The long-awaited return of Podcast Bolasepak Bermaruah (PBB) under Ultrajang TV delivered a festive and insightful comeback, as Episode 49—dubbed the special Bumper Raya Edition—brought fans closer to the inner workings of football development in Negeri Sembilan.

Broadcast live from the Negeri Sembilan FC (NSFC) and Persatuan Bolasepak Negeri Sembilan (PBNS) office in Rahang, the episode featured hosts Jang and Isaac alongside two key figures shaping the future of the club and state football ecosystem—NSFC CEO Encik Faliq Firdaus and PBNS Executive Secretary Encik Firdaus Bahari.

A Strategic Platform: The Rise of LPNS

A major highlight of the episode was the in-depth discussion on the newly introduced Liga Premier Negeri Sembilan (LPNS) 2025/2026, a competition designed to revitalise grassroots and community-level football in the state.

According to Encik Firdaus Bahari, LPNS serves as a long-overdue competitive platform for local clubs, marking the return of a structured state-level league after several years of inactivity. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between amateur football and the professional pyramid.

“This is more than just a league—it’s a platform for community clubs across Negeri Sembilan to compete in a structured, competitive environment,” he explained. 

The inaugural edition will feature 20 teams, divided into two groups, competing in a single-round league format before advancing to knockout stages. The stakes are significant—champions will earn promotion into the national A2 league under the Amateur Football League (AFL) structure, positioning LPNS as a recognised A3-level competition within Malaysia’s football pyramid.

NSFC’s Role: Building an Ecosystem, Not Just a Team

NSFC CEO Faliq Firdaus emphasised that the club’s involvement goes beyond participation—it is about shaping a sustainable football ecosystem.

“Competition drives development. When you create a competitive environment, player growth will follow naturally,” he noted. 

NSFC has played an advisory role in structuring LPNS, particularly in implementing regulations that encourage youth development. Each team is encouraged to include at least five Under-23 players, ensuring a steady pipeline of emerging talent.

This aligns with NSFC’s long-term strategy of identifying and nurturing players not only from local ranks but also from affordable foreign markets, with LPNS acting as a scouting ground for potential signings.

Professional Standards at Grassroots Level

One of the standout aspects discussed was the introduction of MyPAS (FIFA Connect system), which tracks player registrations, contracts, and transfers—bringing a level of professionalism rarely seen in amateur leagues.

This system enables proper documentation of player movement and lays the groundwork for future implementation of training compensation and development fees, a critical component in modern football ecosystems.

“We are not just organising a league—we are educating clubs on how professional football operates,” Faliq added. 

Accessibility, Affordability, and Fan Engagement

Matches will be held at the newly branded PBNS Bubble S02 Arena in Rahang, with a deliberate focus on cost efficiency for participating teams. Entry fees have been kept affordable at RM2,000 (plus RM1,000 deposit), eliminating the common “pay-per-match” burden seen in social leagues.

Fans can attend matches physically, while plans are underway to introduce a pay-per-view streaming platform, with revenue reinvested into participating teams and league development.

A League That Reflects Negeri Sembilan’s Football Identity

The episode also highlighted the strong response from the local football community, with participation from clubs across districts such as Gemencheh and Cembong, as well as the involvement of former professional players—further elevating the league’s competitiveness.

Beyond competition, LPNS represents a broader ambition: to ensure Negeri Sembilan talent no longer needs to look outside the state for opportunities.

A New Chapter Begins

The return of PBB with such a high-impact episode signals more than just content revival—it reflects a renewed momentum within Negeri Sembilan football.

With collaboration between NSFC and PBNS, backed by state support, LPNS is poised to become a cornerstone of player development and community engagement.

As Episode 49 made clear, this is not just about launching a league—it’s about rebuilding a football ecosystem from the ground up.

And for Negeri Sembilan, the journey has only just begun.