THE Super League has just concluded with Johor Darul Ta’zim producing another record-breaking season, by being the first side to score 100 goals in a season, and also finishing unbeaten for the second season in a row.
They take the plaudits but there were individual stars, surprise teams and the biggest flop too.
TOP SCORER
The Colombian hitman
Ayron Del Valle was a newcomer in the league but he has left a lasting impression by bagging the Golden Boot in his first year.
The Selangor striker was truly mercurial upfront scoring 23 goals.
What makes the 34-year-old Colombian truly sensational is his prowess in the front third. He has scored a variety of goals from headers, tap-ins and long-range screamers.
One of his customary moves is taking shots from odd angles, especially from outside the box, of which he scored about four.
BEST PLAYER
A true MVPArif Aiman Hanapi’s stock is rising every season and this year, the Johor Darul Ta’zim winger was truly sensational on the right flank.
Even coach Esteban Solari had made the 21-year-old a regular in the line-up because of his form and dedication on and off the pitch.
Last year, he scored seven goals but this year, the player nicknamed the ‘MVP’ by fans, raised the bar by hitting 21 in all competitions. In the Super League alone, he scored 12.
He is set to win the Most Valuable Player (MVP) again.
THE HERO
Mickey bounces back
Faisal Halim has impressed under the Selangor colours by scoring 12 goals.
The 25-year-old known as Mickey was banned for one month but came out of the setback in September as a stronger and solid player. Unperturbed by the suspension, he continued to produce top notch performances and thanks to him and his strong-knit team, Selangor finished second and qualified for the AFC Champions League Two.
THE SURPRISE
Super Cops
The term ‘do not mess with the cops’ fits well with Police. The team with the lowest budget have defied the odds to finish eighth.
Led by Datuk Yunus Alif, the team have shown that with hard work and ingenuity, they can mix with the big boys and even beat them like Selangor, Sabah, Pahang, Kuala Lumpur and Kedah.
Nigerians Uche Agba and James Okwuosa, Japanese-Brazilian Bruno Suzuki and Jordanian midfielder Fadi Awad have been efficient and effective in their roles. If they keep the core team next season, they can go for another top eight finish.
BIG FAILURE
Red Warriors’ poor leadership
Kelantan led by Norizam Tukiman made some top signings and hired former South Korean international Choi Moon-sik as coach.
But the coach left due to poor management and several top players exited due to unpaid wages. It was downfall from there on.
They had to rely on their Under-23 players and finished last with eight points from 26 games and conceded 121 goals, which is a record in the Super League.
Kelantan were once a revered club but mismanagement has tarnished the reputation of the Red Warriors.
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