KUALA LUMPUR: After a five-year hiatus, the Sultan of Selangor's Cup returns, with excitement at fever pitch as Selangor and Singapore legends prepare for their Aug 17 clash at the hallowed Merdeka Stadium.
The atmosphere is charged with nostalgia and anticipation as best friends Datuk Dollah Salleh and Datuk Zainal Abidin don the colours of the Selangor Veterans while their old teammate, Fandi Ahmad, dusts off his boots to represent Singapore.
The reunion is more than a game — it's a heartfelt journey back to a golden era of football.
Dollah and Zainal were striking partners in the feared Selangor team in the late 1980s before moving to Pahang, where Fandi also played in 1991 and 1992.
When the trio speak of the competition that began in 2001 and the enduring rivalry that followed Singapore's departure from the M-League in 1994, their faces light up with the warmth of cherished memories. They fondly recall the days when Merdeka Stadium was the stage for epic clashes that became the stuff of legend.
"It's like coming home," said Dollah, his eyes ablaze with the glow of past glories. "Selangor and Singapore have a rivalry that's deep-rooted and full of history. Just stepping into that stadium again brings back so many memories. It's a place where our stories were written."
Dollah reminisced about a game in 2006 when he scored a diving header for the Selangor Veterans and ended up buried in the sand from the long jump pit.
"I was covered in sand, but it was one of those moments that made playing here unforgettable. It wasn't just the goal, it was the roar of the crowd, the thrill of the game — it's all part of what makes this competition special."
Zainal shared Dollah's sentiment, saying that the upcoming match feels like a return to his youth.
"The Merdeka Stadium was where I spent much of my career. Walking onto that pitch again will bring back memories of playing against Saudi Arabia, Japan, and South Korea. It's less about the rivalry now and more about reliving those moments."
For Zainal, it's not just a game, it's a reunion.
"It's a chance to revisit the past and celebrate our shared history. The rivalry is still there, but for us veterans, it's about coming together and honouring the legacy of this competition."
As the veterans prepare for the match, they hope to impart the significance of this historical rivalry to the younger players.
"The new generation needs to understand what this competition means," said Zainal.
"It's not just about winning. It's about respecting the history and the passion that have made this rivalry so enduring."
Fandi, who has been busy coaching and hasn't had much time for training, brought his own brand of humour and heartfelt reflection to the mix.
"Playing at the Merdeka Stadium again is an honour. Even though I've been out of training, just being out there with old friends is what matters most."
Fandi joked about his lack of preparation but was sincere about the deeper meaning of the match.
"For us, it's a reunion with old comrades. We're excited to play again and see the fans. I hope they remember the legends and the cups we've won. This match is more about celebrating our shared past than just competing."
As the Sultan of Selangor's Cup enters its 18th edition, Selangor and Singapore have each made their mark, with Selangor winning the title 10 times compared with Singapore's seven. Selangor claimed the trophy in the last two editions; Singapore's last victory in 2017 remains a cherished memory.