WORLD CUP DRAW...AND FOOTBALL AT THE HOME FRONT

Stayed up or should I say, attempted to stay up last night to watch the World Soccer Cup draw in South Africa. 

Very pleased to witness the atmosphere of the evening in South Africa for the grand occasion of the official draw where the 32 countries qualified will be competing for the coveted Cup for the final showdown in June 2010.

Traditional soccer powerhouse like Brazil, Argentina, Germany, Spain, France, England and the defending champion, Italy will be competing the minnows in the like of Slovenia, Honduras, Chile and New Zealand.

The football artists, Ronaldo, Messi, Kaka, Drogba, Essien, Rooney and Gerard will be pitted against Asian best in the like of Ji Sung Park, Nakamura and Endo and aspiring stars in the making like Pato of Brazil and Aaron Lennon of England.

North Korea representing the Asian region will be making a re-entry after 43 years lapse. It would be marvellous if the nation can produce upsets like in 1966.

What is most magnificent about international soccer is, the beautiful game transcends political barrier, is colour blind and binds nation together for the love of sports.

How marvellous it would be if the same can be said about soccer at the home front...in Perak, closer to home.

 I heard DS Nizar and his management team has managed to solve the financial woos at the Perak Football Association enabling Perak to continue participating in the Malaysian Super League 2010. Great feat indeed...

Only God knows how much I aspire that soccer be the unifying factor in Perak. It is the game of passion for the rakyat...LOVE BY ALL.