Let's have a debate

When Malaysian Athletic Union (MAU) - yes they have taken out the 'Amateur' - and National Sports Council (NSC) go to 'war' they often talk about different matters.

Like MAU deputy president Karim Ibrahim once told me - "I'm talking about apple, he's talking about pineapple"

Anyway that aside - an SMS where sent out regarding a supposed 'live debate' between NSC director general Datuk Zolkples Embong and Karim on a radio channel. That didn't materialise and Karim wasn't too happy with what the DG told 'Kerusi Panas' on Radio 24. SMS' were then sent out attacking Zolkples.

Well shall we get to the bottom of this? - and put an end to all the drama.

Why not you two have a debate? - have a go at each other and then let a third party come and play the mediator role.

Because as my colleague Haresh Deol puts it on Foul!, It's not funny anymore.

I did have a conversation with Karim yesterday, he is welcoming a debate. Zolkples, the ball is your court.

Meanwhile MAU is considering endorsing a proposal on how sports should be run in the country. If it's for the better then why not?

Sorry I can't say anything more as I'm waiting for The Malay Mail to carry it. And/Or maybe it will be up on Bottom Line soon.

It has some connection with a column carried by Utusan today - "persatuan sukan dan MOM boleh hidup and berdiri secara sendiri tanpa MSN tetapi MSN tidak boleh hidup tanpa persatuan sukan dan MOM"

In the meantime I hope there is a debate between Karim and Zolkples. I'll go grab popcorn and hope to get the best seats for the drama. Care to join me?

Show us the hunger!

 pic taken from tenniselbowroom.files.wordpress.com

"Local tennis players will have to act as professionals if they want to play in the professional circuit,' said national tennis body's (LTAM) president Tan Sri Abdul Razak Latiff.

After facing criticism for only using one qualifying wildcard at the 2011 WTA Malaysian Open - reason being only one player (S. Theiviya) came forward and requested to play.

Jawariah Noordin (pic), arguably Malaysia's best women tennis player, was no where to be seen. It's long established that Jawariah and LTAM don't see eye-to-eye but let's not dwell too much into that.

Abdul Razak insist the selection process will be the same for the 2012 edition, only that this time national coach Deen Heesham will be selecting the national representative.

However there is a catch, those not under the national stable - like Jawariah - will have to come forward and approach LTAM. If not Deen will pick as he sees fit - surely those under LTAM will get the nod.

Step up Jawariah - let's have two national reps and quality ones too.

While the intentions of LTAM may be good - this concept or rather mindset has not been instilled in local athletes. Perhaps it's time to stop spoon feeding athletes.

In a way I agree with Abdul Razak - players must show hunger to play. 

Read all about it here.

"Thank you Kim Swee!"

pic taken from The Malay Mail

Klang-born D. Saarvindran vows to make the most of his contract extension with Harimau Muda.

After going for stints with Kim Swee's boys in 2010, he was told to lead Harimau Muda B in the Premier League instead of the A team in Super League - much to his disappointment.

Having already been HMB's best player in 2011, it was rumoured he was on his way out of the Young Tigers stable. A loan spell at Felda United in the Malaysia Cup did him good and found his way back in the Harimau Muda set-up - with the A squad.

This time he is where he wants to be and thanks Ong Kim Swee here.

Read on the 19-year-old midfield cum attacker here and here. 

Note. before going to Felda on loan he had signed for Selangor but a goalkeeping crisis meant they had to cancel his loan to make way for a keeper. Personally I feel it was a blessing in disguise. 

".....as i see fit"

pic taken from The Malay Mail

You can find as much fault with Khairul Fahmi Che Mat as you want but the national custodian is having none it. It doesn't bother him when he steps onto the field.

At least that's the impression he gave the other day.

Some jumped at him over this. Well he performed exceptionally well at the Sea Games and WC qualifiers. Black Label to be made an official drink by his critics? - or shall we open a Blue Label?

Anyhow some may worry that Fahmi may suffer a burnout after a hectic year - with Kelantan, Raja's boys and Kim Swee's boys. But the Kelantanese is having none of it here.

I hope he has had sufficient rest as he says. Malaysia needs Fahmi, easily the best Malaysian goalkeeper in recent years

National Football Awards - a small affair.

pic taken using BlackBerry

There were more empty seats than people at Holiday Inn, Glenmarie yesterday. Why?

There were more media personnel than players and club/state officials put together.

I'm beginning to think if the event was for 100plus or the players. Only four of the five award winning players turned up. Same was the case for last year's awards at Hilton.

Even K. Rajagopal and Ong Kim Swee were not around.

FAM deputy president is understandably disappointed with this.

Read The Malay Mail for more on the shambolic awards and what Tan Sri Annuar Musa had to say.

Maybe for next year's awards it should 

1.  be Held at night

2. in a more accessible venue

3. Get all the nominees to attend.

4. Each state FA/clubs to send representatives

Re-branding is definitely needed but will those involved willing to do so?

Also we cannot keep re-branding but nothing really changes.

Haresh Deol has his views here while NST carried it here