On Saturday, 27 September, two teams from Singapore – a Singapore Premier League (SPL) Selection side and a Singapore Veterans team – will take on their Selangor counterparts in one of the region’s most enduring football rivalries.
More than 700 Singapore fans will be heading down to Kuala Lumpur’s iconic Merdeka Stadium to witness the action.
For Singapore legend Fandi Ahmad, the match is as much about nostalgia as it is about football.
“It’s about nostalgia, getting to meet all my old friends from both Singapore and Selangor.. It will be really great to get together,” the 63-year-old said.
“The rivalry between Singapore and Selangor during my playing days was intense – no one liked to lose. Even now, at our age, we still look forward to competing with each other. The best thing today is that winning or losing isn’t so important. It’s about friendship and the joy of playing.”
The rivalry is very much alive in Singapore’s younger generation footballers too.
23-year-old Albirex Niigata (S) midfielder Jared Gallagher, set to feature in the Cup for a second time, sees it as a rare opportunity to be part of something bigger.
“I feel privileged to be part of history, to be selected for a match like this,” he said.
“It’s a way to celebrate our past players and competitors, and to see how Singapore football has evolved. Ultimately, it’s a match where we represent our country and our league – a chance to show what we have back home and make our mark.”
Selangor FC arrives with strong momentum, having secured a 4-2 win over Singapore club BG Tampines Rovers in the ASEAN Club Championship qualifiers just two days ago. With the Malaysia Super League (MSL) leaders in such form, Jared acknowledged the challenge ahead.
“Selangor are among the top of the MSL and involved in regional competitions, so the game will be competitive, especially given the historical significance of this rivalry,” he said.
Having his Albirex coach, Keiji Shigetomi, also lead the SPL Selection offers an added advantage. “It makes the transition into this set-up easier. We already have a good understanding of his expectations and can help players from other clubs adapt quickly. There is a lot of quality in this group, so I’m sure it will be a very competitive match,” added Gallagher.
Beyond the competition, the Cup is about connecting generations. For Fandi, it is a chance to pass on the stories and spirit of a bygone era.
“I hope this game can give fans something to cheer about and let younger players experience the rivalry from the old days of the Malaysia Cup,” he said, highlighting the pride and camaraderie that the team brings to the pitch.
Fans are advised that the Veterans’ match kicks off at 8pm, followed by the SPL Selection at 9pm. Festivities begin at 7pm.
To avoid long queues and for bag checks, Singapore fans are encouraged to arrive by 6pm and enter through Gate 2, next to the VIP entrance (on the left when facing the stadium).
