Matching up to mixed stripes

The Star

2 days ago

No time to waste: Imanol Machuca at Harimau Malaya's training session ahead of their match against Vietnam. — Bernama
PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian football team have added more mixed heritage players to their line-up but Vietnam coach Kim Sang-sik is relishing the challenge of taking on a side with something up their sleeves.
For the South Korean, the new-look Harimau Malaya outfit only adds to the mystery ahead of the crucial 2027 Asian Cup third-round qualifier at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil tomorrow.
'Malaysia now have about eight to 10 newly naturalised (mixed heritage) players compared to their last tournament,' said Sang-sik to the media in Vietnam.
'It makes tactical analysis more challenging. We are continuing to monitor and prepare accordingly.'
This wave of mixed heritage players, or addressed as the 'Malaysians Abroad' by coach Peter Cklamovski, are featuring in a competitive international for the first time. Thus, it has given Malaysia a more unpredictable look and Sang-sik knows better than to underestimate them.
The new Malaysian heritage players that have joined this call-up are Argentine-born attackers Rodrigo Holgado and Imanol Machuca and centreback Facundo Garces, Brazilian-born striker Joao Figueiredo and Spanish-born centreback Jon Irazabal.
While Malaysia are enjoying an extended preparation period under Cklamovski, the Golden Star Warriors are taking a more compressed route into the clash, with limited time and a depleted squad due to injuries.
Sang-sik remains confident though.
'Compared to Malaysia, we've only had about 10 days to prepare.
'Some players from Hanoi Police and Binh Duong joined the training camp late, which slightly affected our preparations. But the team quickly adapted and have shown great training spirit.'
One major setback came with the injury to star striker Nguyen Cong Phuong, who had just earned his first call-up under Sang-sik.
'It's a significant loss. His experience would have been valuable against Malaysia. Still, with the remaining 23 players, we are refining our gameplay and making the best possible preparations.'
To bolster the side, Sang-sik is turning to Vietnamese-French defender Jason Pendant, whose versatility could prove key.
'He can play as a left-sided centreback, fullback, or even winger. His flexibility adds depth to our tactical options and we're working to see how best to utilise his strengths.'
Despite the changes and setbacks, Vietnam enter the clash with a psychological advantage – they haven't lost to Malaysia in more than a decade.
'That's a remarkable record, especially given how competitive Malaysia and Thailand have been in the region.
'It reflects our meticulous preparation and the confidence we've built over the years.'
On the challenge of playing away in a cauldron like Bukit Jalil, Sang-sik drew strength from past experience.
'We played in front of a packed Rajamangala Stadium in Thailand during the AFF Cup final. The pressure is intense but what matters is that our players trust themselves, their teammates, and the coaching staff.'