Futsal boys land third title with perfect run
PATTAYA: The Milo Hidup Bola futsal team have surely lived up to their team’s slogan of “Juara Takkan Gentar” (Champions Never Fear).
The Milo-backed Malaysian Under-16 side upset the formbook to win the four-team Milo Hidup Bola Futsal Championship for the third time in a row in Pattaya, Thailand, yesterday.
Selected by national futsal coach, Chiew Chun Yong, the 12-member side certainly didn’t look like a team that were just assembled two weeks ago and had only two training sessions together. They won the round-robin league in style, beating all their three fancied rivals who are youth teams of Thai profes- sional clubs.
The Malaysian boys opened their campaign by beating Pattaya FC, the host, 4-3 before following it up with a 4-2 win over Nonthaburi.
And they saved the best for last, thrashing Chonburi FC 5-0 despite needing just one point to seal the deal.
Chonburi FC are Thailand’s most successful professional futsal outfit, having won their national league eight times and the AFC Futsal Championship twice.
By claiming all nine points at stake, this year’s Malaysian team also became the first to boast a 100% record.
Striker Luqman Hakim Mustaza was the toast of the team, scoring six goals including a hattrick against Nonthaburi.
Captain Nik Umar Nik Aziz contributed three goals with Mohd Zulkefley Abu Bakar, Muhaimin Izzuddin Asri, Muhd Wafiyuddin Rozilah and Mohd Aliff Iezad Bakri also finding the target.
Chun Yong hailed his side’s superb display. “The credit should go to all the boys. They all should be proud of themselves,” said Chun Yong.
“They won today because of their team spirit. They attacked and defended as a team.
“Their desire to win was stronger than the other teams.”