THE FA Cup final between Johor Darul Takzim (JDT) and Kelantan last Saturday brought about interesting discussions among friends on Facebook.
Although JDT lost to the defending champion, it was, according to one Facebook friend, a "victory in defeat".
"JDT and especially HH TMJ brought back the excitement to the football fraternity ... That itself is victory not only to Johor but Malaysian football, Syabas!" Nasser Jumat wrote, using the acronym TMJ to refer to Tunku Mahkota Johor Tunku Ismail Idris Sultan Ibrahim.
While we, especially Johor fans, expected a win, one Kelantan friend, Ahmad Cendana, said for a new team like JDT, "the first one is always difficult. Kedah took four attempts before they won the Malaysia Cup. Holland have been in three World Cup finals".
But one status update I found most interesting came from another Kelantanese, PakMat Fahmy.
"I think it is only fitting that the FA Cup Final is between two maverick states, Kelantan and Johor... mavericks in that these are the states that somehow managed to rise above the miasma of mediocrity that has condemned Malaysian football for decades.
"A lot has been said by everyone, but maybe it's time for transformation, not just in politics, but more so in sports," he wrote.
PakMat Fahmy is not alone in calling for a transformation in the football scene.
When was the last time we got all excited over local football? Now, televisions in mamak stalls are not only showing English Premier League matches. Discussions among football fans are no longer restricted to foreign football clubs.
Stadiums in Malaysia, especially involving JDT, are full to the brim. Football fans want to see the Exclusive XI in action. The Football Association of Malaysia must be happy with the gate collection this season.
Former Johor striker-turned- football commentator Abbas Saad lauded Tunku Ismail's efforts.
"I have to hand it to TMJ for attempting to revive Johor football. We were a phenomenal side back then. I was a part of Johor's success in the past. I really hope to see Johor become a top side again."
Abbas played for Johor in the early 1990s, helping the team to the Malaysia Cup and League double in 1991.
Former English player Peter Butler, who had coached teams here, described JDT as "a real professional football club".
"The CEOs of other football clubs should take heed of what is going on here. It's fantastic. They should come and see for themselves. It creates the environment for the football crowd to enjoy the match."
Even other foreign players, such as Argentinian midfielder and former Benfica player Pablo Aimar, are considering playing for JDT in the next season.
Ex-France striker Nicolas Anelka has also been named as a possible candidate to wear JDT's blue-and- red kit should the Aimar deal fall through.
When Tunku Ismail took over the helm of the Johor Football Association, many people may have asked what this polo-playing prince knew about football and that another royalty, a young one too, may not augur well for the development of the sport.
Well, he might have known little then but he certainly knows what he wants to do.
"My responsibility and priority," he had said, "is the Johor state, Johor football and the fans ... Football indirectly is a unifying factor for the people of Johor. This is my way of giving to the Johor rakyat, which we can be proud of."
I believed it is on that premise that Tunku Ismail led the change.
He chose the players, renovated Stadium Larkin to what could possibly be a dedicated football stadium soon, and created a fan base of thousands, if not millions, of Malaysians locally and abroad.
Fans are proudly wearing JDT colours (even the guys are wearing its third away colour of pink), and singing the team's songs in a synchronised manner, like British football fans.
I have never seen football fans come together like this. The state's national anthem is sung with such pride. Fans sing the team's songs throughout the match.
This, to me, is beyond football.
Facebook friend, Jeddah-based Pak Pin, said: "It is about shared purpose.
"Kelantan won, but the solidarity felt and shown by supporters were unifying. Imagine, if Malaysia has a strong team and playing in a major competition at a final stage. Malaysians will be united."
Interesting observation, indeed.
Read more: Johor football team can stand tall despite defeat - Columnist - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/opinion/columnist/johor-football-team-can-stand-tall-despite-defeat-1.311326#ixzz2XrwWnwVp
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