USM’s unbeaten home record comes to an end


UNIVERSITI Sains Malaysia (USM) FC registered another big defeat in their on-going Premier League campaign.

By RONNIE OH
north@thestar.com.my
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2012/2/15/north/10735194&sec=north


The varsity team which collected maximum points in their first three home outings, were just unfortunate to run into an energetic Pahang outfit.

That was the scenario at the USM Stadium in Penang on Monday when the East Coast State carved out a slim 1-0 win. The three precious points Pahang picked up on the road not only enabled them to maintain their second spot on the 12-team League table but allowed the team to close in on current leader Armed Forces.

The army outfit have been going great guns, managing 18 points from six wins in seven outings and are perched at the top, two points adrift of closest rival Pahang, who have 16 points from five wins, a draw and a loss.

For USM their second straight defeat in four days, have cost them their fourth spot achieved just two weeks ago. Beaten 1-4 by Sime Darby last Friday, the solitary goal defeat to Pahang on Monday, has resulted in USM sliding down to seventh position.

USM coach S. Veloo, however, is unperturbed with their recent predicament.

“The two straight defeats have made us look bad. But I am confident this will blow over,” said Veloo, who is into his third season charting the varsity’s football fortunes.

“Monday’s defeat to Pahang was most unfortunate. As far as I am concerned, we played very well and only a moment of defensive lapse, denied us what could have been a precious point at home,” Veloo added.

Veloo was not wrong in making that claim as USM, powered by their new Ugandan signing Kaye Edrisar, did put up a gallant performance to give Pahang some harrowing moments.

One such move nearly resulted in USM grabbing an early 11th minute lead. With S. Vennod having a good understanding with his Ugandan teammate, the former’s left footed volley nearly resulted in a goal.

Pahang stepped up a gear in the second half and the varsity side was in trouble in the 72nd minute. With speedy R. Gopinathan controlling the left flank, his measured cross found his new Russian teammate, Kockin Boris in firing range.

Boris smashed home the winning goal at the top of the box and Pahang grabbed the full three points.

Pahang coach Dollah Salleh readily admitted that they were lucky to have come away with a win as he felt it was not their best performance on the night.

“We were not really up to the mark if our performances are to be used as a yardstick. But I’m not complaining as we have the three points to stay within striking distance of leader Armed Forces,” said Dollah.

USM score another first

UNIVERSITI Sains Malaysia (USM) FC are all set to write another chapter into the history books.

By RONNIE OH
Photos by GARY CHEN
http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2012/2/9/north/10700330&sec=north


After becoming the first university side ever to feature in the Malaysian professional football league, they have raised the bar again as the first varsity side to have a foreign signing.

Ready to go: USM FC team going through their paces during training at USM Stadium, Penang.

The Penang outfit, which is into its third season in Malaysia’s second tier league, has successfully beefed up their challenge by hiring Ugandan hitman Kaye Edrisar earlier this week.

Team manager Azizudin Mohd Shariff said that Edrisar, who is the Uganda National Under-23 striker, has been impressive since checking into Penang last Friday.


Taking head: Edrisar listening to coach Veloo's briefing on USM's team setup.

“With barely a week left before the transfer window closed, we managed to check him out by playing him in two friendlies.

“Being a national striker, Edrisar, who is only 22, had a good outing and it was enough to convince us that we have found the right candidate to solve our striking woes,” said Azizudin.

Edrisar proved to be the livewire of the USM side when they took on Perak in Ipoh last Saturday.

Although it was barely 24 hours after his arrival from Uganda, Edrisar looked lively throughout. He won a free kick near Perak’s penalty area which was successfully converted by Elias Sulaiman to earn the team a 1-1 draw.

Danger man: Edrisar strutting his stuff.

In his next game against FAM Cup debutant Penang Water Authorities (PBA) on Monday, Edrisar shone again when he successfully slotted home the winning goal in their 2-1 victory.

“We have confirmed him as our import and we are currently working hard to get his transfer papers ready on time for our away clash against Sime Darby tomorrow,” said Azizudin, who hinted on another foreign signing..

USM, which is sitting joint fourth with Sime Darby with 10 points from three wins and a draw after five outings, are likely to check out Edrisar’s national striking partners Peter Otema and Kigori Ismail as well.

Both players, said Azizudin, came highly recommended by Edrisar and since there is room for one more foreign signing, is prepared to seriously consider them.

“Both Otema and Ismail come highly recommended but until they show us what they are made of, we will not jump into any conclusions. They must first convince us like what Edrisar did,” said Azizudin, whose aim is to get the team qualify for the Malaysia Cup.

USM’s bold move to include imported players in their team, made them the fifth Premier League outfit to parade foreigners in the on-going League. The other four teams with foreign players are League leader Armed Forces, Sime Darby, Johor and Muar MP.