SPECIAL
By Avineshwaran Taharumalengam
Kedah stamped their mark on the years of 2007 and 2008, as they notched the treble in both seasons.
| 2012 SQUAD |
| Goalkeepers Helmi Eliza Elias, Abdul Hadi Abdul Hamid, Mohd Muhaimin Mohamad |
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Defenders
Mohd Fauzi Nan, Bashahrul Abu Bakar, Mohd Sany Mat Isa, Azmizi Azmi, Danilo Vivaldo, Fazliata Taib, V.Thirumurugan, Mohd Sabree Mat Abu, Khairul Helmi Johari
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Midfielders
Khyril Muhymeen, Baddrol Bakhtiar, See Kok Luen, Amar Rohidan, Mohd Fiqry Mat Isa, Kamal Azira Abdul Manah, Mohd Faizal Abu Bakar, Ahmad Basri Abdul Wahid
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Forwards
Shazuan Ashraff Matthews, Daniel Soares Neves, Abdul Latiff Suhaimi, Mohd Syamim Alif Mohd Sobri
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They were certainly one of the most dominant forces in Malaysia as the likes of Marlon Alex James, Nelson San Martin, Baddrol Bakhtiar and Victor Andrag led their charge in style.However, Kedah have been regarded as the fallen giants after a drop in stature over the past few years, proving incapable of matching the onslaught from the likes of Kelantan and Terengganu.
Last season wasn't a campaign to remember and with coach Wan Jamak Wan Hassan suspended for disciplinary issues, their 2012 season will kick off on an uncertain note.
Nevertheless, the club that is known for their ability to breed talented youngsters will be on their toes this season. They are continuing that tradition as they have brought in youngsters such as forwards Mohd Syamim Alif Mohd Sobri and Shazuan Ashraff Mathews, defender Bashahrul Abu Bakar and midfielder See Kok Luen.
These youngsters will be required to ease the burden felt after the departure of talented youngster Ahmad Shakir Ali to Negeri Sembilan, who was a constant threat for them last season.
Kedah have also secured the signatures of two Brazilians, namely Daniel Soares Neves and Danilo Vivaldo. Both players come with an impressive CV, having plied their trade in Asia before and have looked reasonable in the friendly matches so far.
Baddrol Bakhtiar, back from winning the SEA games gold medal, will be the captain of the side as he will be ably aided by the likes of Khyril Muhymeen and Faizal Abu Bakar. Kedah, with the youngest squad in the League and under interim coach Nidzam Adzha, will be plotting a revival for the 'Canaries'.
Goal.com Malaysia and Singapore editions will be launched later this month.