Malayan Tigress move to samba beat with appointment of Brazilian coach
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian women's football team are all set to go with the flow of the samba beat.
The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) have appointed experienced Brazilian Joel Cornelli as the new coach of the Malayan Tigress, replacing Soleen Al-Zoubi, who now takes on the role of FAM women's football technical director.
The move is part of FAM's broader vision to elevate the structure and competitiveness of the women's team, with an eye on stronger performances at both the regional and international stages.
In his first statement, Cornelli expressed gratitude to FAM's leadership for the opportunity.
'I am honoured and deeply touched to be entrusted with leading the Malayan Tigress. I see tremendous potential in the Malaysian women's players and I'm committed to building a team that can not only compete in South-East Asia but also challenge at the Asian level,' he said at a press conference held at the FAM headquarters here yesterday.
'My focus is on building a solid foundation and instilling a professional football culture within the squad.
'I see lots of good players with great potential and talent. It is a great challenge, for sure, but I believe in this project and can improve the performance of the team.
'I have experience working in both men and women's football, so adaptability is not an issue, plus my experience with the Jordan women's team will be helpful.'
Cornelli has over two decades of coaching experience, working with several professional clubs and development programmes across South America, Asia, and South-East Asia.
FAM exco member and chairwoman of the Women's Football Committee, Datuk Suraya Yaacob expressed confidence in Joel's appointment, calling it a vital step toward strengthening the Malayan Tigress ahead of major assignments.
'We warmly welcome Joel into the Malaysian women's football family. His appointment comes at a crucial time, especially with the Group H matches of the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers coming up this June,' Suraya.
'He will begin working with the players during the upcoming centralised training camp at the end of May. With the full support of the coaching staff and FAM, I believe our national women's team can spring a surprise in Tajikistan.'
The Malayan Tigress will begin their first centralised training camp of the year on May 21 and are scheduled to play international friendlies against Bhutan and Hong Kong in Bhutan before heading to Dushanbe, Tajikistan, for the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers in June.
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