Controversial Controversy

After the recent indiscretions of the ESMSCC players, further controversy has been heaped onto the beleaguered club.

ESMSCCC, which had a chequered disciplinary record in the past with hardmen such as Huzer giving away penalties like it was a charitable act, seemed to be cleaning up its act. However, this past weekend has been a bad time for the club. Star workhorse Syahrul Hatta was given a yellow card for blatantly leading with his elbow whenever he was attempting a tackle. This was followed by the non-appearance of Abu and the shamelessly late appearance of Huzer. As if that was not enough, Nasir finally gave away a penalty.

To top off the weekend, star right-winger Zarir was spotted playing in the lime green of the Eternal Rivals. It has always been rumoured that the Botaks were paying off the less ethical of the ESMSCC members to play for them when needed. ESMSCC's management has always preferred to believe in their players, but have now had their confidence shaken. Investigations have been said to have been initiated to get to the bottom of other rumours such as Abu and non-halal nasi lemak, Harun and his groupies, Ahmad and his clubbing, and whether Huzer really eats at Simpang.

Closed-Door Friendly

Several members of the ESMSCC squad were engaged in a closed-door friendly session on Sunday morning. Huzer, Ashrof and Nasir were asked to come down for this match specially arranged to help in the preparation of a new defensive partnership. Although it is unlikely that this partnership would ever appear in the green of BSRI, it would form a viable option in a restructuring of the ESMSCC line-up. Ashrof was asked to play as a central defender once again. He was reported to be highly disappointed that he could not push his claims for a regular place in left-midfield. Partnering him was Huzer, who was moved in from right-back. Huzer was also said to be disappointed as he claimed that his manager had promised him a striker's role for this game. It is rumoured, however, that his move into the centre was no a reflection of newfound faith in Huzer's defensive abilities but rather a damning indiction of the current poor state of his physical attributes. Nasir was played in goal.

This new partnership got off to a great start as Huzer and Ashrof formed a solid screen in front of Nasir. No players got past them, although Ashrof was guilty of letting the ball bounce a little too often. Huzer even won some headers. And Nasir made 2 amazing saves, proving that he is more Lionel Lewis than Noh Alam Shah.

In the second half, Nasir tried to pull a Mustafic Fahrudin. However, in his overzealous attempts to prove himself, he managed to give away a penalty although Ashrof and Huzer had things under control. Admittedly it was a soft but totally unnecessary foul, but perhaps he's had it coming. The hero had turned into a zero. Nasir was given 2 glorious opportunities to redeem himself, but he hit the crossbar from an indirect freekick and then contrived to miss a one on one with the opposing keeper. It was a waste as Huzer's and Ashrof's performances deserved so much more.