Latest news with #CityBoys
New Straits Times
14-07-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Will RM1 million windfall lift City Boys?
KUALA LUMPUR: Kuala Lumpur FC will have few excuses if they don't do well in the Super League this season. Their fans will expect a better showing from the City Boys after a surprise RM1 million sponsorship from the government on Saturday. KLFA president Syed Yazid Syed Omar welcomed the surprise RM1 million grant. However, KL fans will now demand results and better long-term planning from the city team. On Saturday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced a RM1 million allocation to help boost football in Kuala Lumpur, during KLFA's 50th Jubilee celebration. The announcement took the KLFA leadership by surprise. "I didn't expect it at all. We didn't ask, but the prime minister announced it in front of everyone. I am very thankful," said Syed Yazid. "We'll discuss how to use the funds during our exco meeting. What's important is that the money will help us manage KLFA better. "There are no salary arrears (involving the KL Super League team) and we've resolved old issues with former players and staff amicably," he said. However, the RM1 million injection has also led to many fans asking whether KLFA can justify such high-level backing. Football critic Datuk Dr Pekan Ramli urged KLFA to treat the RM1 million sponsorship as a responsibility, not a reward. "When the prime minister gives you RM1 million without being asked, it's not just a gift, it's a responsibility," said Pekan. "The fans are right to ask questions. KLFA has to prove we deserve this support. That means showing real progress, not just on the pitch, but in how we manage the team, invest in development, and rebuild trust in the structure."
The Star
12-07-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Coach happy with City boys' strong desire and commitment
PETALING JAYA: New Kuala Lumpur coach Risto Vidakovic is taking a measured approach as he builds his squad for the upcoming Super League season, stressing that his focus is more on building chemistry and assessing players than early results. The City Boys were held to a goalless draw by A1 Semi-Pro side Bunga Raya in their first pre-season friendly at the PKNS Training Centre in Kelana Jaya on Friday, but Vidakovic wasn't too concerned with the outcome. 'It has been good. All the boys are working hard and adapting,' said the Bosnian. 'It's not easy to build a team immediately, especially with new players.' The game against Bunga Raya offered the coach a chance to evaluate his players in a match setting, but he admitted that the pitch conditions made it difficult to draw conclusions. 'I wanted to see something different. I didn't care about the result, I was assessing the boys. But the pitch wasn't great, practically unplayable. You cannot see good football if the field is bad.' Despite the uninspiring scoreline, Vidakovic found positives in the team's attitude and work rate. 'The desire and commitment is there. That's a good sign. It's just one week into pre-season, so the work continues.' Kuala Lumpur have secured three loan signings from reigning champions Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT): midfielder Syamer Kutty Abba, wingers Safawi Rasid and Manuel Hidalgo; defenders Adam Nor Azlin, Syazwan Andik, Azrif Nasrulhaq from Pahang; and Kelantan winger Fazrul Amir Md Zaman, Filipino goalkeeper Quincy Kammerad. 'We need to improve some positions. There are some names we are trying to bring in. Maybe one or two more additions,' said Vidakovic. 'I want players to compete every day in training. We're getting players who suit our style and system. That's the priority. It's not always easy to get exactly who we want, but we are working on it.' 'Players from Europe aren't used to playing in these conditions. They need about a month to adapt. Technically, they're strong.'
The Star
29-06-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Timor Leste's Joao aims to go far with Kuching City
PETALING JAYA: In a surprising last-minute turn of events, Timor Leste's star striker Joao Pedro has signed up for Kuching City, snubbing a near-confirmed move to Kuala Lumpur for new Super League season. The 26-year-old forward, who has made headlines for his consistent performances with the Timor-Leste national team, was heavily tipped to join the City Boys, with Kuala Lumpur chairman Syed Yazid Syed Omar even going public about the transfer. However, it was Kuching City who confirmed the signing on Saturday, announcing Pedro as their latest attacking weapon in their bid to climb up the league standings. In a statement, Timor Leste coach Simon Elissetche was delighted that the striker moved to a competitive league. 'Many congratulations to Joao, and may we continue to stand together in the Timor-Leste national team.' Pedro's arrival is a massive motivation for the Sarawak-based side. Known for his pace, intelligent movement, and finishing, the striker is expected to slot straight into the first team and offer much-needed attacking firepower. Kuching have made their ambitions clear, and the signing of Pedro signals a strong intent to solidify their place in the league and perhaps mount a charge for another top four finish.
Malay Mail
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Malay Mail
Former national footballer T. Gopinath Naidu dies at 50, remembered as ‘Kuala Lumpur Wonder Boy'
KUALA LUMPUR, May 25 — Former national footballer T. Gopinath Naidu, who was part of Malaysia's football scene in the 1990s, died yesterday at the age of 50. The sad news was shared by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) through a post on its official Facebook page. 'Condolences. FAM extends its deepest sympathies to the family of the late T. Gopinath Naidu. He was a member of the national squad in the 1990s and had also played for Kuala Lumpur (1992-1994) and Perak (1996),' the post read. Fondly known as the 'Kuala Lumpur Wonder Boy', Gopinath played a key role in helping 'The City Boys' secure back-to-back FA Cup titles in 1993 and 1994. His outstanding performance earned him opportunities to train and play internationally, including with English club Aston Villa and German side Bayern Leverkusen. However, recurring knee injuries forced him into early retirement at the age of 25 in 1999. During his time with the national team, Gopinath represented Malaysia at the 1994 Asian Games in Hiroshima, Japan, and the qualifying rounds for the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games. — Bernama
The Star
24-05-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Ex-KL footballer Gopinath passes on
PETALING JAYA: Former Kuala Lumpur footballer T. Gopinath Naidu passed away at the age of 51 due to cardiac arrest on Saturday (May 24). Known as the Wonder Boy, Gopinath played with the City Boys from 1992 and went on to win the FA Cup in 1993 and 1994. But as he was reaching his peak, recurring knee injuries and undergoing 19 surgeries forced the footballer to retire at the age of 25 in 1999. Before retiring, Gopinath had a short stint with Perak in 1996.
