by Hardani Maulana – @hardani_
translated by Pramuaji – @PramuajiAjay
source: mstar.com.my
As the last competition in the 2015 Malaysian football competition agenda, the Malaysian Cup tournament started the preliminary round in August and finished on December 12. Among the oldest football tournament in Asia -initiated in 1921, Malaysian Cup is the equivalent of England’s FA Cup, as seen by Malaysian football fans. Aside from winning the Malaysia Super League, triumph in this competition has its own prestigious sentiment.
The tournament, with Telekom Malaysia (TM) as primary sponsor, set up a new era of privatization of Malaysian football competition. Football Malaysia, LLP. (FMLLP) was given the responsibility to organize the tournament, which at certain level, also being a stepping-stone towards running the Super League next season. FMLLP itself was appointed by the Malaysian Football Association (FAM) to manage and commercialize up to five football competitions in Malaysia: Super League, Premier League, Malaysian Cup, Malaysian FA Cup, and Sumbangsih Cup.
Carrying the spirit of “Transforming Malaysian football,” FMLLP designated Labbola as match statistics provider also as one of the sponsors for the tournament. As sports data provider and management company, Labbola uses this opportunity to expand internationally, especially in the Asian Market, by opening its branch office in Kuala Lumpur.
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Live statistics during the match was seen as something new by Malaysian football fans in general. They experienced for the first time a more detailed statistical information of their beloved teams and players. That includes statistics-based selection for Man of the Match awards in every broadcasted matches by 3 local TV stations. Presented live on TV and published through social media, the statistics displays are well appreciated by the viewers.
The tournament ended with Selangor FA rose as champions following a 2-0 win over Kedah FA. Playing in front of capacity crowd at Shah Alam Stadium, Selangor’s home base, Hazwan Bakri’s brace brought The Red Giants to their 33rd title, which is more than any other teams in Malaysia, so far.
Among the champions, is one of Indonesia’s beloved player, Andik Vermansyah. Participated in the match with approximately 80,000 attendance, Andik wasn’t involved in the set-up process of both goals and was substituted in the 80th minute. However, the Jember-born speedster performed well with his quick movement and individual skills, which brought quite the trouble to Kedah’s defense.
Labbola’s presence in international football industry and Andik’s achievement surely put up something to be proud of by Indonesian football in the midst of FIFA’s suspension. Should the situation persists, it won’t be a surprise if more Indonesian players abandon their ship to find a better chance to play and a better career abroad. Meanwhile, we’ll see which country comes next as Labbola’s destination of international expansion.