Fandi overcomes obstacles with Pahang to reach Malaysia Cup final again

SINGAPORE – The magic of Fandi Ahmad is inextricably linked with the Malaysia Cup and, 45 years after he scored Singapore’s winner against Selangor in the 1980 final for his first title, the 62-year-old has a shot at another sensational title.

Now coach of Sri Pahang, the legendary striker has guided his team through numerous challenges to reach the April 12 Malaysia Cup final against giants Johor Darul Takzim (JDT).

“We know how hard we have fought on and off the pitch to be focused, firm and strong,” he told The Straits Times on the sidelines of the BYD Football Fiesta at ARFC Woodleigh, where former Singapore internationals and former Manchester United star Ryan Giggs managed teams in a friendly futsal tournament on Feb 22.

“It is very difficult for other teams to win the league for at least the next 10 years because JDT are by far the strongest team with their financial power, infrastructure and players. But, in a one-off cup game, I believe we have a chance. It will be very, very tough, but not impossible.”

While JDT boast tremendous financial clout, the outlook for other Malaysia Super League (MSL) clubs is not as rosy, as the privatisation of the league and its teams has not had quite the positive effect that was expected since the process started in 2015.

There were reports of unpaid salaries, with 262 cases filed against teams in 2019, and the trend has continued.

In July 2024, Kuala Lumpur City captain Paulo Josue, a Brazil-born forward who has been naturalised to play for Malaysia, claimed he was owed seven months’ salary.

Two months later, Kedah’s first-team players went on strike to protest against unpaid wages, and the club had to field their Under-23s for their MSL match against KL City, which they