Super Division finals to be held on Oct 9

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THE Super Division final between Emkay-NPNG and PKNS will be played at the Petaling Jaya Stadium in Kelana jaya on Oct 9.

Football Association of Selangor (FAS) assistant secretary Hamdan Hashim said the competition committee, headed by vice-president K. Palanisamy, had scheduled the match for 8.30pm on Oct 9.

“There were proposals for an earlier date but the committee wanted to give the teams more time to prepare for the final because of the Hari Raya holidays. The teams were also receptive to our proposal,” Hamdan said.

Suspended: Rosaifulnizam will not be able to play in the final.

The final, originally scheduled for Aug 28, was postponed after New Rangers, who were disqualified by the competition committee for bringing the game into disrepute during the semi-finals, had submitted an appeal against the decision.

In the semi-finals, New Rangers met Emkay-NPNG. The match was abandoned in the 77th minute after a free-for-all. The score was 1-0 in favour of Emkay-NPNG. The competition committee later awarded the match to Emkay-NPNG.

However, New Rangers, unhappy with the decision, went to the appeals committee, who upheld the competition committee’s decision.

Emkay-NPNG coach Michael Palani said they were looking forward to the final.

“We have given a break to the Muslim players but the non-Muslim players are training as usual. The Muslim players will resume training on Monday,” he said.

Looking forward: Michael is all set for the match.

For the final, Emkay-NPNG, the FA Cup champions, will miss the services of Rosaifulnizam Omar, who has been suspended for six matches.

But Michael said Rosaifulnizam was a reserve in the team.

“He had played an important role in our campaign this year. It is unfortunate that he has to sit out the final. We are looking at an interesting encounter with PKNS,” Michael said.

PKNS manager Hamzah Jaafar said they had been training regularly since qualifying for the final.

“We have been training even during the fasting month. We are looking forward to giving a good account in the final.

“Of course, Emkay-NPNG, based on their track record, are the favourites. But we can always look forward to creating an upset,’’ Hamzah said.