ATM Malaysia Super League Watch

ATM to struggle in Malaysia Super League 2013?

ATM 

Promoted to the top-flight for the first time since Super League inception in 2004, ATM will be looking to challenge for the title against likes of Kelantan and Lion XII after winning Premier League last season and impressive run in Malaysia Cup as they against the odd by qualifying to the final before losing to the eventual winner Kelantan. But the losses of several key players including the twins Aidil and Zaquan and Azmi Muslim may affect their title ambition after spending heavily last season. They will now have to content with the player that still remain in the club to continue their desire to become one of the top club in Malaysia. If Marlon Alex James and Hairuddin Omar continue to replicate their form last season and with the addition of Shukor Adan, they will certainly have a chance to win the title or at least competing in the top 3 in Malaysia Super League.

Key Player: Marlon Alex James, Hairuddin Omar and Bruno Martelotto

Young Talented Player: Amirizwan Taj, K. Reuben and Venice Elphi

Team Chance Status: Title candidate

The Omar Sports Malaysia Player of The Year

Mohd Badhri Mohd Radzi

Piya, Kelantan's Captain Marvel

Better known as Piya, the 30 year-old midfielder captained his local team Kelantan to win their first ever treble, Malaysia Super League 2012 title, FA Cup 2012 and Malaysia Cup. He scored eight goals in the league and remarkably assisting three goals in Malaysia Cup 2012 final. A big surprised for most fans though, as he was overlooked by Malaysia national head coach, K. Rajagobal.

The signing of Farizal Marlias and Abdul Hadi Yahya marked Perak's pledge to improve for the next season

Photo courtesy www.nst.com.my 

      It is all bright for Perak next season after several surprising but magnificent captures of Negri Sembilan goalkeeper and regarded as a no. 2 in national setup, Farizal Marlias, an outcast Terengganu striker, Abdul Hadi Yahya, Felda's flamboyant striker Yong Kuong Yong and Kedah midfielder, V. Thirumurugan. Perak also managed to sign Negri Sembilan head coach, Azraai Khor Abdullah.

     This is yet to prove how they will gel together however, given that Farizal had a decent season with Negri Sembilan, Hadi meanwhile never even bother to put his name on the scoresheet for Terengganu with his playing time limited due to the presence of the recently-departed Forkey Doe, Yong Kuong Yong make his second move in two season, after signing for Felda United from recently-relegated Kuala Lumpur a year ago, and V. Thirumurugan's decent season following miserable season with Kedah. It is interesting though, when Azraai Khor make a decision to manage Perak after Negri Sembilan's failure to improve the league position, which is in 6th position, lower two position than Perak in 4th, and failed to retain the Malaysia Cup title.

    Several of important signing signalled that Perak is ready to make a further step forward towards their expectation for the next season. Perak is struggled to challenge for the title after heavy-import foreign player era and last season's dismal due to relying on younger player too much. For the next season, their plan is to mix with experienced player, though the departure of their talismanic and legendary striker, Akmal Rizal Rakhli is somewhat understanding when he makes a decision to move back to his own local team, Kedah. Perak is managerless at the end of this season, after they terminated the services of Norizan Bakar, due to the inconsistent and unconvincing performances and Jang Jun is appointed to be a caretaker for Perak in the Malaysia Cup competition. With their Malaysia Cup campaign ended horribly, there is in need to give a fresh start and the with the additional of the several experienced player, Perak is expected to be better for the next season, and possibly a journey back to the lost glory.