Selangor, Singapore have different missions
Selangor selection and the Singapore selection will have different missions altogether for the Sultan of Selangor Cup at Shah Alam Stadium today.
The Selangor selection squad will be led by former national coach K. Rajagobal, who will take to the field with the mission to win back the coveted trophy after Singapore won it two years in a row when the tournament was held on the island nation.
For the Singapore selection squad, their mission is to continue winning to make it a hattrick of titles, and to emulate the feat that was achieved back in 2009, 2010 and 2011.
Selangor selection team manager, Tan Sri Abdul Karim Munisar has very high hopes for the Red Giants as they attempt to bring back the prestigious trophy back home going up against their fierce, traditional rivals.
“Last year there were three trophies up for grabs in Singapore for the Under-16 category, the veterans and the selection squad, and sadly all three trophies stayed on the island nation. So this year, as the hosts, we must ensure that all three trophies come home.
“Now there are two very important factors to consider, the players and the fans. We already have the players, so now we are hoping that the fans will come in droves to support and motivate the players to go all out and win.
“Based on the response throughout the promotional campaign for the Sultan of Selangor Cup this year, it is not impossible that we could get up to 70,000 fans or more thronging the stadium,” said Abdul Karim who is also the Sultan of Selangor Cup organizing chairman.
The Sultan of Selangor Cup promises to be an exciting and hotly contested affair this time round as both the Selangor and Singapore selection squads will be out to win their ninth title as both have lifted the trophy eight times each since the tournament was introduced back in 2001.
What’s even more interesting is Singapore born player Faris Ramli will be going up against his fellow countrymen as the PKNS FC import is part of the Selangor selection squad.
Meanwhile, Singapore selection coach, former Kelantan striker Marko Kraljevic admits that they have an uphill task ahead as they will be playing at Selangor’s home of Shah Alam Stadium which can be quite intimidating.
“The Sultan of Selangor Cup is a very important trophy based on the history between the two sides. I am very happy to be given the trust in leading the Singapore selection squad for the very first time.
“Even though the Shah Alam Stadium can be imposing for visiting teams, we are determined to win and the fans can expect a keenly contested encounter on the cards,” said Kraljevic.