..a useless rant from a single guy..

Hey guys, I'm back in Malaysia. Lots of things has happened for these past month. I didn't even notice it has been a month before I wrote this sentence down. The highlights of my holiday? I did lots of stuffs. Went to Ipoh, to Peter's durian dusun, but didnt really ate durian, it was on my most hated stuffs list hehe. Pangkor island was nice, got a tan I think, went snorkeling , the sea breeze was very nice for my lungs and my mind.

My good buddy Syamil asked me to be his best mate for his wedding, but unfortunately they delayed the date to a week later, and I couldnt make it. It was frustrating, but I understand, the date was too near raya, and most of the people are still at their kampung, so yeah. I wish you guys all the best anyway Syamil and Dayah :D

On different matters, I had mixed emotions too. Met Didie at her workplace in KLCC, had a nice lunch and talk. She asked me whether I'm interested in one of her colleagues, it was very nice of her, but I dont think I'm in for anything right now :) Most of the time these days I spent being a chaffeur for my sister sending her to Hospital Serdang for practicals, doing the house chores, feeding the cats, and gardening. Not forgetting all the slacking around with my good buddy Johan.

Not forgetting playing futsal with my friends Ukasyah and Ijaicool. Really high quality futsal, but I cant really stand the heat and intensity. So far, my holiday has been unexceptional. Oh except that one trip to watch Liverpool versus Malaysia. That was a chance of a lifetime. Well, I'm still enjoying my holiday, so cheers xD

..Total Football..

Every year when I come back home for my holidays, it is a must for me to watch atleast a football match at a real and proper stadium. Usually I would just go to Stadium Shah Alam or the National Stadium at Bukit Jalil. I've watched Selangor playing in a friendly against an Indonesian team and the atmosphere was awesome.

3 big teams from the English Premierleague is coming to town and there is no way in hell I'm going to miss that. Arsenal, Chelsea and the mighty sleeping giants Liverpool are going to have a friendly against our very own South East Asian champions, the Malaysian national team. For this, I think I have to buy a Malaysian kit, but damn you Nike, your jersey are almost always out of my reach. Heck, I don't think I ever had a Nike jersey. Oh, except for that old Barcelona one that I bought during my Eurotrip.

I think I only wanna buy the RM58 ticket, free seating for each of those games. I don't really mind sitting anywhere. The National Stadium was built for the Commonwealth Games, as such, any ticket holder will almost always have a nice and proper view. 58x3= RM174, I think I can manage that :)

By the way I've already passed my first exam. 3 more are coming. This always sends shiver to my spines. Have a good weekend.

..Silver Medallists..

Moscow derby against M1.

Trying catch up with the M1 "mat motor" as I would call him.

Dinie gave away an unfortunate penalty.

Silver medalists.

Happy hour, qualifying into the finals.

With the band of supporters.

RSMU's Gattuso.

RSMU first eleven. Not according to jersey numbers.

Pretty awesome shot.

I mentioned in my earlier post about me playing with the university football team. Turns out I was selected for the Inter-varsity Games after all, and much more than that, I was selected as the first eleven. We had only our second training together to acclimatise ourselves with the field and a friendly game against MAI (Moscow Aviation Institute) and I must say, those MAI guys can pass the ball around with ease, and are much more comfortable with holding the ball. As for us, we were quite decent in the first half, but to the end of the second half, they scored 4 goals in what, about 5 minutes or so and thus they beat us 4-0. So you can understand our pessimistic goals for the coming games, so called Sechenov Intervarsity Games (SIG 2011).

We were the first to arrive, at about 8.00am or something, and it was a cold morning. But we were used to the weather and was sure our training was much worse than this. The badminton guys and ping pong were also playing at the same venue, so we had some supporters here and there. Then there the Raptorz boys who were cheering for their star player Shan, our friends Dol, Mok and the lads who came after their Sudeb cycle not that far from there, and others who I forgot to mention. A special thanks to them.

The team from Volgo was supposed to play first but since they weren't here yet, we had to play first, against strong favorites and home team, M1. The game was quite balanced, and we created better chances, but a slip from Aman was capitalized quickly by their nippy striker and he slotted the ball coolly past our reserve keeper, Dinesh. The game ended 1-0, but to be honest, we deserved at least 1 point. At that point, I was only thinking of getting through the day one game at a time, plus I was quite hungry.

Then my sister and Allysha came to support, together bringing with them energy drinks and some food, so it was really a morale booster, so thanks sis! :D Our second game was against Volgo, and I only knew 1 guy, Izwan Syafiq. The Volgo guys were stunned with Iqbal's quick thinking when he shoots from just around the D area, into the net. Its celebration time since it was our first goal of the day. Then came the tricky game against dark horses Kursk, who indeed uses black jerseys, which was intimidating. We though we could get 3 points against Kursk since they were just beaten by M1 some time before, but they stood their ground and we couldnt get past their defence, so 0-0 was the final score.

Our final group stage game was against the slick and quick passing team, MAI. I was nervous, and it was a tough time trying to keep myself strong against their winger, but mostly their attack just came from the middle and as always, the reliable pairing of Lavan and Azzam, and some help from Aman, helps soothing things around. Then we have our own Gattuso, Shazli who did the dirty work and stopped all their attacks. Shan and Iqbal controlled the midfield, while Vara by now was out injured until the end, with hamstring attacking him, gifting a place to Mizi, which was later proven crucial. It was still early in the second half, and we have ourselves a corner kick. I somehow thought, "lets give this a try" and just went up there on my own as they were only about 3 of our guys in the penalty area. Shan did an out-swinging corner and I just missed it by a bit but then Iqbal kicked or flicked back the rebound just before me, and I just couldn't miss an open goal, scoring with my head and screaming with delight. We settled ourselves and went away with a 1-0 scoreline, getting second in the table and with a semi-final against Kursk in our way.

I really though Kursk was going to be a tricky game, as surely they would have already know our tactics by now. But our midfield general Shan was not to be denied, as he scored a delightful long range shot from the middle of the pitch I reckon. It was a beaut. Then Shafiq finally opened his account for the day by scoring his characteristic long shot. He was there again in the second half as his delightful cross found the flying header of Mizi and the old man also got 1 goal for his memory.

3-0 was the final scoreline and we were delighted as the silver medal was surely ours, and it was a long and unpredictable journey to the final. Going into the final, we were only left with just a few of our players. Joining the injury list were Iqbal, Vara, Reez, Shafiq and others I dont remember. All I know was the defence was rock solid and lastly only Lavan went out with an injury. I was really proud with the lads but we were really tired and out of depth, and so we lost to M1 with a 3-0 scoreline which I think was kind of justice because really the M1 guys played better and they are damn fit. Thanks guys for getting me a medal which I really appreciate. I even have my own story to tell with my headed goal which sealed our passage into the semis.

The RSMU footbal team :

Goalkeepers : Dinie, Dinesh

Defenders : Mate, Aman, Lavan, Azam, Naqqib, Sam, Awi

Midfielders : Shazli, Shan, Reez, Che Pooh, Iqbal, Vara, Mizi

Forwards : Shafiq, K

..Playing in Winter..

Its April, and there's still snow. I'm tired of complaining about the weather, so I'll just let it slide. I like to think of it as God's judgement to all those rude and selfish Russians, who treats foreigners very badly.



I had a very bad day yesterday. Granted, it was fun playing with the uni team on a proper football field. I was shortlisted as one of the players, so I went to our first training in the cold. As we reached there, it just happens that it was raining. At first it was moderate, then all hell broke loose. Knowing that I would have no grip whatsoever if I just used my futsal shoes, I went with Dinie to buy new and proper football boots the day before, such was my excitement :D

So I bought these bad boys.

Not really my first choice or my cup of tea, but it was desperate times. Its quite cheap for Puma shoes, as I got a 50% discount. I was quite excited as it has been literally years since I wear proper football boots and play on a football field. The place where we played was very far from our hostel though. It takes about 1 hour by the metro to reach there.

This metro station is named after the Soviet guy who commissioned the killing of Russia's last imperial family.

It was fun playing there, but I personally think that I've let myself down. The boots were great, no doubt, its just that I haven't really settle myself when playing yesterday. I didn't make a single tackle. I managed to assist a goal, planted a header from a corner kick against the bar, but apart from that, I just missed so many balls. Misjudgement of the ball, out of position, although I was only out of position just because I wanted to help the guys, because I think they weren't really penetrative enough. Anyway, seeing other guys in my playing position doing rather well kind of dampens me. Alas, I want to do damn well when the next training comes, and by that time, I want to teach the wingers or attackers a lesson :)

..the Green Pigs got us..

It wasn't meant to be. After going through everything from getting the nod of all players, rushing to beat everyone to get the borang, we limped out of the tournament. Even from the start, things were a bit dodgy. I decided to let Hanhebat be the captain because as a final year student here, I thought maybe he can gain some final glory on the court. He rejected Toh's Saints team for ours, and there was a great difference. Saints bowed out without even getting a point in the group stage, while we, Angry Birds, could at least held our head up high by gaining a creditable point against the purple wearing Belacan M1 team.

We just had to be the first team to start the match. Our group stage isnt very fair to say the least. Theres another M1 team called Kaki Bangku and a group of MAI juniors team. First of all, that red Adidas Sala futsal ball sucks, and it bounced all over us. I honestly thought we could get a win over Belacan but all of us were not used to that fucking ball. We conceded our first goal unfortunately when I let Mok handle a long bouncing ball that just went over him and an opponent which then surprised our keeper Dinie. The ball then had an unfortunate deflection and went in. Determined, we attacked them. I even went in a one-on-one situation from a wonderful pass from Hadi, but I am a defender by trade, with no composure, thus I blasted it away. As the game progressed, Shazli got us a goal back and our pride were intact. From a Hadi knock down, I rushed to get to the ball. As the ball was bouncing awkwardly, I saw a Belacan guy was going for the ball and I thought, the fucker surely wants to use his foot to get this ball at this height, so I purposely threw my body forwards and got a light kick from him near my xyphoid process, as I clutched my chest and went down. It wasnt really hurtful because I knew the guy was taking back away his kick, and I appreciated that.

The second game was against an M1 all star team with their president Suzuan and some other guy who Hanhebat doesn't like :p We had some trouble containing their pace as they sprayed their passes around. We never really had possession as they kept on pressing, even their defenders went up high. I think I could contain Suzuan a bit well, what with his pace and creativity, I just restricted him to the flanks and accidentally kicked his ankle while clearing away a ball from him. But he seemed okay. I think as a nifty little player, he got used to such careful attention from defenders. Hadi got us a goal but we went down 2-1. Sad.

The final game was the final straw. I think most of us are all tired, even me. We couldn't match the MAI team's game-play. And for the first time that day, I was rested and Mok started the game alongside Hanhebat in defense. Catastrophe followed when MAI attacked us relentlessly and gained a 2-0 scoreline. They have the upper-hand. I tried to bring us back with helping the attack but in doing so, we were exposed at the back, which I already told Hanhebat when we started the second half. I wanted to go all out and help the guys, giving them options with my constant running and whatnot. This in turn gave Dinie and Hanhebat headaches with the quick pace of the MAI players. At time I had no choice but to foul some guys in the process. Hanhebat even had his own version of a futsal version of wrestling clothesline when he blocked 2 strikers in one move. Awesome. Then we were out of the tournament, this time losing 3-0.

The grouping stage was very tough, and I think those MAI and Kaki Bangku team that went through deserved to go further, because I felt our Angry Birds team was only at the standard of Romanian or Danish teams in the Europa League. Get it? They were not miles before us, its just that they had class. They're like the Atletico Madrid or Juventus compared to us. On the bright side, all of us had ample playing time, we got a creditable draw, and next team we could watch futsal while eating lots of food during the knock out stages, while they have to battle it out, heheheh.

So Angry Birds, I'm proud of you guys, stay angry, and slay those pigs! xD

..Angry Birds..

You know what, despite this, I've never played this game. Winda told me that in the upcoming UMNO Games, there's an opening for some futsal teams. Seeing that me and Shazli both play, she suggested us to grab the opportunity by the balls. I think without us even admitting it, it would be hard for Shazli to pick players and form a proper team, so, seeing that I am a neutral,with more than adequate connections, I took it upon myself to form a team. The name Angry Birds came up. It was Shazli's idea actually. It sounded funky, so I accepted the awesomeness of the name. The hard part was forming the team.


Hanhebat was unfortunately tied with Saints, but due to some clauses, he severed his ties with Toh and joined us, the motley crew. Next up was K, the lanky player with surprisingly good touches and finishing. Then it was one touch specialists Hadi and Zufar, goalkeeper extraordinaire Dinie and the tough as nails defender, Mok. The team is complete, but we are still contemplating about signing Jebat captain Shafiq. No answer yet from him, but I think we'll have to manage anyhow. Hanhebat is already excited, telling me about tactics and stuffs, good for you bro. Meanwhile, me and Shazli also discussed the varying formation and cheats during class breaks. I really hope this will be a joyous occasion for the dudes, seeing that it will be their final tournament here in Moscow, theoretically.

But hey, lets hope for the best, and support us, Angry Birds! :D

..il diavolo...

Having more than just a say with Milan old timer.

Gennaro Gattuso. What can I say? Macho la this guy. Not so much skillful, just with his attitude, passion and workrate. But perhaps getting riled up by a 59 year old Scotsman is not a good idea. Its good television though.

..lets makan..

After a tiring futsal session, ended at around 11.30pm, which I am actually pissed off with the rather lackluster performance of some of my teammates, I rewarded myself with a healthy dose of dinner, at 1.30am. Yes, my biological clock is now fucked up, and I really want to wake up early during these study weeks, but the earliest that I could was at 10am. Without using an alarm clock mind you. So hey, lets see what I have in my camera.

Nasi Goreng Paprik.

Awesome chocolate cake. This was at Starbucks some time ago.

Chocolate donut, large fries, fish burger and medium orange fanta, after coming back from class.

..2010 Recap...

1. Travelled to Amsterdam, Paris and Berlin.

Amsterdam was awesome.

Yeah, well.... =pNext stop Paris!

Always feel like I was in somekinda movie.

Thumbs up Paris!

This was all I remembered about Berlin, the awesome bathroom =p


2. Finished my practicals even in the midst of all the shortcomings.


Place where the HO's do their work.


Usually by 2.00pm, some of them are already dozing off.


Almost 70% of their time are spent by smoking and taking multiple breaks.


It was an unforgettable experience though.


3. My parents came to Moscow.


Pity my mum, actually she wanted to play with snow, but its summer.

Just an average family ;)


Of course, outing to Arbat :)


4. Balqis.

Really hope she's doing ok.


5. Finished my 4th year safely.


Psychiatry hospital.


6. 3rd place in Tamil New Year 2010 Cup with Jebat FC.

Formed a formidable defensive partnership at the back with Mr Hanhebat.


To the spoils, the victors!


Thats just all about it. Will update if I remember about anything else. Cheers!

..Interbatch Games..

Tug of War team. Champions!

That's my lucky shirt ;D

Gentle giant, Amirin Zarif.

Our batch rocks!

But of course, handball champions! ;)

How long has it been? I simply don't have much time for myself anymore. The weather is killing me. -20'C, and even lower. How is that even possible? Anyway, I am surviving Russia, and that is no mean feat. Yesterday was a fun day. The RSMU Malaysian students' Interbatch Games were held. I joined my batch's futsal and handball team. I even scored 3 goals. How's that? Haha. If I had a girlfriend I would surely dedicate my goals to her hehe. I think I was a bit over the edge and cocky when celebrating the goals. But hell I don't care, I work my ass off to get those goals. But in the end our team could only get second last....We had fun though, and I'm glad the guys weren't complaining.

As for the handball team, we were crowned champions! I didnt score, just running around, defending and stuffs. I was even accidentally punched in the face by a junior. No big deal, its sports. Credits to the hardworking Kumarendran S.Kanesan (Kumen) and Jivan Latif (Jivan) and Yumnesh. They really worked their socks off. So my Saturday ended just like that. But it was fun. =)

..bad day..

My standard football ritual.

Awesome during training.

Like a dumbass when playing in front of a huge crowd. Again and again.

Sorry guys. This will definitely be the last time.