Safee: Harimau Malaya's heritage intake not a sign of failure

New Straits Times

6 days ago

KUALA LUMPUR: Former Harimau Malaya captain Safee Sali has dismissed claims that Malaysia's growing reliance on heritage players is due to the failure of the current players
Safee insists the influx of foreign-born talent is part of the national team's natural evolution, not a desperate fix.
Harimau Malaya have added five new heritage players to their ranks — Joao Figueiredo, Rodrigo Holgado, Jon Irazabal, Facundo Garces and Imanol Machuca — following the earlier inclusion of Hector Hevel and Gabriel Palmero, who debuted in March.
Six of them featured in Malaysia's stunning 4-0 win over Vietnam in an Asian Cup qualifier on June 10.
"I don't see it that way. Failure is part of the process — without setbacks, we don't learn or grow," said Safee, brushing off the suggestion that the previous crop of players had underperformed.
"It's not that the earlier group failed. They gave everything they had. But football is always evolving, and we have to keep up whether in terms of performance or results."
Safee said there's nothing wrong with bringing in reinforcements, as long as it's within the rules.
"If we're following FIFA regulations, I don't see an issue," he added.
Malaysia's big win over Vietnam has reignited optimism, but Safee warned against getting carried away.
"That result raised expectations among fans and stakeholders. Every country is doing the same — building stronger, more competitive squads. It has a positive impact," he said.
"But we must also look at the bigger picture — the development of this project and the kind of results it will bring in the future."
Malaysia are now in pole position to qualify for a second straight Asian Cup, having won their opening two matches — 2-0 over Nepal and 4-0 against Vietnam — to top Group F.
"I think we've got a great chance of qualifying again, but we mustn't take Vietnam or any team lightly," said Safee.
"We have to stay sharp and cautious. With our current form, I believe we can book our spot."
When asked if Malaysia should continue calling up heritage players, Safee said the decision lies with national coach Peter Cklamovski.
"I'm just giving an outsider's view, but it's up to Cklamovski. He knows what's needed to take the team forward," said Safee.
"As long as the players meet his standards and fit into the system, I have no issue with it."
He also addressed criticism over the inclusion of foreign-born players, urging fans to focus on results.
"What matters is the team's success. Constant negativity won't help us move forward," said Safee.
"We're not breaking any FIFA rules. If we want to compete with the best, we need results — that's how we show we belong at the top."
Malaysia lead Group F with six points, ahead of Vietnam and Laos (three points each), while Nepal remain bottom with none.
Only the group winners will qualify for the 2027 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia.