Harimau look to Holgado, Figueiredo for more bite
KUALA LUMPUR: Toothless Harimau Malaya, looking for more bite, have implanted new fangs from abroad.
The national team hope the inclusion of two new heritage strikers — Joao Figueiredo and Rodrigo Holgado — will sharpen their attack.
Holgado and Figueiredo could be the answer to Malaysia's goal-scoring woes as the team prepare for a crucial Asian Cup qualifier against Vietnam on Tuesday.
Both the Brazil-born Figueiredo and Argentina-born Holgado have proved to be lethal finishers.
The 29-year-old Figueiredo has scored a total of 68 goals, including 12 this season for Basaksehir FK in the Turkish Super League.
Holgado has also chalked up impressive numbers, recording 94 goals, with eight coming this season for America de Cali in the Colombian league.
Team officials hope Figueiredo and Holgado can boost Harimau Malaya's strikeforce, which has long struggled with a lack of genuine forwards.
Figueiredo dreams of taking Harimau Malaya to greater heights on the global stage.
"To be able to represent Malaysia and share this dream with all of you — to go further in Asia and on the world stage — is truly an honour.
"I can't wait to feel the support and love from the fans. It's something unique and extraordinary," said Figueiredo.
Holgado, 29, said: "Since arriving here, I've fallen in love with the atmosphere and the country. Now I understand what it means to play for Malaysia."
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KUALA LUMPUR: Toothless Harimau Malaya, looking for more bite, have implanted new fangs from abroad. The national team hope the inclusion of two new heritage strikers — Joao Figueiredo and Rodrigo Holgado — will sharpen their attack. Holgado and Figueiredo could be the answer to Malaysia's goal-scoring woes as the team prepare for a crucial Asian Cup qualifier against Vietnam on Tuesday. Both the Brazil-born Figueiredo and Argentina-born Holgado have proved to be lethal finishers. The 29-year-old Figueiredo has scored a total of 68 goals, including 12 this season for Basaksehir FK in the Turkish Super League. Holgado has also chalked up impressive numbers, recording 94 goals, with eight coming this season for America de Cali in the Colombian league. Team officials hope Figueiredo and Holgado can boost Harimau Malaya's strikeforce, which has long struggled with a lack of genuine forwards. Figueiredo dreams of taking Harimau Malaya to greater heights on the global stage. "To be able to represent Malaysia and share this dream with all of you — to go further in Asia and on the world stage — is truly an honour. "I can't wait to feel the support and love from the fans. It's something unique and extraordinary," said Figueiredo. Holgado, 29, said: "Since arriving here, I've fallen in love with the atmosphere and the country. Now I understand what it means to play for Malaysia."
