Take up futsal to learn basic football skills

MALAYSIA'S legendary football player Datuk Ghani Minhat believes that futsal is an excellent opportunity for youngsters to master basic football skills. 

Ghani, affectionately referred to as “Raja Bola” for his football skills in the 60s and 70s, said youngsters should be encouraged to take up futsal before venturing into football. 

“I started playing football in the jungle because there was no field. Despite that, we became accomplished players. But now there are a lot of opportunities for youngsters to learn the basics from futsal. They are expected to play in a small area and naturally they have to be fast, swift and skilful. 

“If a particular player can master these skills, then he is on the road to becoming an all-round player,'' said Ghani after launching the Milo Hidup Bola Futsal Carnival at the Olympic Council of Malaysia (OCM) Indoor Arena, recently. 

The 14-leg carnival starting in Selangor on April 1 culminates with the Grand Finals on June 8.  

The first leg will be held at the Ampang Sports Planet, then in Negri Sembilan (April 8); Johor (April 11); Malacca (April 15); Perak (April 19); Kedah (April 21); Penang (April 23); Sabah (April 29); Terengganu (May 5); Pahang (May 7); Kelantan (May 13); Perlis (May 17); Kuala Lumpur (May 21) and Sarawak (May 28). 

Nestlé Products sales director Ganesan Ampalavanar said the futsal carnival was another initiative by Milo to support the government's vision in developing and rekindling sports culture among the youth. 

“That's the reason why we have limited participation to those born in 1985 and after. We have also kept the entry fee at the minimum to encourage more youngsters to participate. We expect about 860 teams to participate in the 14 legs. 

“This carnival is expected to be the biggest futsal carnival in the country. There will be one leg in each of the 14 states,'' said Ganesan. 

A total of 32 teams will qualify for the Grand Finals to be held at the Ampang Sports Planet on June 8.  

The champions in the Grand Finals will receive RM5,000 cash and other prizes. 

The runner-up will get RM3,000 while the third- and fourth-placed teams will receive RM2,000 and RM1,000 respectively.  

Ganesan said they are also offering cash prizes to the top three teams in each leg of the carnival. 

“In total we are offering cash and prizes worth about RM100,000. But more importantly, we are offering our youngsters an opportunity to improve their football skills,'' he added. 

To make the Grand Finals a merrier affair, Milo will be inviting two Under-12 teams for a friendly match as a curtain raiser in all the 14 states.  

Twenty-four Under-12 teams will also be invited to compete during the Grand Finals. 

The entry fee is RM60 per team.  

Entry forms are also available at www.milo.com.my, www.sportsplanet. com.my and www.gofutsal.com. 

For more details, call 019-351 9934 (Nik Muhd Radzi).