Malaysian football fans, what would make you leave the comfort of your home to catch a match between local teams at the stadium?
A Malaysian lecturer from Universiti Malaya, Dr. Nasnoor Juzaily Mohd Nasiruddin suggested the Malaysia Super League, a Malaysian football league, includes pom pom girls, also known as cheerleaders at the stadium to attract football fans.
For illustration purposes only
The suggestion came after the worrying “attendance” of spectators at stadiums across the country during the ongoing Malaysia Super League 2024/2025, which kickstarted in May last year and is scheduled to end on April 13, 2025.
According to the official data on the Football Association of Malaysia’s (FAM) website, the match between PDRM Football Club and Kelantan Football Club on December 18 last year recorded the lowest attendance, with only 170 supporters present at the Selayang Stadium.
A cheerleading performance before the match, just like in the US
To attract more people, Dr. Nasnoor said that a lot can be done before and after the match. He also highlighted and praised Johor Darul Takzim Football Club’s effort in its attempt to bring in more crowds.
“I saw JDT FC doing lucky draws to attract more crowds, which I thought was a good idea.”
He also pointed out that the idea of having cheerleaders before the commencement of the football match or during breaks is new in Malaysia, but not in the United States of America, which we can follow suit.
“I don’t think it’s wrong to try, and maybe it can attract the attending supporters to stay until the very end of the match.”
“However, the cheerleading performance has to be done in a way where Malaysians can accept.”
The presence of cheerleaders was not the only idea that Dr. Nasnoor had in mind. In a report by Harian Metro, he also suggested all football clubs do activities with sponsors outside the match.
“Indirectly, it will create a good relationship between the supporters and the sponsors, who will be happy to go to the stadium to watch the match.”
The next match between JDT FC and PDRM FC is scheduled for 8:15 PM tonight (February 5) at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Johor.
Sports enthusiasts, what do you think of this?
Also read: “Don’t be keyboard warriors!” Lee Chong Wei Reminds M’sians to Give Athletes Constructive Criticism
