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Selangor want it all
AJITPAL SINGH 2011/01/04
WHICH is more precious for Selangor in the coming season ?
Is it ending their six-year title drought in the Malaysia Cup or creating local football history by winning the Super League title for the third successive time this season?
Selangor FA secretary Datuk Hamidin Mohd Ali, however, wants the team, who have signed up six new players, to win both titles at all cost.
" The fans want the team to win the Malaysia Cup but of course, it is also important that they retain the Super League. I think the team have the experience and pedigree to win both, " said Hamidin yesterday.
Selangor, under manager-cum-coach, K. Devan have been outstanding over the past two seasons. He guided them to five titles including two Super League trophies.
However, the team have failed to win their 33rd Malaysia Cup title since their last victory in 2005.
" A few players were released after last season and replaced by new ones to add depth into the squad.
" The main problem in previous seasons was that the players could not sustain the pace after the Super League.
" I believe this current squad have what it takes to win both titles.
" Of course, we also want to ace the Charity Shield and FA Cup, if possible.
" We have a good mixture of players including six from the national team's Suzuki Cup winning squad, who can take us far in all competitions, " added Hamidin.
The six are Asraruddin Putra Omar, Razman Roslan (defenders), Safiq Rahim, Amri Yahyah, Amirulhadi Zainal (midfielders) and striker Safee Sali, who was top scorer in the AFF Cup with five goals.
However, Safee could leave Selangor in the lurch if he decides to accept offers to play abroad in either Indonesia or Vietnam.
The new signings are former PKNS goalkeeper Saiful Amar Pudar, Yosri Dermaraju, Fadzli Shaari, Azidan Sarudin, S. Sritharan and K. Depan Sakwati
Saiful Amar, who is best remembered for manning the posts at the 2003 Manila Sea Games, is a serious contender to be part of the first 11 together with seasoned goalkeeper Iqbal Suhaimi and youngster Fairul Azwan Shahrullail.
He had a short stint with Selangor in the 2006 Malaysia Cup season.
Joining him is former KL captain Azidan Sarudin and former KL Plus player Fadzli Saari, who played for Selangor between 2007-2008.
Selangor released last season's No 1 keeper Hamsani Ahmad, Liew Kit Kong, Farderin Kadir, Mohd Zaiza Zainal Abidin, Azrine Efendy Saduddin and R. Surendren, who all will feature for other teams this season.
The team are currently in Australia for pre-season training and will return to Kuala Lumpur on Jan 9. Selangor will play Kelantan for the Charity Shield, the M-League season's opener, on Jan 29.
The 2011 squad
Goalkeeper : Saiful Amar Pudar, Mohd Iqbal Suhaimi, Mohd Fairul Azwan Shahrullai
Defenders : Razman Roslan, Asraruddin Putra Omar, Khairul Anuar Baharom, Nasriq Baharom, P. Gunalan, D. Surendran, Yosri Dermaraju.
Midfielders : Safiq Rahim, Bunyamin Umar, Hardi Jaafar, Amri Yahyah (cpt), Azidan Sarudin, Mohd Fazilidin Khalid, Fitri Shazwan Raduwan, Amirul Hadi Zainal.
Forwards : Rudie Ramli, Safee Sali, Fadzli Shaari, S. Sritharan, K. Depan Sakwati.
- NST -
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