MALAYSIA CUP BACK WITH A BANG
Tournament returns after being cut short by Covid-19 last year
AS the Malaysia Cup goes into its 100th year very much alive and kicking, the Malaysian Football League (MFL) are getting ready to celebrate the centenary milestone.
The goal of the MFL is to tell the younger generations of football fans the glories of the venerated tournament, which survived World War II, and produced many heroes.
And it’s coming back with a bang after surviving Covid. Last year, the Malaysia Cup had to be called off after just one round due to the virus.
The stars are getting aligned, The tournament, which has a special place in the hearts of Malaysian fans, is returning in time for the full 100 year circle.
Born in 1921 as the Malaya Cup, ageing as the Malaysia Cup in 2021, this grand old competition still offers plenty of kicks in the 21st century.
MFL chief executive officer Datuk Ab Ghani Hassan said he is confident that this year’s edition will be held smoothly, unlike last year, because of the safety measures taken by the government.
The nation’s oldest football competition is set to kick off on Aug 17, with the final expected to be held on Nov 6.
Ghani said MFL have lined up several exciting programmes to celebrate the Malaysia Cup’s 100th anniversary in the various states.
He said MFL are looking at having Malaysia Cup celebration events at public venues, including shopping malls and schools.
He said MFL hope to educate the younger generation on the history of the hallowed Malaysia Cup, and what it means to Malaysians.
“The legends who played in the Malaysia Cup should be made known to the younger generation and their stories remembered.”
The Malaysia Cup evokes memories of legends like the late Datuk Mokhtar Dahari, Datuk Santokh Singh, Datuk Soh Chin Aun and Zainal Abidin lifting the iconic trophy.
Mokhtar, who was once dubbed Asia’s best striker, helped Selangor win the Malaysia Cup 10 times from 1972-1987, Santokh won it nine times (1972-1985), Chin Aun six times (1971-1978) and Zainal six times (1980-1999).
The biggest score in Malaysia Cup history was Selangor trouncing Terengganu 18-0.
In 1959, Ng Boon Bee scored 10 goals to help Perak reach the final against Selangor (who won 4-0). After that, Boon Bee hung up his boots, took up a badminton racquet and helped Malaysia win the Thomas Cup in 1967.
In 1984, Selangor pulled off the most amazing comeback in the history of the competition. Down 1-0 with three minutes remaining, Selangor struck in the 87th, 89th and 90th minutes to win the final 3-1.