KUALA LUMPUR − Kuala Lumpur (KL) City FC president Tan Sri Annuar Musa is confident of the qualities his men possess as they gear up for the Malaysia Cup final against fancied Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) at the national stadium in Bukit Jalil tonight.
The Communications and Multimedia Minister − while acknowledging that JDT were the real deal and in a class of their own − however felt that KL City FC were capable of springing a surprise if they could maintain their excellent form in the Malaysia Cup campaign.
“Tomorrow’s match is a historic one and KL City FC are honoured to be one of the two teams to feature in the final in conjunction with the 100th edition of the prestigious Malaysia Cup competition.
“My advice to the players is not to feel stressed. Just stay calm and focus on maintaining your usual match tempo… I know our players have their own special qualities,” he told a media conference after yesterday’s get-together with the players.
Annuar also said there was nothing surprising about KL City FC qualifying for the final as the current team’s performance was the result of meticulous planning and gradual improvement.
"Since I took over, together with (coach) Bojan (Hodak), I could see the performance of KL City FC slowly improving. We’ve done it in stages and everything has been done professionally. I do not meddle in management or company matters. I just give advice based on my experience,” he said.
For the record, this is the first time KL City and JDT are meeting in the Malaysia Cup final after the privatisation of Malaysia League (M-League) clubs, although the Johor FA did beat Kuala Lumpur FA to lift the Malaysia Cup in 1985.
JDT have won the Malaysia Cup twice − in 2017 and 2019 − since the club’s formation in 2013 while this is KL City FC’s first appearance in the final since being established last year.
The Kuala Lumpur FA managed to bag a hattrick of Malaysia Cup wins from 1987 to 1989 − defeating Kedah on all three occasions.
Meanwhile, Annuar urged supporters from both teams, who are attending the final at the stadium, to comply with the stipulated standard operating procedures (SOPs).
"This is the first time since the MCO (Movement Control Order) that the gathering of 20,000 people at one venue is being allowed. If we can show compliance, we may consider holding more matches and tournaments in the future.
"So, I hope there will be no cluster outbreak linked to the Malaysia Cup final,” he said. – Bernama, November 30, 2021
