Pelita Jaya's biggest home crowd for many a year saw them beaten 3-1 by Persib. Ok, the game was played at Jalak Harupat which is Persib's home stadium but it used to be Pelita Jaya's though when they played there they struggled to attract fans in what is staunch Persib territory.

The game was moved from Pelita Jaya's usual home stadium of Singaperbangsa in Karawang probably because that stadium would not have been able to handle the travelling support and that makes two consecutive home games played ‘away' from home; they hosted Persija in Solo for the same reason.

After sensationally walking out on Pelita Jaya last Friday, Indonesian international Diego Michiels has reported to have signed for Persija, the version playing in the officially recognised Indonesia Premier League.
He said he quit Pelita Jaya, who play in the unofficial Indonesia Super League because he was worried about his place in the international team following announcements from the PSSI, the FA, that only players with IPL teams could be called up.

Malaysian football may be riding high regionally with the national team joint holders of the SEA Games and the ASEAN Cup but things ain't so hot domestically. Teams with little in the way of a support base or culture like KL PLUS, MyTeam and Kuala Muda have fallen by the wayside in recent years and now problems are circulating around Kuala Lumpur.

Former Indonesia Under 23 coach Rahmad Darmawan has admitted it was decisions taken by the PSSI that forced him to step down. He had earlier led Indonesia to the SEA Games Final where they lost on penalties to Malaysia.
The PSSI announced only players who take part in their own Indonesia Premier League would be eligible for the national team.

After years of concentrating on young players, a policy that led them to the Copa Indonesia semi finals in 2007 but no silverware, shades of Arsenal, Pelita Jaya ditched that policy when they surprised everyone by signing Malaysian striker Safee Sali who had topped scored at last year's ASEAN Cup, hosted by Indonesia.

It's the dream final for the SEA Games. A repeat of last year's ASEAN Cup, albeit at Under 23, today's final between Indonesia and Malaysia will keep the organizers happy as fans queue to see the two foes go head to head for local pride.

At least 88,000 are expected to fill the Bung Karno with the vast majority hoping to see the local side win and the Malaysians humiliated.

December sees the South Asian Football Federation Cup, like the ASEAN Cup but different region of course, and Pakistan are looking to South East Asia to help with their warm ups. Nepal are of course all ready back packing round the region, playing the odd game here and there.
Pakistan are already planning a week in Thailand, now Football Pakistan is reporting they are hoping to have a week in Indonesia.

The SEA Games is only an Under 23 competition. In Europe it may get a few column inches but in this part of the world it is seen as far more important than the World Cup. The reason? Countries stand mare chance of achieving something among their local rivals. Malaysia winning the last one was the springboard to success in the SEA Games big brother, the ASEAN Cup.

PETALING JAYA:

He is set to enjoy a two-week trial with Welsh outfit Cardiff City and join the handful of local footballers, including the likes of Baddrol Bakhtiar (Chelsea) and Akmal Rizal Rakhli (RC Strasbourg, FCSR Haguenau), to enjoy stints abroad.

Safee has been inspirational for Harimau Malaya since the Asean Cup victory last year.