PENANG, 17 February 2014 - Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) has once again proved its winning streak and prowess in football when both the seniors and veterans emerged as champions in the Penang State Government Services Welfare and Recreational Council (MAKSAK 2014) football tournament which was held from 15 to 16 February 2014 at USM Padang Sukan. 

According to the USM Senior team manager, Noor Azrollyzam Zulkifli, despite the short notice, it did not prevent the university from fielding a strong and solid team.

“We managed to gather the players in only three days, but thanks to the efforts and discipline of the players as well as the support and prayers from the University top management, we succeeded in realising the dream of being a champion again while defending the title won last year.”

In the final match held at Padang A, USM Senior dashed the hopes of Penang Hospital (HPP) with a solitary goal scored by Mohamad Zaharin Zakaria in the tenth minute.

For USM Veteran, the 0-0 draw recorded in the first match with the State Health Department (JKN) motivated them to strive better in the tournament.

USM Veterans manager, Mohamad Noor Abdul Aziz described the attitude of the players who believe in their ability is the secret for the team’s success.

“As we all know, age and stamina play a big role in this tournament but in a tournament such as this, the players’ determination on the field made them felt as if they were ‘youth’,” he said.

In the final, USM Veterans defeated The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in full time.

The champion of MAKSAK 2014 received a trophy, medal and certificate presented by a representative of the Penang Development Corporation (PDC), Zulkifli Ismail.

Here are the full results of MAKSAK 2014 Football:

USM Senior	Results	USM Veteran	Results
Matches		Matches
State Secretary Office (SUK)	1-0	State Health Department (JKN)	0-0
Social Welfare Department (JKMN)	2-0	Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM)	3-1
Department of Land and Mines (PTG)	4-0	Prisons Department	4-0
Immigration Department	3-0	Penang Municipal Council (MPPP)	3-0
Quarter Final – Road Transport Department (JPJ)	1-0	Final – Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM)	4-3 (Penalty)
Semi Final – Royal Air Force of Malaysia (TUDM)	1-0
Final – Penang Hospital (HPP)	1-0

Translation: Yong Check Yoon/Text & Photo: Mohamad Danial Shahri