KUALA LUMPUR: The new M-League season which kicks off today with the curtain raising Charity Shield match between Pahang and Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) at the Larkin Stadium, promises an even more exciting than last season due to the introduction of an extra quota for foreign players.
The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) which hopes to privatise the M-League fully by 2016, has increased the number of foreign players from three to four this season.
The match itself would serve as a mouth-watering clash since Pahang and JDT have a score to settle since last year, especially star-studded JDT who lost the Malaysia Cup final to JDT on Nov 1, 2014 after a penalty shoot-out.
Pahang lifted the trophy after a 5-3 penalty shoot-out victory after both teams were tied 2-2 in regulation and extra time while JDT edged Selangor to win the Super League title.
After the Charity Shield match, the focus of local fans would shift to the Premier League and Super League competitions which kick off on Feb 6 and 7, respectively.
The presence of newly promoted Police (PDRM) and Felda United FC (FUFC) in the Super League competition this season would provide additional challenge to the regulars like Selangor, Kelantan, JDT, Pahang and Terengganu.
A number of local coaches when contacted by Bernama said the increase in the number of foreign players would certainly boost the level of competition as teams have been clamouring to sign the best available local and foreign players to beef up their respective squads.
National head coach Dollah Salleh feels apart from JDT and Pahang, teams like PDRM and Felda United would be among teams to watch.
“Most teams have been in the race to sign the best players to underline their commitment to win titles. Apart from Pahang and JDT, teams like Selangor for example, must be considered because they always rise to the occasion despite facing problems in team management,” he said.
Sharing a similar sentiment was Harimau Muda head coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee who believes the 2015 M-League would be an interesting watch simply because of the four foreign player quota.
“It will certainly raise the image and status of the M-League. For me, teams like JDT, Armed Forces, Pahang and Kelantan would be the main challengers while Felda United and PDRM cannot be overlooked,” said Kim Swee. — Bernama