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The Star
an hour ago
- Sport
- The Star
One of the most famous faces of football in South-East Asia, Malaysia's evergreen coach K. Rajagobal returns with his book 'Inilah Saya'
ON a hot Saturday, after my morning prayers, this writer decided to have a nice Indian breakfast in SS3, Petaling Jaya. It was the utmost pleasant surprise when I bumped into a legendary football face of Malaysia and also the region of South-East Asia. It was Datuk K. Rajagobal himself. Indeed, it was a sight to behold. "Hello Datuk ... It is indeed great to see you... How are you and I do hope you still remember me," said this writer. And the spontaneous answer: "Dear Navalan ... how is it possible to forget S. Navalan from the Star. And how are you good brother," that was the response from the man himself. For me, it is indeed a great honour to be remembered by someone I know as a football fan, student, a football player and then a sports journalist. It has been (many) years since I had stopped writing on sports. My mind has been elsewhere in many other sections these days. And yet to be remembered. That for me is and always will be the highest honour. But today it's all about the man himself Rajagopal, well known as 'King Gobal' in the football fraternity. The 69-year-old Rajagopal, a legend of Malaysian football, a true son of Selangor and this country. Having given his whole career and just about his whole to life to this wonderful game. We call it football and some call it soccer. And many call it the game life. For Rajagobal, football is just that, his life. And at 69, he has now come to the fore writing about football and his experiences in, 'Inilah Saya'. A book that chronicles his life and also the path he took, with never once a regret, and also much about the good old days of football. Those days when many fans in this country talk about Malaysian football first and foreign football in way behind in second place. Unfortunately, that has changed these days (the time we are living in now, I guess). But going through the book, it is one definite fun read when in the good old days, Malaysia, were the kings of the game in South-East Asia. None mattered to us, when we use to tame the likes of Thailand, Indonesia and our heated rival Singapore. None just mattered to us. We also beat the likes of South Korea in the 80s and when Rajagobal was in the thick action of the game in those days for his club, state and country. The twinkling was still in his eyes when we spoke about the good old days, when the Merdeka Staidum was full in the 80s and Shah Alam Stadium was packed to the brim of 80,000 fans for a simple and a mere Malaysia League match -- whether it was against Pahang, Perak or Singapore, it was PACKED. "Brilliant days. I do believe we will see that again. That is my hope too," said a smiling Rajagobal. The former Selangor, PKNS, Sarawak and Kelantan head honcho and Malaysia coach has given it all to the game. These days he simply just loves to sit back and enjoy the game and even watch his boys play now in the veteran tournaments or veteran leagues. As for the book which was encouraged by his eldest son Kanason, Rajagobal's autobiography chronicled his life journey beginning with his childhood days at Air Panas, Setapak, where his love the for sports was planted, right up to his short stint as the chief coach of Brunei as recently as 2020. Rajagobal's personal accounts – from growing up in the heart of the city along with the likes of Datuk Santokh Singh, Datuk Soh Chin Ann, N. Nallathamby, Avtar Singh Gill, R. Arumugam and the late R. Subramaniam to his role as the architect behind Malaysia's win in the AFF Cup in 2010 – has been candidly captured, divided into 16 chapters. That is the power of 'King Gobal', lovingly nicknamed by fans and local media. 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 be loved by Malaysian football fans, young and old. 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. And now in the autobiography. The book 'Inilah Saya' was recently launched Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair at the World Trade Centre. "This book has been in the works for about 10 years actually. I have been encouraged by my son and also by friends and other family members. It was a fun ride. Just thinking about it all. It has been quite a journey. I'm thankful to God for guiding me this far. Truly, I have been blessed with a memorable career and also a wonderful family," said Rajagobal. In a recent interview, 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 Malaysian legends and future players from various sports document their journeys and achievements. It allows others to learn from different experiences and become better individuals.' Indeed, an incrdible journey by a true Selangor boy who also gave it all to this country and on the way received much adulation from football fans all over the region and as far as Asia too. "You know all that really is something that comes along the way. What is more important is that be honest in everything. Just give your best. That will make you the man you are today. And I'm just glad a lot of good things have come my way. They were many, many tough moments. But love and your family will see it through. That is my honest aspects of my life," said Rajagobal. As for football, Rajagobal said he is happy to see the national team is also doing well now and he hopes they continue to shine in international tournaments. "If it is the national team, then I just want to see them win and win and win. Nothing else matters. The side now seems to be very good. We just want to see them keep on doing well in tournament," he said. These days, Rajagobal also loves talking about his two grandchildren. "They are my prince and princess now -- Ammika Leah and Darshan Liam -- my wonderful joy for me and my wife. I hope they play the game too of course," he smiled. "But it is entirely up to them really." Well for the record, Rajagobal was a speed monster and one of the fastest wingers seen in the game in Malaysia. Imagine the grandson or grand daughter picks up the game and become even better than their legendary grandfather. That is indeed 'A sight to BEHOLD ...' (Note: Priced at RM49, 'Inilah Saya' is available at bookstores and also can be purchased online at Karangkraf Mall.)
The Star
9 hours ago
- Sport
- The Star
New boys Saiful and Baqiuddin face stiff test to make Turtles first XI
PETALING JAYA: Terengganu have bolstered their squad ahead of the Super League campaign by snapping up Pahang's Saiful Jamaluddin and Baqiuddin Shamsuddin but it will not be plain sailing for them. Both Saiful and Baqiuddin, who had been without a team following Pahang's decision to pull out from the new season, can expect keen internal rivalry to make the first 11 with the Turtles. The 23-year-old Saiful is set for stiff competition with seasoned campaigner Akram Mahinan for a spot in the defensive midfield. Saiful, known for his work rate, is unfazed by the challenge. 'Akram is a vastly experienced player and he is my senior, but I look forward to a healthy rivalry,' said Saiful. Eager for action: Saiful Jamaluddin posing for a photograph after signing for Terengganu. — Terengganu FC 'I'm happy to be with Terengganu as they're one of the best sides in the league. They have strong players and great facilities.' Saiful added that it was the right move for him as he would have familiar faces in the dressing room such as his Malaysian Under-23 teammates – defenders Ubaidullah Samsul Fazili, Safwan Mazlan and Azam Azmi Murad and former teammate Asnan Ahmad. Meanwhile, the experienced winger Baqiuddin, 30, brings depth and versatility to Terengganu's attacking options on the flanks. A proven performer in the Super League, Baqiuddin is under no illusions about the competition he faces. 'It would be a fierce competition because there isn't just Akhyar Rashid. I've to take on Syahmi Zamri, Nik Shareef Haseefy, and Engku Shakir Nur Yakob,' said Baqiuddin. 'But that's what excites me. I'm happy to continue with this professional journey in a great club like Terengganu. 'This is my first time under coach Badrul (Afzan Razali), so I have to work hard to adapt to his ways and show that I can compete against the other wingers in the team.' With these two additions, Terengganu have signalled their intent to remain highly competitive in the league while continuing to blend youthful talent with seasoned professionals. As for foreign players, it is learnt that the club could be signing attackers from Cameroon and France and a centreback from Brazil. They have also been linked with former Perak playmaker Careca, who is now with South Korean Division Three club Gangneung. The 29-year-old Careca played for Perak, from 2018 to 2020, and scored 11 goals in 30 games. Terengganu have released all their foreigners except for Uzbekistan midfielder Nurillo Tukhtasinov, who has penned a one-year extension with the Turtles.
The Star
9 hours ago
- Business
- The Star
Pahang hit pause button to plot stronger M-League comeback
PETALING JAYA: Pahang do not see their withdrawal from the new Super League season as an end to their football journey. Instead, the club described their difficult decision as a 'strategic pause' aimed at strengthening the team's internal structure and laying the foundation for long-term sustainability before making a comeback. In a statement released on Thursday night, Pahang emphasised that the move was a necessary step to secure the future of the club, who have long been a cornerstone of Malaysian football. 'This is not a goodbye, but a necessary pause,' the statement read. 'We believe that taking a step back now will allow us to take stronger steps forward. 'We hope to return better equipped to contribute to the growth of football in the state of Pahang.' The club's management cited the need for time to rebuild and improve internal operations, administrative efficiency, and overall development strategies to meet the demands of modern footballing era. Pahang also took the opportunity to thank all stakeholders, including league organisers, sponsors, authorities, and especially their dedicated supporters. 'We thank all parties who have stood by us. Your unwavering support means the world, and we hope to see you again in the seasons to come.' Pahang's exit follows similar moves by Kedah and Perak, both of which pulled out of the Malaysian League due to ongoing financial struggles, including unresolved salary arrears. With Pahang's withdrawal, the 2025–2026 season will now feature 13 confirmed teams – Johor Darul Ta'zim, Selangor, Penang, Kuching City, Sabah, Terengganu, Negri Sembilan, Kelantan, Kuala Lumpur, Police, Brunei and two promoted clubs from A1 Semi-Pro League, Melaka and Immigration.
Free Malaysia Today
17 hours ago
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Raub durian farmers seek to drop appeal over eviction case
The farmers' applied to initiate judicial review proceedings against the state government last year against its decision to lease 2,167ha of farm land to Royal Pahang Durian Resources. (Facebook pic) PETALING JAYA : A group of durian farmers in Raub are seeking to drop their appeal against a High Court ruling that dismissed their application for a judicial review of an eviction notice served on them by the Pahang government in 2020. The legal firm representing the farmers said in a letter yesterday they had been instructed to withdraw the appeal, with no order as to costs. The defendants, comprising the Pahang government, Royal Pahang Durian Resources PKPP Sdn Bhd, and several others, were given seven days to convey any objections. The farmers' application for a judicial review was dismissed by the High Court judge last year. The farmers had filed the application after the state government decided to lease the 2,167ha of farm land to Royal Pahang Durian Resources. Justice Radzi Harun also rejected an application to review the state's move to sublease the land with the mandatory requirement that durians farmed be sold to a single entity nominated by Royal Pahang Durian Resources. Royal Pahang Durian Resources executive director Steven Mun confirmed receiving the letter, but said the farmers' application had yet to be filed in court. 'We hope the necessary filings will be made at the Court of Appeal shortly,' he told FMT. He said the resolution of the dispute paves the way for a structured arrangement where farmers are granted a 30-year lease, with an option to renew for another 30 years subject to state approval. He said under the terms offered to the farmers, Royal Pahang Durian Resources will purchase the durians from these farms 'thereby regulating the supply chain and ensuring that exports meet the certifications required by importing countries'. Mun said importing countries were increasingly requiring that durian exports were certified and met the standards of the Malaysian Good Agricultural Practices scheme.
Independent Singapore
4 days ago
- Business
- Independent Singapore
Durian prices expected to drop by 30% as Malaysia hits peak season
SINGAPORE: Good news awaits all durian lovers! Prices of the king of fruits in Singapore are projected to flip-flop by as much as 30% next month, as Malaysia gets ready for a bumper durian yield. According to a recent VN Express report, fruit vendors say the lowered price comes as the Malaysian durian season enters its peak in July, later than what is customary, but with promising harvests. 'Now it's the start of the season. So because the harvest is too little, it will be slightly expensive,' Sam Ho, owner of Uncle Sam Durian at Clementi Market & Food Centre, said. Ho, who sells durians from his farm in Pahang, home to the high-quality Musang King variety, expects a more robust crop year than in 2024, notwithstanding the late season. While the durian period characteristically runs from June to September, typhoons and intermittent heavy rains earlier this year interrupted blossoming and drove the peak back to mid-year. Eric Yeap, a durian farmer handling more than 50 hectares across seven orchards in Penang, affirmed that the season's start was delayed. 'Usually, the season starts in late April, but we are only starting to get the early batches of durians now,' Yeap said in an interview with Malay Mail in May. Luckily, with improved weather conditions, flowering has been triggered by the hot and dry spells in Pahang, and Alvin Yap, president of the Pahang Fruit Farmers' Association, predicts a generous yield come July and August. With three harvest waves anticipated, durian fruits, predominantly Musang King, are set to increase. Singapore sources say that approximately 85% of its durians are from Malaysia, with cross-border deliveries topping 100,000 kilos each day throughout the peak season. But retailers warn that weather conditions remain a strong factor in their production. 'While prices are predicted to fall, unpredictable weather could still affect the outlook,' said Austin Quak from Rolling Durian, another resident vendor. See also Malaysian singer Karen Kong selling durians during pandemic With the anticipation of high yields, some sellers and restaurants are giving out sizzling offers. FairPrice introduced a kampung durian promotion early this month, selling fruits at just S$1.95 (US$1.52) each at designated outlets on two weekends in June. At Resorts World Sentosa, The Bay Restaurant is preparing an extravagant durian buffet débuting July 11, where customers can pamper themselves with limitless fine durians for S$268 per individual. And for those taking short trips across the Causeway, Johor Bahru's Sunway Big Box Retail Park will hold a durian festival highlighting a buffet with fruits taken from one of Johor's biggest orchards. The entrance fee is just RM98 (US$23). With durians about to deluge the market and sales promotions picking up steam, July will become a banquet for Singapore's durian enthusiasts.
