
Azeem seventh fastest, advances to NCAA quarters
KUALA LUMPUR: National sprinter Azeem Fahmi did well to qualify for the men's 100m quarter-finals at the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Track and Field Championships in Jacksonville, Florida yesterday (May 28).
Azeem finished third in his heat after clocking 10.26 seconds. T'Mars Mccallum of Tennessee won the heat in 10.16s while Jamarion Stubbs of Alabama was second (10.18s).
Azeem's timing was the seventh fastest among 47 sprinters in the event. Only the top-24 made the cut for the quarterfinals which will be held tomorrow (May 30).
Malaysia Athletics (MA) technical director John Ballard was pleased with Azeem's performance.
"He is in a good frame of mind and we hope he will continue to do well in the quarter-finals," said the Australian coach.
The semi-finals and final will be held next week.
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New Straits Times
5 hours ago
- New Straits Times
There's no room for sentimentalism in Malaysian football
THE national football team have never looked quite like this. The latest squad announcement by national coach Peter Cklamovski for the Asian Cup qualifier against Vietnam on June 10 has added fresh fuel to an old debate — how much is too much when it comes to naturalised and heritage players? Names like Facundo Garces Rodrigo Holgado, Imanol Machuca, Jon Irazabal and Joao Figueiredo may not ring a bell for the average Malaysian football fan yet. All five are foreign-born, eligible through ancestry, and come with experience in tougher, more competitive leagues abroad. Cklamovski, a coach known for his attention to tactical detail and modern playing style, has not been afraid to shake things up since taking the reins. His latest call-ups see the inclusion of five new names — all foreign-born, all eligible to don the Harimau Malaya jersey, and all bringing valuable experience from higher-level competitions abroad. But they're not alone. They join a squad already boasting a well-established international core, including Endrick dos Santos, Dion Cools, Corbin Ong, Matthew Davies, Junior Eldstal, Gabriel Palmero, Stuart Wilkin, Nooa Laine, Hector Hevel and Romel Morales. It's a line-up that look more like a continental club side than a traditional national team and that's precisely what has some fans talking. The question isn't whether these players are good enough, most of them have already proved their worth. The bigger issue, at least among some corners of the footballing public, is whether Malaysia is losing sight of its local footballing identity in the pursuit of progress. But here's the reality. International football has changed. The days when national squads were built purely from domestic academies and local leagues are long gone. Look around the world — from Qatar and Indonesia to even England and France — you'll see teams that have blended their native core with foreign-born talent, often to great success. Malaysia are not an outlier. If anything, they're late to the party. Players like captain Cools, Davies and Dos Santos have already become fan favourites. They've been through the heat of Southeast Asian derbies, endured the scrutiny, and fought for results. They're not tourists, they're professionals who've bought into the badge and the expectations that come with it. Others like Hevel and Wilkin have gradually s ettled into the rhythm of international duty, showing that integration can work when the system is right. That's where Cklamovski comes in. The Australian has set out to build not just a team but a system. One that relies on structure, pressing, transitions, and control. For that, he needs players who understand modern football's demands — mentally, physically and tactically. Vietnam, Harimau Malaya's upcoming opponents, are everything Cklamovski is trying to model — fast, organised, intelligent. To compete, Malaysia can't afford to rely purely on passion or grit. They need technical precision, decision-making under pressure, and squad depth. The blend of players in this latest call-up gives them that, perhaps for the first time in years. Still, the scepticism is understandable. For decades, Malaysian fans have taken pride in watching home-developed players rise through the ranks and earn their place. The sight of a boy from a local field making it to Bukit Jalil is something supporters connect with on an emotional level. That pathway should never be closed, and Cklamovski doesn't appear to be closing it. There are still local-developed players in the mix. Many of the foreign-born players now wear the Malaysian jersey not just because of the eligibility rules, but because they've lived here, played here, and grown within the system. This isn't about replacing local talent, it's about raising standards across the board. Football isn't sentimental; it's ruthless. Malaysia want to compete at the Asian Cup regularly and qualify for the World Cup one day. To do that, they need results, not just romance. Against Vietnam, the pressure will be on. The atmosphere will be intense. But Malaysia go into this battle with options, something that hasn't always been the case. Cklamovski knows what he's doing. He's assembling a squad that can not only challenge the region's best, but push beyond Southeast Asia's glass ceiling. It may not be everyone's vision of a national team, but it just might be the version Malaysia need right now. If it works and results start to follow, the noise will die down. As always in football, winning changes everything.


The Sun
a day ago
- The Sun
Kohli fulfils IPL dream as Bengaluru beat Punjab for first title
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The Star
2 days ago
- The Star
Looking up to Garces
New Malaysian football player Facundo Garces. PETALING JAYA: The Harimau Malaya revolution continues with more Malaysians abroad expected to be unveiled soon. But for now, the spotlight shines on a towering new addition. Facundo Garces, a 25-year-old centreback from La Liga outfit Deportivo Alaves, has officially joined the Malaysian national football team, adding an unexpected but exciting twist to preparations for the crucial 2027 Asian Cup third-round qualifier against Vietnam at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil on June 10. His inclusion has sent ripples through the local football community, not only for the surprise factor but also for the calibre he brings. "To be part of this national set-up is an incredible opportunity and a massive honour," said Garces. "Since arriving in Kuala Lumpur, I've felt the passion, the family spirit, and unwavering support within the team. "If this is just the beginning, I can't imagine how amazing it will be when the entire nation is behind us. I'm ready to give everything I have for Malaysia." Standing at 1.89m (6'2''), Garces is a commanding presence at the back. He first rose to prominence with Argentine Primera Division side Colon, where he amassed 129 appearances. Since his January move to Alaves, he has featured in 10 matches - starting the last seven league games in a row - proving his growing stature in top-tier football. Known for his aerial dominance, Garces is not only a defensive rock but a threat during set-pieces. National coach Peter Cklamovski couldn't hide his enthusiasm. "Facundo has a strong character. He's calm under pressure, has a fantastic personality, and brings with him valuable experience from top level competitions," said the Australian tactician. And Garces might not be the only one making waves in this international window. Sources suggest that two more players - possibly three - could join Garces in the current training camp. Cklamovski's extensive scouting network may soon bear more fruit, with names like winger Imanol Machuca, striker Rodrigo Holgado and centreback Jon Iranzabal being closely linked to the national set-up. Machuca, 25, is a nimble flanker who plays for Velez Sarsfield on loan from Brazilian side Fortaleza. The pint-sized Argentine-born winger, who stands just 1.70m (5'5'') is capable on either flank and thrives on creating goal-scoring chances. Holgado, 29, currently leads the line for Colombian giants America de Cali. The clinical striker has already netted seven goals and registered two assists in just 15 league appearances this season - an impressive return that could add bite to Malaysia's attack. Then there's Iranzabal, a 28-year-old Spanish-born defender who recently helped Azerbaijani club Sabah lift the national cup. The 1.87m (6'1'') hard man is renowned for his technical defending and was among the earliest mixed-heritage names linked with Harimau Malaya following Cklamovski's appointment. With new blood injecting quality and depth into the squad, the national team's ambitions are gaining momentum. And if this wave of talent delivers on its promise, Malaysia's dream of back-to-back Asian Cup appearances may soon become a thrilling reality.