THE 18th edition of The Sultan of Selangor’s Cup (TSSC) closed off another chapter with the recognition of numerous parties who were involved in making this year’s event a huge success.

To mark the occasion, the Raja Muda of Selangor Tengku Amir Shah presented certificates of appreciation signed by Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah to the individuals and organisations involved at a high tea at Concorde Hotel Shah Alam.

While the annual football match, which began in 2001, is always about the Selangor and Singapore football rivalry –dubbed the Malayan El Classico, it has also evolved to become a spectacle that draws thousands of football fans from outside of Selangor.

This year’s edition, held on Aug 24 at Shah Alam Stadium, was a treat for some 55,000 spectators and was another feather in the cap of the series, thanks to the strong support of sponsors and the coordination of all committees involved.

Among those who received the certificates where TSSC adviser Tan Sri Syed Yusof Syed Nasir, TSSC organising committee chairman Tan Sri Abd Karim Munisar, along with Tanjung Balai Group founder Yap Chong Heong as the main sponsor, Eco World Development Group Bhd executive director Datuk Voon Tin Yow (represented by Eco World Development Group Bhd deputy chief executive officer Datuk S. Sundarajoo) and Kingsley Seeds Foundation chairman Barry Goh Ming Choon.

Abd Karim said the ceremony was held to honour all involved parties who made the latest edition a success and the presence of the Raja Muda of Selangor added to the recognition of their efforts.

The planning for this year’s edition involved coordinating over 40 buses for Singaporean fans to crossover to catch Selangor and Singapore clash in three matches, namely the Under-15 Schools Challenge Cup, Veteran’s Match and the main Selection Match.

Much effort also went towards coordinating the grand opening ceremony which saw a convoy of 40 Harley-Davidsons, an abseiling opening gimmick, school performances as well as a grand fireworks display to create a carnival-like atmosphere for spectators.

“Organising all three matches with programmes in between was no easy task but as we saw on Aug 24, everything went as planned thanks to the combined efforts of all parties involved, ” Abd Karim said.

“The driving force from the Sultan and the Raja Muda was also another factor that greatly contributed to the overall success of this year’s event, ” he said.

“Next year’s preparations will begin when His Royal Highness has decided to appoint the organising committee members which usually takes place early next year. Only then will the preparations start, which can take up much of the year, ” added Abd Karim.

Support for this year’s edition saw over RM1.23mil received in sponsorship with contributions from Tanjung Balai Group, Selangor State Treasury, Perbadanan Kemajuan Negeri Selangor, Permodalan Negeri Selangor Berhad, KDEB Waste Management Sdn Bhd, Eco World Development Group Berhad, Nirvana Memorial Park, Aiman Platinum Sdn Bhd, Everspring Land Sdn Bhd, Setia Awan Group, Splash Sdn Bhd, Mentri Besar Incorporated, Kumpulan Semesta Sdn Bhd, Worldwide Holdings Berhad and Star Media Group Berhad as the official English media partner.