KUALA LUMPUR: The Klang Valley derby between Selangor and Kuala Lumpur will light up this year’s Malaysia Cup as both teams were placed in Group B along with Kelantan and Pahang in the draw conducted yesterday.
All teams in the group have tasted victory in the Malaysia Cup and fans can expect exciting matches, when the tournament gets underway in mid-July.
KL are having a good season in the Premier League and they will be eager to make their presence felt in the competition.
“There are no easy teams in the Malaysia Cup. We want to retain the title but we will have to work extra hard to achieve it again,” said Selangor defender Razman Roslan.
In Group A, T-Team were pooled with last year’s runners-up Kedah, Sarawak and Johor.
T-Team coach Rahmad Darmawan said: “We have beaten Kedah and Sarawak in the Super League but we cannot take things for granted in the Malaysia Cup.”
“Premier League side Johor could surprise everyone as they have high quality players and furthermore, they have been doing well of late,” said Rahmad.
Felda, who are second in the Super League, were pooled in Group D with Terengganu and Premier League sides Malacca and Negri Sembilan. It will be Malacca’s first appearance in the competition since 2009.
“In my experience, there are no easy matches in the Malaysia Cup. The competition brings out the best of teams even those who do not perform in the league,” said Felda captain Shukor Adan.
Darul Ta’zim will be hungry for success as the Malaysia Cup is the only title they have not won in the M-League.
Mario Gomez’s side are in Group C along with PKNS, Police and Perak.
Draw
Group A: T-Team, Kedah, Sarawak, Johor;
Group B: Selangor, Kelantan, Pahang, Kuala Lumpur;
Group C: Darul Ta’zim, Police, Perak, PKNS;
Group D: Felda United, Terengganu, Malacca, Negri Sembilan.