters share a close bond, as seen in their banter and teasing during the interview with The Straits Times. ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM But playing football is serious business for them. Nurhidayu, who received her maiden call-up in 2021 and has 18 appearances to Natasha's seven, said: 'To come back and contribute for the country, it's always an honour. We take every call up as an opportunity for us to actually give what we can.' The Hong Kong game is the second fixture in the week for the Lionesses, who played the same opponents in a closed-door match on June 12. While Bencherifa did not reveal the score, he noted it was a close contest and that he was pleased with the competitiveness and performance of his team. Singapore were beaten 1-0 in their last game against Hong Kong in 2022 – Nurhidayu was also part of the team then. The two matches will also serve as preparation for the Lionesses for the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women's Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers. Held in Jordan from June 23 to July 5, Singapore has been drawn into Group A alongside 68th-ranked Iran, Jordan (75), Lebanon (130), and Bhutan (171). The squad for the Hong Kong friendly and AFC tournament has an average age of 21 and comprise a mix of experienced and young players. They include senior players Lim Li Xian, captain Rosnani Azman and forward Farhanah Ruhaizat, returning overseas players Danielle Tan and Venetia Lim, and five from the UTR programme. Among the newcomers are Still Aerion's Nurul Unaisah, Albirex Niigata's Nurzaherra Maisarah and Balestier Khalsa's Sharifah Nur Amanina, who won a women's singles gold in teqball at the 2023 SEA Games. However, the Lionesses will be without key midfielder Putri Syaliza, who is studying at Oakland University in the US and is unavailable due to personal commitments. Bencherifa earlier noted that the match against Hong Kong 'will be a good test for us to assess where we are and what we need to improve on'. He added: 'We try always to have a good performance, and the result is also important.' Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Ex-Malaysian footballer, coach K. Rajagobal's ‘Inilah Saya' book a nine-year project in the making
Datuk K. Rajagobal was standing at the cashier of an eatery in Publika, Kuala Lumpur, waiting to pay for his meal, when he was approached by a gentleman who recognised the legendary sports figure. Others in the shop had their eyes on him, knowing very well who he was. That is the power of 'King Raja'. Despite having played for Selangor and Malaysia some four decades ago, and later gaining national fame as coach from 2009 to 2013, Rajagobal continues to attract attention wherever he goes. Much has been written and said about Rajagobal, but he is best remembered as the man behind the euphoria that swept the nation when his squad won the 2009 SEA Games gold medal and the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Cup in 2010. Malaysians proudly wore the national jersey again, and many believed that more glory was on the horizon. Unfortunately, Malaysia has not won either tournament since. Fresh from recording a Julang podcast episode with seasoned journalist Rizal Hashim and Twentytwo13 editor Haresh Deol on May 29, Rajagobal sat down with the duo to talk about his book Inilah Saya (This is Me), which will be showcased at the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair at the World Trade Centre tomorrow. In his trademark white shirt, adorned with a sewn-on Jalur Gemilang on the left, Rajagobal spoke over teh tarik (tea) and roti bakar (toast). 'After winning the AFF Cup in 2010, many told me to write a book about my journey and success. But it wasn't the right time,' he said. 'When I left the FA of Malaysia (FAM) in 2013, I thought it might finally be the right time. My eldest son, Kanason, told me, 'Appa, why don't you write a book?' I was still busy coaching, but when I returned from Sarawak in 2016, that's when I decided to start working on it.' 'It's been a nine-year project because of several delays. I was coaching PKNS FC between 2018 and 2019, so things stalled then. But once that ended, I got back to working on the book.' Asked why he decided to write it, Rajagobal said: 'I want to share my journey – the challenges I faced, my struggles, my hardships. I also want the younger generation to realise that anything can be achieved if we are mentally strong. Just focus on hard work, and you won't be easily defeated. You'll fall many times, but you'll get up.' 'I also hope this book inspires, motivates, and encourages Malaysians to be patriotic. The younger generation is our future.' 'I would love to see other legends and future players from various sports document their journeys and achievements. It allows others to learn from different experiences and become better individuals.' Priced at RM49, Inilah Saya is available at the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair. Rajagobal will hold a meet-and-greet session at the fair tomorrow (May 29) from 11am to 1.30pm. The book is also available online at Karangkraf Mall.
The Star
28-05-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Devilishly good time as fans paint the national stadium red
PETALING JAYA: The National Stadium in Bukit Jalil had seen many great atmospheres but yesterday, painted in hues of Manchester red, it was something different. It wasn't just about football. It was about connection. Nostalgia. Unity. And perhaps, a longing for something greater at home. Thousands gathered, some as early as 3pm yesterday, despite the gates opening only at 6.30pm. The kickoff? Still hours away at 8.45pm. Yet they waited, sweltering under the late afternoon sun, laughing, singing, chanting—wearing their colours with pride. To many, this wasn't just a match. It was a dream, 16 years in the making. After all, the last time Manchester United graced Malaysian soil was in 2009. It was a reunion of sorts—between a legendary football club and its passionate South-East Asian fanbase. A celebration of sporting excellence and regional unity, as Asean Football Federation (AFF) president Khiev Sameth put it. "This is not just world-class football. It's a force that transcends borders. A celebration of hope and sorority. Tonight, we come together not just for the love of the game, but to give back—supporting Yayasan Al Sultan Abdullah," he shared. Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) president Datuk Joehari Ayub called it a proud moment—not just for Malaysia but for South-East Asia. "It's a powerful symbol of unity. This club, steeped in rich history, remind us of the values of teamwork, dedication, and legacy. To welcome Manchester United back here is to welcome a piece of footballing heritage." L. Kumaran Raj, 37, who queued up since 4pm, said it was nice to see the squad coming straight from the season just for the fans. "I'm happy to see them here, and it means a lot that they came here straight after the season. Hopefully, their trip here brings them better luck for signings and operational decisions," he said. Another fan Zarif Meor Amidi, 22, said he was delighted to catch the team without the need to go to England to watch them live. "The atmosphere is great, and it's amazing to see so many United fans here. Finally, my friends and I got to watch United play without having to travel to Europe. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," he said. "We hope (Rasmus) Hojlund scores more goals soon and gains confidence because right now that's the weakest aspect of our team. We also hope the entire team treat this game as a proper pre-season match and build on that momentum."
New Straits Times
28-05-2025
- Sport
- New Straits Times
Amorim turns red as phone alarm disrupts United, Asean All-Stars presser
KUALA LUMPUR: Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim caused an unexpected pause during the pre-match press conference ahead of the Maybank Challenge Cup clash against the Asean All-Stars here, yesterday. The minor incident occurred when the 40-year-old Portuguese tactician's mobile phone rang while Asean Football Federation (AFF) President Major General Khiev Sameth was speaking during the media session. All eyes turned to Amorim as he calmly silenced the device, managing the situation with composure before proceedings resumed. The light-hearted moment drew smiles from those present and added a touch of humour to the session. Speaking to reporters afterwards, Amorim revealed that the interruption came from his house alarm. "I apologise for the house alarm…when I'm away I like to control my kids," he said while holding back laughter as his face turned red. The clash between United and the Asean All-Stars is scheduled to take place at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil tonight. The last time the Red Devils played in Malaysia was during the 2009 pre-season tour, beating Malaysia XI twice, 3-2 and 2-0, respectively on July 18 and 20 at the National Stadium. The 13-time Premier League champions, who have endured a dismal season by their lofty standards when they ended the season in 15th spot with 42 points, are also scheduled to travel to Hong Kong as part of their post-season tour to play against the Hong Kong national team at the Hong Kong Stadium on May 30. – BERNAMA
