COMING out of adversity takes a lot of character and courage.

THERE’s a lull in football action on the field here in Malaysia, but it seems like there’s never a dull moment in the sport.

THERE were tears, jeers and finally some cheers. That probably captures the emotional rollercoaster ride of Malaysia’s football team in the Asian Cup in Doha, Qatar, which was nothing short of eventful.

THIS time there were no litany of complaints from fans on social media, only praises after the Harimau Malaya’s great start in the World Cup qualifiers.

IT’s an age old problem, the problem of wages.

SPRINTER Mohd Azeem Fahmi’s disappointment showed on his face right after he finished seventh with a time of 10.26s in the heats in his first World Championships recently.

FOOTBALL journalists love a quotable quote from players and coaches. That is what adds flavour to the performance on the pitch.

YOU waltz past players, produce some deft touches and killer passes – and then you miss a chance, only for someone to shout from the stands – “Makan gaji buta! (you’re getting paid for doing nothing).”

“YOUNG kids have it easy these days.”

“I AM a coach. I’m not Harry Potter. He is magical, but in reality, there is no magic. Magic is fiction and football is real.”

AS a school-going kid, I always wondered why my Muslim friends would not join us at the canteen during the month of Ramadan.

KIDS, as they grow up, have wishes, filled with lots of dreams and hopes. As someone who writes about sports, I am sometimes like a kid, too – with visions for the future, especially for the Malaysia Super League.