KUALA LUMPUR – This year’s Federal Territory Day is particularly historic as it marks 50 years since Kuala Lumpur was officially granted city status. Exactly two years later from that day, the city would be declared as the first federal territory in Malaysia.
As time went on, the difference between Selangor and her former capital grew, symbolised by the contrast in the level of economic growth and physical development.
The most thrilling and anticipated difference, however, which would soon be rekindled is none other than the Klang Valley Derby, the football rivalry between Selangor FC and KL City FC.
Perhaps geography is the main factor behind the two teams’ intense rivalry as Kuala Lumpur is an enclave located in the heart of Selangor and was the state’s former capital until February 1, 1974.
The rivalry started in the 80s after KL (previously known as Kuala Lumpur FA) was promoted back into the top flight after spending several years in the second division.
National football legend Datuk Santokh Singh, who played for the Selangor squad, can still recall the intense matchups during that period.
“Whenever we played KL, we never wanted to lose, it was quite difficult.
“There were times when you could win one and there were times when you would lose some,” he told The Vibes.
KL City has been absent from the Malaysian Super League, the top football division, for a few years but has since made a comeback with the wind at their backs, winning the Malaysia Cup last year.
As a former member of the Red Giants, Santokh says Selangor must work harder if they want to keep their noisy neighbour at bay.
“In the past few years, Selangor FC has not been winning much and has played mediocrely in tournaments. They must spring back into action,” said the defensive maestro.
He also added that the other major rival at that time was our neighbour across the strait, Singapore.
“Our rivalry with them was always very intense.
“We never wanted Singapore to win any games, we always wanted to beat them, it was like a border clash,” he said.
The rivalry between Selangor and Singapore, famously referred to as the Malayan El Clasico, had its roots in the early 1920s and went on till the 1990s.
Also giving us his insights from the tactical front was former Selangor FC head coach B. Sathianathan.
“Late in the 90s, KL was a very strong team. In fact, they were considered the Manchester United or Liverpool of Malaysia because they conquered all the tournaments and had all the top players from Malaysia.
“And then they faded. They went into the second division, got promoted, then demoted again. They even had a rough stint in the third division.
“But now that they have been privatised, with a new coach and a new CEO, things have changed. Things have been looking good for them and they can look forward to more achievements.
“Nowadays, however, the one team to beat in Malaysia is none other than Johor Darul Ta’zim FC (JDT). They have been very consistent in recent years.
“It looks like it will be a tight battle between KL and Selangor, and we hope that Selangor can make it tough for them,” said the 2019-2020 Selangor FC coach.
Now with Selangor FC working hard to withstand the force that is JDT, would we see KL City FC regain its former glory and diminish Selangor’s bright red and yellow flame?
Or can Selangor FC put up a brave fight and keep both teams at an arm’s length? – The Vibes, February 1, 2022.
