Courtesy: The Star On Line


Coaches gain valuable insights on the game

Saturday, 31 December 2016

The latest edition of Milo Hidup Bola experience was not limited to just the players but to the coaches as well who have been tirelessly developing the sport from behind the scenes.

For grassroots team manager-cum-coaches Hasan Kasim and Kevin Yee, getting invited by Milo gave them the opportunity to assist national futsal coach Chiew Chun Yong during training sessions leading up to the friendly tournament.

According to Milo sports marketing assistant manager Lim Kerwin, the duo were among several coaches who have been consistently sending their teams to Milo Hidup Bola events and recognised as having contributed significantly to the grassroots development.

“We wanted to give them the opportunity to learn from Chun Yong by assisting him during coaching and the friendly tournament.”

Notwithstanding that the opportunity was given, the two are no stranger to coaching, with Hasan and Kevin both holding their positions at Kuala Lumpur-based team Court Soccer FC and Subang Jaya based Red Galacticos since 2007 and 2004 respectively.

Kevin noted that it was a rewarding experience assisting Chun Yong who is also an AFC Futsal Elite Instructor.

“From day one as assistants, our job was to implement whatever Chun Yong wanted from the boys, regardless of whether we agree or disagree,” Kevin said.

“Part of our role was to ease the burden of the head coach and help prepare the boys for the trip efficiently as we had to start from the basics.

“Because of the time constraints and most of the players coming from a football background, they don’t always fully understand the tactics and drills, so we also had to help the boys understand the purpose of the training schedules,” he added.

“Even though I have been coaching for a while, I still took notes during the training sessions on the tactical side of things which I will take home and use to train my Under-14 and Under-15 players for the next edition of Hidup Bola,” Hasan said, adding that the nationwide football tournament is definitely one of the best events for futsal development for youths.

He was especially impressed by the high level of discipline showed by the Thais during the training stint between the Milo Malaysia futsal team with Bangkok FC, Chonburi FC and Nonthaburi FC.

“They took the training with our players seriously and I think that it left a positive impression on our players where they got to see how to properly conduct themselves during training,” he said.

“The best thing that I saw in them which I need to share this with my players is the respect Thai players have for their coaches.”




Courtesy: The Star On Line


Fitting present for talented lad

Saturday, 31 December 2016

It was a rather special moment for Shivan Pillay Asokan when team Milo Malaysia lifted the winner’s trophy on his birthday earlier this month.

Not only was the timing perfect, the victory against Bangkok FC, Chonburi FC and Nonthaburi FC represented a culmination of hard work and sacrifices he and his family made for the love of the game.

His parents drove him on Deepavali eve to the Milo Hidup Bola Carnival leg in Pahang for the chance to play in the grand finals.

“The next day I gathered with my team RSJ C FC for the tournament which we eventually won and took us to the grand finals which we also won.

“And I couldn’t believe I was selected to be in the Milo Malaysia futsal team.

“It was worth it to be champions three times, and the third time on my birthday made for a great birthday present,” he said.

“Besides the experience and exposure gained playing the Thais, this will be the best memory I have of this experience with the team.

“It was difficult at first adapting to the training because I wasn’t used to the fast pace. But now after playing against them, it feels great,” said the 16-year-old Selangor and national junior football player.

“I was feeling nervous at first since I have not played against any Thai futsal team

“But actually, it’s not that difficult to compete with them.

He said that he would encourage Under-16 players to take part in the Milo Hidup Bola tournaments as it would be a great experience for them too if they could get selected for the training camp.

“It is good to know that I will be bringing back home a lot of good memories and training experience which I will be sharing with my friends and teammates,” added Shivan.




Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com