Big plans for Red Giants
Raja Muda of Selangor Tengku Amir Shah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah has set a fiveyear plan to get Selangor back into shape after the Red Giants’ decline in recent years.
He is set to become the FA of Selangor (FAS) president on July 3, when elections are held.
Tengku Amir not only wants the Red Giants to challenge for every title in the M-League but to be strong in every aspect, especially where money is concerned.
He said this in an exclusive interview with NSTP Sport at Istana Mestika, recently.
“My vision is to turn Selangor back into a team that will challenge for all titles every year. I will not set myself a target of say, to win this or that title in two years, but to take Selangor into the international stage as well.
“But we have to be realistic, and first make the club financially sound so that we have a better chance of securing good players and the best available in coaching.
“I believe Selangor has its own strengths, and if the team can be privatised, maybe in five years’ time, we will no longer need to wait for funds from the state government to progress.”
Tengku Amir is expected to receive a strong endorsement from FAS’ 96 affiliates, to replace Datuk Seri Subahan Kamal who resigned as president on May 29.
The Raja Muda said he will prioritise development, but it would not be easy.
“Right now the focus is only on the main team, and when other states pinch our players with better offers, it becomes a problem. We need a wider development programme so that there will be continuity.
“We have the Merah Kuning Academy (Red and Yellow) and Selangor Social League for this purpose, but I believe Selangor also need to form a junior team to widen the pool.
“But it won’t be easy, as in FAS itself there are many factions. And to solve this problem, I want to bring them together, and give them more voice to speak out their problems.”
Tengku Amir also believes Selangor will get back their “home’, Shah Alam Stadium, as he will work with the state government on the issue.
Selangor, who have won the Malaysia Cup 33 times, were “forced” to use Kuala Lumpur Stadium in Cheras as their home venue this season due to issues with the state government.
FIXTURES — FA Cup semifinals return leg, Today: PKNS (0) Selangor (4) (Shah Alam Stadium); Tomorrow: Perak SEDC (1) Pahang (1) (Perak Stadium) — All matches at 9pm, first leg scores in parentheses.