Fakri turning it on in Portugal


AHMAD Fakri Saarani has been a lucky charm for Atletico Sport Clube Reguengos as since his arrival, the Terceira Division (third-tier competition) Serie F side have not lost a match in the Portuguese league.

The midfielder made an immediate impact on his debut by assisting a goal in the club's 3-2 away win over Lagos on Jan 13 before turning provider against Aljustrelense for the only goal the following week.

The 24-year-old also played full games in wins over Vasco da Gama (2-0) and Lusitano (2-0) and the 0-0 draw against Sesimbra.

The club, who are third with 35 points from 18 matches, are now on the brink of promotion courtesy of Fakri's contributions.

Atletico coach Eduardo Almeida said Fakri's arrival has given his team a remarkable run of good results.

"Fakri learns quickly and has adapted well to Portuguese football," said Almeida when contacted in Lisbon on Monday.

"He has become an important player in a very short time. The only thing lacking is that he hasn't scored but I believe he will do so soon."

Fakri, a former Felda United player, signed with the club for six months and his contract expires on June 1.

The Kota Baru-born player was signed without going through any kind of trial due to the good relationship of his agent, Marco Guimaraes, with the club.

"He has gained many fans and admirers here. I hope he will continue with his progress as we need his services for our remaining important games. His arrival here has given me more options and furthermore, he can play in any attacking position," said Almeida.

A member of the national Sea Games-winning squads of 2009 and 2011, Fakri is the second Malaysian to play for a professional club in Portugal after youngster Nazmi Faiz Mansor, who has since left Premier League side Beira Mar.

Fakri, a rarely used substitute in last year's AFF Cup, however, is the first local to play in the senior league.

Atletico need to win their remaining matches against Moura, FC Castrense, Monte Trigo and Lagoa to guarantee promotion to Division Two next season.

"We need to finish in the top two bracket to earn promotion but third position could also get us up. I hope Fakri will be ready for these matches," said Almeida, who formerly coached Benfica's Under-16 side.

Fakri, who is determined to serve out his six-month contact, could continue to play in Portugal if Atletico earn promotion.

Titans get more cash
By Zainuddin Muhammad

SPONSORSHIP deals keep pouring in for T-Team even though the new season is well into its second month.

The Titans have already pulled in RM6.28 million before Permai Hotel chipped in with RM60,000 and GLE Centre Kopi Super Jantan doled out another RM20,000 yesterday.

T-Team chairman Datuk Mazlan Ngah said the support shown by local companies will go a long way in boosting the spirit of the team in their quest to win their first ever major trophy this season.

"We are a new team under a new management but we are confident of soaring to new heights this season especially when the local people and businesses are behind us.

"We did not have the best of starts in the new season with two wins and three losses in the Super League but everyone has has been working hard on and off the pitch to turn the Titans into a winning team," said Mazlan.

Permai Hotel chairman Tan Sri Wan Abu Bakar Wan Omar, speaking at the sponsorship presentation ceremony at the hotel, said T-Team represent hope and a fighting chance for not only smaller football clubs but smaller business establishments as well.

"In a way, we are not that different from T-Team although we are competing in the hospitality business and not on football grounds.

"But both of us are looking to succeed in the end and since we are already into sports tourism, it is best for us to join forces with the Titans," said Wan Abu Bakar.

GLE Centre Kopi Super Jantan managing director Mohd Zulkifli Harun said many people have begun to see T-Team as more than just a football club.

"We began to take notice of T-Team when they started their community programmes earlier this year by teaching football to schoolchildren, spending time at orphanages and old folks homes, going into villages to play football with kampung folk.

"We saw the Titans giving back to the community and we thought that was what a football club should do besides seeking glory in football stadiums," he said.

Meanwhile, team captain Marzuki Yusof said it means a lot to him and his teammates to know that many people still believe in T-Team.

"This is really a great morale booster ahead of our away trip to Johore Darul Takzim on Saturday," he said.

Abis kalau sokomg selangor mcm mane?

semua orang tau safiq rahim ni memang selalu underperform & overrated kecuali rajagopal sorang je..

when ramez play for selangor, he is giving all out weii. at one of the last few match, he even did a on the line save?

or maybe he is hoping to become naturalise player for malaysia ?