Cover Story : Sports & Soccer

Rashid Salleh is currently one of the presenters on Astro Arena, a 24-hour sports channel which covers mainly local sports news as well as international sports.

He was also, previously, one of the faces of ESPNStar Sports Malaysian SportsCenter and has dabbled as a TV host, acted in numerous playsand local TV, directed a few TV comedies, pretended to be a ninja in a dodgy kids TV commercial and tries to charge a lot of money as an MC over the last 20 years.

He will be supporting Germany in the World Cup because his girlfriend won’t let him into the house wearing a Dutch jersey. Go Deutschland. Sigh…

Jay Menon is currently on the all new Breakfast Show on MIXfm and Astro Super Sports’ FOURFOURTWO alongside Jason Dasey.

She made her foray into TV at the age of 21 when she landed a VJ stint for a Bollywood show on Astro named Saalam Bollywood, beating over 300 candidates.

She then dabbled inmodelling, appearing in highly acclaimed advertisements such as the Petronas Merdeka advert and the Punjabi MC music video that became a hit all over Europe. She then hosted Star Trax and HITZ.TV, Malaysia’s first 24-hour music channel.

Having been in the media line for nine years, she feels that she is finally ready to test the waters for other things like starting her own business. So watch out for this ambitious girl as it seems like nothing is going to stop her!

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Q: What is it like being a sports presenter? What are the good and not-so-good parts, and the challenges?

R: Sports presenting is similar to reading the news except for the fact its sports news. The good part is that my job is basically talking about sports and there are no bad parts (who complains about being paid to talk about sports?). The challenges are to educate and inform the viewer in an alternative way instead of the usual facts that most sports TV channels would churn out.

J: It’s been great! Working with Jason Dasey, my co-host on FOURFOURTWO actually has been the best part of doing sports presenting. He taught me the ropes, has been supportive and has turned out to be a good friend. I actually love tennis more than football, so initially I was apprehensive about talking on a football show, but it has turned out great and my knowledge on football has improved tremendously! Haha… I also speak to a lot of people about their thoughts on the sport and try and incorporate that into my show when I can. There are really no down sides to the job!

Q: Tell us about a typical day of yours.

R: A typical day usual begins at about 2pm and ends about 11.30pm because we have two to three news bulletins a day.

J: Oh! Its been a `lil crazy and in the World Cup month I worry if I’m going to get enough sleep! A typical day starts at 4.45am, get to my radio job with MIXfm from 6 am to 10am. We have a meeting after that to discuss what we want to do the next day. That goes on till noon. A quick lunch and then off to either a TV or print shoot or to an event which I have to emcee, or if I’m really lucky, just back home to a book! I have long days on most days but I love working, so I won’t complain.

Q: As a sports presenter, how do you keep yourself well-informed and at the top of the game?

R: The Internet is obviously a great source, so are rival sports channels. And it’s good to have great discussions with the other guys in the office because they will always be another source of information too.

J: By reading up as much as I can about the sport and when I meet new people. It’s a great ice breaker! Haha.. I also like listening to people’s opinion of their favourite teams.

Q: Is there a certain sports presenter that you admire especially? Why?

R: Datuk Rahim Razali is a man I admire a lot and he has a unique way of commentating when it comes to sports. Plus I got to act with him several years back!

J: Jason Dasey, my co-host, he’s the consummate professional.

Q: How do you keep yourself in tiptop condition? What is your exercise regime and diet like?

R: I still play rugby for my club, COBRA, so that keeps me going. I’ve been lucky to still be in good shape for my age, so I don’t really have another other exercise regime except for rugby training. I eat everything.

J: I try not to eat past 7 at night and get whatever form of exercise I can, when I can!

Q: What do you think of the sports industry in Malaysia? What are your hopes for it?

R: With this new sports channel Astro Arena, it’s great because Malaysians can now be more informed about the local sports personalities; something that we haven’t had in a long time. And hopefully, more kids will be inspired by their own local sports personalities and emulate them in the future.

J: I think it’s going from strength to strength. There is a genuine interest in improving sports in Malaysia. However, I believe it starts with parents instilling the importance of sports in their children at a young age. A world champion is not made overnight.

Q: What are the elements in football that appeal to you?

R: The tactics, the personalities involved (players, managers) and the pundits! The pundits can really rile people up with their opinions. It’s quite funny.

J: The game itself is very fast paced and interesting but more than that it’s the drama surrounding the game that makes it wonderful! From the players to the WAGs, managers and fans!

Q: What is your take on the upcoming World Cup?

R: I feel the usual suspects will be in the knockout stages; Germany, Brazil, Argentina, Spain, England, etc. BUT the African nations will want to prove a point this year since the
tournament is in their continent.

J: It is going to be mighty interesting with so many strong teams!

Q: Which is your favourite team, player and why?

R: Favourite teams are England and the Netherlands but I will have to also support Germany this year or my girlfriend will never forgive me. Favourite player, Michael Ballack but unfortunately, he won’t be playing due to injury. German captain. You figure out why.

J: I’m on the Spanish side. I just have a feeling they will go far. They’ve always been unlucky. I don’t have a favourite player.

Q: Which are the promising teams and players that are worthy to look out for? Why?

R: Obviously, all eyes will be on the big boys, Lionel Messi, Wayne Rooney, Cristiano Ronaldo and I feel Didier Drogba also has a point to prove this year.

J: I’ll be watching Spain and Argentina closely as I feel like this is going to be the year they’ll perform the best. The players I’ll be watching is Messi of course, who is worthy of the “World Player of the Year” award and Torres, to see if he can steer his Spanish side to victory. As he had a bad season with Liverpool, this may make up for it!

Q: Which team(s) stands a high chance of winning? Why?

R: Spain has been on a roll since winning the Euro 2008, so they will be seen as favourites. But then again as I’ve said earlier, it will be the usual suspects.

J: Probably Brazil just because of their World Cup track record!

Q:How do you usually watch the World Cup?

R: Sitting down on a chair. Preferably, one that has a recliner with my Irish friend usually (wink wink). Wearing a German jersey next to my girlfriend. Go Go Germany.

J: Well, big games with a bunch of good friends, smaller games at home because I have to be in bed early!

by Tan Sher Lynn