By Selangor Journal Team
SHAH ALAM, Aug 20 — The Sultan of Selangor's Cup (TSSC), which was introduced 23 years ago in 2001, remains a significant symbol of the power of football in fostering friendship and camaraderie between teams and nations.
This sentiment was highlighted by the Selangor Royal Office in a statement following Selangor’s recent victory over Singapore in the 2024 edition of the Cup on Saturday (August 17) at the historic Stadium Merdeka, the venue that used to host various matches between the two former rivals when Singapore was part of the Malaysian Football League.
“For those who understand the history, they will appreciate the rationale behind the tournament and join in celebrating TSSC as a prestigious event that fosters the spirit of friendship in sports,"
“Besides rekindling nostalgia, the cup is one of the most anticipated events by local football fans who long for the golden era of Malaysian football,” it said in a Facebook post today.
“This explanation will hopefully provide accurate facts and a clearer understanding for the public, especially the younger generation who may not yet understand or have been misled by confusing information about the true history of TSSC.
“Moreover, the symbolic friendship and sportsmanship celebrated through TSSC can serve as an example in combating the still prevalent issue of violence in sports, particularly in local football. Stop the violence in football,” said the Selangor Royal Office.
The statement comes after certain parties mocked the organisation of the cup as self-gratification and without recognition.
TSSC was introduced with the aim of strengthening the bond between the two former major rivals in the Malaysian League then, Selangor FA and Singapore FA, after the latter exited from the league in 1994.
The idea for the tournament was initiated by Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj in 2001, the same year His Royal Highness acceeded to the throne.
Unlike other tournaments, TSSC is exclusive to a single main match between the Selangor Selection and the Singapore Selection. Additionally, an exhibition match is held between the two veteran teams.
Held annually at either the Shah Alam Stadium or Singapore's National Stadium, the last tournament took place in 2019, before it was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Over two decades, the Selangor Selection has won TSSC 10 times, in 2001, 2003, 2005, 2008, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2018, 2019, and 2024. The Singapore Selection has won seven times, in 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2016, and 2017.
In 2004, both teams were declared joint champions, while the 2015 edition was cancelled due to haze.
