MIFA renamed PJ City FC in Super League

Inspiring presence: Former internationals (from left) Datuk N. Thanabalan, Datuk M. Karathu, Datuk Santokh Singh, QI Group executive chairman Datuk Seri Vijay Eswaran, Petaling Jaya City FC president Tan Sri Megat Najmuddin Megat Khas, Datuk Soh Chin Aun and Datuk Shukor Salleh at the Petaling Jaya City FC launch and jersey unveiling ceremony yesterday.

PETALING JAYA: Action speaks louder than words for Petaling Jaya City FC when they make their debut in the Super League.

The team, sponsored by the QI Group, hope to finish among the top five after being re-badged from Malaysian Indian Football Association (MIFA) to PJ City.

MIFA finished third in the Premier League last season but was promoted to the Super League following the withdrawal of runners-up Felcra due to financial issues. The team would be run by the PJ City Football Club.

QI Group are known for their partnership with English Premier League giants and moneybags Manchester City but QI Group executive chairman Datuk Seri Vijay Eswaran stressed they will not splurge.

“We have taken over from MIFA ... they will still exist as a feeder to source for players and also oversee development,” said Vijay after the introduction of the team and the jersey unveiling ceremony yesterday.

“Money doesn’t guarantee success. We have followed this team for long and they have shown their true grit despite operating on a shoestring budget. It’s a step by step process for the team but I believe the team will be successful.”

“We hope this team will be a unifying factor for our country especially for the PJ community.”

Meanwhile, the team’s coach K. Devan said he takes the challenge to guide the team nicknamed the Phoenix to a top five finish.

“We strengthened the team from last season with quality local and import players so I’m confident that we can fight for a top five finish and spring some surprises,” he said.