PM's historic visit disrupts training

It was a historic visit nonetheless. But shouldn't this had happened during lunch or prior to the training?

Before that... read Historic Visit for what Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak had to say to the players during his brief visit to Wisma FAM in Kelana Jaya yesterday.

“Winning or losing will depend on the circumstances and luck but you have to give your 100 per cent commitment and work as a team,” Najib told the players.

While the PM's presence was seen a show of faith by national coach K. Rajagobal, his body language spoke a different tone prior to the arrival of the Premier.

Why?

Simple. It is crucial time for the Harimau Malaya. They took the field for their physical routine as early as 5pm but were forced to get indoors at approximately 5.15pm as the greet session could not be held outdoor because the skies threatened to open.

Najib was expected to arrive with his entourage, which included Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahamd Shabery Cheek, at 5.30pm. However, as the skies cleared, the event was pushed to the outdoors again to await the PM, who we were told was still in Putrajaya.

As he arrived at 6.10, watched the players train and gave his words of wisdom to the players before departing 20 minutes later.

The visit was in good faith and could only mean good but it should not have interrupted training. Halting training twice due to red tape is not what the players need ahead of the AFF Suzuki Cup opening match against Singapore on Sunday.

Ps. The event was supposed to be a closed one with only official media (Bernama, RTM, and 1Malaysia TV) present but as Sports writers and pixmen from other organisation were there to their job, a certain aide of the PM was seen running around frantically trying to keep the rest at bay.

Sigh, why the exclusivity?

Rajagobal prepared for drastic changes

Just four days to the start of the AFF Suzuki Cup. Just fours days till Malaysia play Singapore. Just four days for Malaysia to dwell upon the disappointing four preparation matches they had played.

A losing start is never fatal but should Malaysia not get three points against Singapore, things may not be good as it could all boil down to seeking a good goal difference advantage against Laos and a positive result against Indonesia.

Problem is Malaysia are finding it hard to get it going up front. Only two goals were scored in their last four matches while the defence let in five.

The Tigers, under K. Rajagobal have always rose to the occasion. Remember the Sea Games in 2009 and last AFF Suzuki Cup in 2010?. No one gave them a chance then.

But this time is it different?

Pic by Sports247.my (Helmi Dawi)

One thing that is different is that national coach K. Rajagobal, the man who has long publicly defended his boys, lost his cool with the players after draw with lowly Bangladesh yesterday.

"I am going to be very stern with the players. If they don’t change the way they have been playing, I’m ready to make drastic changes, even dropping players; I don’t care! 

"There must be changes and if there aren’t, I will make changes to the team” warned Rajagobal.

For more read Players make Rajagobal-listic, Rajagobal: Change or be changed and here's the match report of yesterday game, Another disappointing act.

In the shadows

It seems that after Malaysia won the SEA Games football final - everything else during the Games didn't matter

No one cared about the other gold medals won. Why? The football medal was the mother of all gold medals.

While many 'worship' the team, it must be noted that the 11 men on the field was merely another contributor to Malaysia's gold medal tally. Btw anyone took interest in medals tally after 'that' gold medal? Nope! I for one didn't hear anyone talk about it.

 Here's the medal tally 

I feel for the other 58 medals contributor. Suddenly their achievement didn't matter to most outside their respective sports. 

One athlete contacted me asking if it was true the footballers were getting RM30,000 each for their effort, while the rest are only getting RM 10,000.

Yes, they are getting RM30,000 for each member of the team. However, it is from the FA of Malaysia itself and not the Government or National Sport Council (NSC). I hope the players don't get spoilt though.

I long for the day Malaysian football reach greater heights. The SEA Games to me is just a stepping stone - not goal itself. Being best in the region should be nothing great - considering we have more resources than most countries in South East Asia. 

Because our football has been in the dumps before 2009, this SEA Games is a big achievement. 

Because so the plight of our 4x400m relay team is quickly forgotten. I hope sincerely hope the culprits for their medal bungle are made known.

Pic taken from NST

Food for thought : Why is that winning the football gold medal in Olympics seen as just another gold medal and not much hype? but for the SEA Games it is everything.