THERE will be no shortage of local support for the Selangor selection when they take on the S-League Selection during The Sultan of Selangor’s Cup (TSSC) on Aug 17.
The Malayan El Classico clash between Malaya Cup rivals Selangor and Singapore is set to play out in front of a sold-out crowd, with an expected 20,000 to attend the match.
TSSC organising chairman Tan Sri Abd Karim Munisar said that response from football fans had been overwhelmingly positive and match-day tickets were sold out weeks ahead of the clash.
“All 20,000 tickets have been sold, including the 1,500 tickets for fans from Singapore.
“In fact, there were requests for more tickets, but we had to set a limit because of the stadium’s capacity,” he said during the TSSC promotional meet-the-fans session at SACC Mall in Shah Alam.
The match, which returns after a four-year hiatus, is also set to coincide with the reopening of Merdeka Stadium after being closed since 2016 for restoration.
The last time both sides faced off at the stadium was in 1981, when Selangor defeated Singapore 4-0.
Abd Karim said Selangor FC supporters would be in for an extra treat as the match would see Selangor’s star striker Faisal Halim make a special appearance in the game.
“I spoke with Faisal, and he said he was ready to participate in The Sultan of Selangor’s Cup.
“This marks a new beginning for him following his break from the sport due to the acid attack on him. We should unite in supporting him and the Selangor team,” said Abd Karim.
Despite the Selangor side’s upcoming Malaysia FA Cup final against Johor Darul Ta’zim at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on Aug 24, Abd Karim, who is also the Selangor Selection team manager, said the squad was committed to defeating Singapore on Aug 17 for a hat-trick of victories.
“On the night itself, several activities are planned to entertain the spectators.
“We will go all out for the opening ceremony, which will include a parachute show by police commandos and a spectacular fireworks show,” he added.
There will also be a performance by popular veteran singer Datuk Jamal Abdillah.
Before the main match kicks off at 9pm, fans will get to experience the nostalgic rivalry when veteran footballers from both sides go head-to-head once again.
For the 20th edition of the event, three lucky draw prizes estimated to be worth around RM130,000 in total, will be given away – a Honda City car, a 4-day/3-night stay at the Marriot Hotel Kota Kinabalu in Sabah and a stay at the Noble Hotel in Melaka.
Abd Karim added that preparations for the big night were almost complete, with a full dress rehearsal scheduled for Aug 15.
